Moving a ministry from decline to growth can happen in any type of church. Doubt that observation? Despite continual headlines about mainline denominations' shrinking numbers and finances, there is some hopeful news from – of all great unchurched places – New York City. Plus, it involves Episcopals, who have attracted more controversy than revival headlines in recent years.
In fewer than 10 years, St. Bartholomew's Church in Manhattan went from a church close to shutting its doors to a growing, thriving congregation. According to a news release, church leaders will soon host their fifth annual "Reinventing Church" conference, where they will share the secrets of their turnaround.
"We think what's interesting about us is that we have maintained our Anglican identity and extended it through a radical welcome," said the Rev. William McD. Tully, St. Bart's rector.
"We also have refreshed, strengthened and diversified our worship; connected with the unchurched; and re-established our frayed connection with our city. We offered this conference the last four years and learned what people wanted to hear again and how we could improve and update our teaching of principles and best practices this time around."
Tully will again offer his popular plenary talks tracing the St. Bart's story and its principles and practices while including some war stories from the front lines of leadership and change.
Some of the scheduled workshops include "Empowering Lay Leaders," "Models of Social Ministry," "New Avenues in Interfaith Work," "Communications and Advertising," "Management for Growth," "Enterprises," "Music and Worship" and "Information Technology."
The conference is scheduled from Sunday, June 11 through Tuesday, June 13 at St. Bartholomew's Church, Park Avenue at 51st Street, Manhattan. The conference fee is $250 ($200 for returning churches), which includes plenary sessions, workshops, some meals and materials. To register, call 212-378-0222 or visit www.stbarts.org.
Interested in going? Tell me what you want to learn. Blog here.
