09.09.2009
Church 21 Conference: Challenging Parishes to Establish, Share and Implement 21st-Century Vision
An innovative Church of Ireland Parish Development Programme, ‘Church 21’, is currently in its second phase of engagement across Ireland with 25 parishes in various dioceses all seeking to build up local church communities in fresh ways, relevant to the 21st century. As part of its programme, from this Friday to Sunday, 11th – 13th September 2009, ‘Church 21’ is running a Conference at St Patrick’s College, Dublin, on the theme of ‘Vision: What It Is, How To Get It, Share It And Implement It’. The keynote speaker will be the Revd Ian Coffey from Moorlands College, Dorset.
Ian Coffey, Director of Leadership Training at Moorlands College, and a previously well received contributor to ‘Church 21’ events, says that he will, ‘Ask churches to consider where they are on their church life-cycle, challenge any “survival mentality” and offer advice on managing change, setting priorities, anticipating hurdles and inspiring others to see a vision for churches through to completion.’
The Conference will also include a series of workshops for participants, looking at themes such as: ‘A Church for All Ages?’ – Is it possible to build a church where people of all ages can worship and grow together? (David Brown, Church of Ireland Youth Department); ‘Doing Church Differently’ – How do churches engage with those who don’t easily fit in to traditional structures? (Captain Neville Barnes, Church Army); ‘Growing Closer: Growing Deeper’ – How can we help develop for ourselves and others around us a faith relevant to the 21st century? (Bishop Ken Clarke and Mrs Helen Clarke); ‘Managing Change’ (Revd Ed Vaughan, Rector of Crinken and Director of the Arrow Leadership Programme); ‘Team Talk’ – What would good team leadership in our parish look like? (Bishop Ken Good); ‘Strategic Outreach’ – How do churches engage proactively with local communities? (Revd Kevin Graham, Rector of Carrowdore and Millisle); and ‘Small is Beautiful?’ – The challenges of building a common vision across a group of small parishes (The Very Revd Sue Patterson, Dean of Kilalla).
This is the second such ‘Church 21’ Conference, the first having received support from participants for its dynamism, educational value and opportunity to share ideas and offer support across Church of Ireland parish communities.
For further information on the 2009 Conference, contact: Annette McGrath on Mobile Telephone No. 00447922566482 or Email admin@church21.org
