Church 21 conference poses a challenge to parishes

Wednesday September 9th 2009

Church 21Church 21, the Church of Ireland’s innovative development programme, is running a conference on Vision from September 11-13.

The Church 21 programme is 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.

The weekend conference on the theme of ‘Vision: What It Is, How To Get It, Share It And Implement It’ will take place in St Patrick’s College, Dublin,  The keynote speaker is the Rev Ian Coffey, Director of Leadership Training at Moorlands College, Dorset.

Mr Coffey stated: “I  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 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’ (Rev 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? (Rev 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 Rev 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 M. 07922566482 (00447922566482 from RoI) or E. admin@church21.org

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