Chapel of the Cross, Chapel Hill, NC

This pre-conference session was described as a discussion of "congregational development." Being vestry liaison to hospitality, I was very interested to learn whether hospitality could impact congregational development.

The session was held at St. Bartholomew's Church in New York City, and the speakers were The Rev. Bill Tully, Rector at St. Bartholomew's, and Ray McGarrigle, General Manager of the church. Mr. Tully discussed the concept of growth, what will contribute to growth, and what they have done at St. Bart's. They have offered a variety of programs and activities. For example, all the clergy stand at the door before and after services to welcome people; their programs have included Bible Study, and Inquiry into World Religions. There are concerts and space is rented out to various groups. (On Friday night, Barbara Day and I attended a play put on by the St. Bart's Players. Neil Simon's RUMORS, was hilarious - a perfect way to end a day of meetings and intense discussions.) However, St Bartholomew's still has a long way to go financially.

On Thursday morning, I heard the Rev. Jerry Keucher, Comptroller for the Diocese of New York. He discussed the differences between the many ways of giving: endowments, capital reserve funds, capital campaigns, pledges, and plate offerings. He emphasized that people need to give themselves and not depend on other peoples' gifts. His point was that you give because you want to, and what do we really want? The answer to this question is that we want to love God, we want our hearts to be with God, and then we will want to put our money where our hearts are. I found this to be an inspiring way to view pledging and/or tithing.

There were three Leadership Workshops, and participants were required to attend all three sessions. The sessions were: Summit on Leadership, Small Group Discussions about Leadership, and Creating an Action Plan for Parishes.

In the first session, discussion centered on what constitutes vital congregations. Vital congregations have a clear sense of purpose, have clear expectations for the congregation, emphasize personal and public morality, work toward a common future and the values they hold for themselves and their communities, and finally, have intentional leadership formation. There was also discussion about the changes in leadership styles, that there seems to be emerging a new style of leadership. Previously, we required leadership for what was termed "The Scientific Age." Now we are entering into the "Relationship Age." Each has different skills, authority, methodology, strategy, focus, value, structure, metaphor, and leadership. There may be overlapping, of course, and there may be tensions as the two styles of leadership emerge and engage one another. However, several key questions should always be at the front of conversations about leadership: Who are we? (history), Who are we called to be? (mission), Who are we called to serve? (publics), and What does this call us to do? (vision). In other words, the most effective religious leadership has vision and clarity of purpose, builds the mission, deepens values, serves the community, calls for the best in others, and facilitates spiritual growth and development.

I found the conference a wonderful and inspiring experience. It was well-organized, and well-run. It was also wonderful meeting and talking to so many interesting people from all over the country. Everyone was so helpful, so warm and friendly, it felt like one big, happy family, and I hope to continue this spirit at the Chapel of the Cross.

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