Largest congregations send leaders for a time of learning, sharing, and support

By Nate Polzin

A few weeks ago, Church of the Brethren leaders from our largest congregations gathered in Orlando, Fla., for a time of learning, sharing, and support. Churches were invited that had an average of 200 or more in person at their worship services.

Out of 11 congregations of that size, 9 sent pastoral staff to join in the conversations. Those churches were: l’Église des Freres Haitiens (Miami, Fla.), Ephrata (Pa.), Lancaster (Pa.), Liberty Mills (Ind.), Mill Creek (Port Republic, Va.), Mechanic Grove (Quarryville, Pa.), Mount Hermon and Monte Hermon (Bassett, Va.), Parker Ford (Pottstown, Pa.), and Pleasant Dale (Decatur, Ind.).

The pastors who gathered were able to share insights they’ve gained and struggles they are facing as they lead large congregations. Some common themes that arose were staffing issues, volunteers and paid ministry, large building projects, discipling ministries, multiple services, multi-lingual services and congregations, and navigating the challenges of growth.

*The gathering with leaders of the largest Church of the Brethren congregations. Photo courtesy of Nate Polzin*

Almost all of the churches present had at least two services. Several had non-English speakers as a significant percentage of their congregations. All of the churches were served by multiple pastors, or were in a search process for second staff. Three of the churches invited were formed by mergers of two or more congregations. Most of them recently have completed or are currently considering significant building projects.

General secretary David Steele brought greetings via Zoom. Jeff Carter, president of Bethany Theological Seminary, shared a presentation on the changing culture in which the church now operates. The rest of the agenda was built through surveying the pastors before they gathered, seeking their input on what would make this summit meaningful.

There was an impromptu and beautiful time of prayer for leaders of churches whose members have been especially affected by immigration policies. Leaders from communities that have not felt threatened learned a lot from those who have borne the brunt of walking with people through scary and challenging times.

The group plans to meet for a breakfast at Annual Conference and have regular gatherings going forward. Pastors expressed gratitude to the denomination for hosting the event, with several stating they felt more connected and supported by the Church of the Brethren through meeting with others in their situation.

— Nate Polzin is executive director of Discipleship and Leadership Formation for the Church of the Brethren.

#MissionAndMinistryBoard #StrategicPlan #RacialJustice #LoveOurNeighbors #Discipleship #NewTestamentGiving

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