Daniel P. Smith , Mary K. Sellon skryf op Alban se webblad die volgende:
“Finances are tight, and our numbers are dwindling. The congregation is looking to me to turn things around. So is my denomination—that’s exactly what I was told when I was appointed here. And, frankly, that’s my expectation too. Isn’t that my job?” says a pastor of a congregation that has been experiencing decline for many years, voicing the belief of many congregations, denominations, and pastors that when a congregation is declining, it is the pastor’s job to fix it.
Here’s the hard truth. If you’re a layperson in a congregation that’s experiencing decline, whether the congregation thrives is ultimately up to you and the other members. Your pastor can teach, guide, lead, support, inspire, even cajole. But in the end, congregational health is a function of how people in the congregation relate to one another, to God, and to their community.”
Hulle gaan voort om oor gesonde gemeentes en herlewing te praat en skryf dan: “When we talk about congregational renewal, we mean a renewal of the people’s ability to notice and experience God in their midst, a renewal of the congregation’s desire to partner with God in achieving God’s aims for the world.”
Die gevolgtrekking van die artikel is dat herlewing nie van die predikant afhang nie, maar van elke lidmaat en die verhoudings wat hulle met mekaar en met die omgewing het.
Lees die volledige artikel by http://www.alban.org/conversation.aspx?id=8160.
Tags: gemeentefinansies, gemeentegesondheid, gesondheid, herlewing
