Parish Development

Last Fall, St. Peter's Church began a journey. A journey that will help this parish develop in positive ways. It is a journey that began with a series of meetings this Fall to talk about St. Peter's Church and to begin to plan for its long term growth and stability. In January, we will begin our conversations around church growth and marketing utilizing the parish committees of promotion, special events & newcomers.

As Peter puts it, "let me say that the most important factor that a church should be concerned with is how the church can be supportive of people in search of having a relationship with God in their lives. Many times people change denominations because they have found the church that empowers them in their search and they wish to be part of that community. How healthy is that? We are able to share the joy and richness of the Episcopal tradition and empower people in their lives. Hopefully all congregations can be that kind of a community, and the most likely result will be congregational growth."

The Vestry has been working on long term issues of growth and financial stability and have hired Peter Saros as a consultant to work with us on expanding our congregation and securing its future stability. Part of this process is to have parish-wide parish development nights to see how we can accomplish all of this. This is a multi-year process.

We will be working on Church Growth with three parish committees: promotion, special events and newcomers. Each committee will meet independantly in February & March and meet again with Peter in April.

As Peter says, "A Parish Development Consultant works with a congregation and its leadership to identify, examine and help put into effect the various forms of ministry that they feel called to by God."

Be the change you want to see in the church and the world!