HOB Day Four

Today we started the meeting as we always do by checking in with one another. The House of Bishops is more than an institution or governing body; it is also a community.  We are organized into table groups of @8 and we stay with the same table for the Triennium (from General Convention to General Convention). Therefore, you get to know these people (and others) quite well.

We heard from Anne Rudig, the Communications Officer for TEC. She spoke of the evangelism opportunities for our Church. In particular she said that her research shows the three most receptive groups for new members are: Moms with young children, Latinas, and Young Adults. She also went through some extensive data her office has been collecting about what attracts people to The Episcopal Church. Her office intends to connect this data with a strategy for evangelism.

We also heard from Bob Honeychurch from the Office of Congregational Vitality. His assertion is that the Church needs to do three things:
1. Invite people to be passionate followers of Jesus Christ.
2. Lead them into personal and corporate transformation.
3. Equip them for gospel mission.

Finally we had the honor and pleasure of hearing Presiding Bishop of  the ELCA, Mark Hanson, speak.  He reminded us repeatedly of our call to be evangelists (he is a Lutheran). The ELCA has embarked on a new Listening endeavor.  They will
1. Listen to what God is calling them to do.
2. Listen to what the people of the congregation are called to do.
3. Listen to what the community around them is calling to be done.
Ministry happens in that three way conversation. He reminded us that evangelism happens when we listen to the gospel story and connect it to our changing times.

Our discussion of evangelism will continue. 

We had our Eucharist and then went to a wonderful dinner with the Coalition of Episcopal Latinos.  This are the people that do Spanish Speaking Ministry across the Episcopal Church, like our own Austin Rios.  It was a great festival.

A very good day.
+Porter