In the recent past, several of our Black congregations were without clergy leadership, which significantly contributed to struggles related to periods of obvious decline. Since then, only three of our churches remain, for the time being, without fixed clergy leadership. In the meantime, work is in progress to assist these congregations in discovering a way forward, identifying leadership, and preparing them for viable ministry, with an optimistic future in faith. All of our Black congregations are partnering well with their new clergy and moving forward with their respective missions in the communities in which they exist. Consequently, there is renewed energy, with excitement among our disciples, who are eager to do the work required to maintain both the relevance and vibrancy of all our faith communities.

One area of focus has been the proactive exercise of recruiting persons of African descent for discernment, in the journey toward ordination. Currently, there are six persons in some stage of the process, whether as aspirants, postulants, or candidates for ordination. With the prevailing excitement among us, there is the potential for several others discerning a call to ordained leadership in the foreseeable future. In this regard, our churches are being encouraged to begin the engagement of our disciples in the pews, for consideration of sacred ministry. Such an undertaking will provide the means to succession planning, for necessary clergy leadership in our congregations.

As a result of temporary challenges being faced regarding membership decline and by extension financial limitations, a couple of our churches are pursuing mission status. These churches are not being prepared for closure. Through the financial assistance of mission based funding, congregations assuming such status are given an opportunity, for a period of three years, along with clergy leadership, to rebound and revert to a state of independence. Our Diocese, as well as our denomination possess a long history of such occurrences.

Consequently, the task for us, is aggressively to pursue the mission of God in our neighborhoods, and structurally regain the role of the Church in meeting the needs of God's people. A significant portion of this goal needs to be achieved through the faithful practice of stewardship. Our churches will not be effective in the pursuit of mission if the disciples are not financially committed to the cause. We all have a responsibility to give from our assets, for the spread of the Gospel.

On another note, with unwavering attentiveness to our life and witness as people of God in the Diocese of New Jersey, the Commission on Black Ministries, the Black Clergy Caucus, the Union of Black Episcopalians, and the Anti-Racism Commission, continue to uphold the endeavor of advocating for inclusivity. The struggle continues for full inclusion and participation of God's people of Color in all aspects of our witness, as disciples of Jesus. Regular and intentional deliberations on this front are ongoing, as we seek to ensure that we are all faithful to the Gospel of Christ. I kindly thank you.

 at Diocesan House, Trenton

The Office of Congregational Development Presents:

 

Get Your Congregation Unstuck!  October 15

  Join Mike Wagner, an expert in leadership development. As part of the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement, we can't stay still.

During this daylong workshop, you'll learn how your church can reclaim what organizational experts call "the bias to action" - living into new life and effectiveness. Spanish translation will be available.

 

 

Leading Change Effectively: The Power of Motivation

November 9, St. Peter's, Medford OR

November 10, Church of the Holy Spirit, Lebanon 

(note: this is the same program, offered twice)

Spanish translation offered at the November 9 program

 

More than ever before, church leadership is about helping congregants choose a new direction - motivating people to want to change. In this one-day workshop, pastor and motivational expert Peter Coutts will teach you about leadership as a motivational practice. It will strengthen your ability to help your congregation say "yes!" to change.