Case Study
The statistics are consistent across main-line denominations: Clergy comprise 0.8 percent of the faith community. Yes, the number of ordained Episcopal clergy is declining; more than ever, congregations in rural or challenging socio-economic often struggle to find clergy willing to serve there. Christian denominations are facing the realities of dwindling attendance, escalating facility maintenance costs, and rising numbers of congregations without an ordained leader.
Increasingly, Episcopal congregations are finding that, at least for a season, they need to function without having a priest as their leader. The reasons vary: they are functioning without an interim during their search process for a priest; they have chosen long-term to use only supply clergy; they have given up being able to afford even a part-time priest; or they face other situations that leave faith communities without an ordained leader.
Many dioceses refer to these congregations as “lay-led.” In most of these congregations, the vestry / bishop’s committee serves as the ecclesiastical authority.
Such faith communities are pioneering new territory for The Episcopal Church, which has come to view Holy Eucharist as the essential Sunday service. While some congregations struggle to feel like a “proper congregation” without consistent priestly leadership, others are pioneering new understandings of how to be a vital incarnation of the Body of Christ in their context.
The congregations represented in this case study have generously responded to ECF’s invitation to share their stories.
Hear from the following communities:
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Church of the Holy Trinity, Manistee, MI
Two leaders – one lay and one ordained – offer their insights.
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St. Aidan's Church, Portland, OR
A congregation that struggled during the time they sought to call a new priest tells their story
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St. Michael’s, Tucumcari, NM
Working with supply clergy and dedicated lay leaders, a congregation is dealing with the many challenges of being in a small, rural setting.
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Christ Church, Calumet, MI
A Ministry Support Team congregation in the Diocese of Northern Michigan. Ministry Support Team congregations are a way of life in the Diocese of Northern Michigan, incorporating the ordained into a team of leaders.
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St. James Episcopal Church, Sault Ste. Marie, MI
A Ministry Support Team congregation in the Diocese of Northern Michigan. More than 20 years of leadership by a Ministry Support Team has equipped St. James to share responsibilities to build strength for mission..
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Trinity Church, Gladstone, MI
A Ministry Support Team congregation in the Diocese of Northern Michigan. Trinity says, “We have not ‘raised up’ a few to be our leaders. We have affirmed the leadership of many, and we respect the gifts that all our members bring to our community.”