Episcopal Church Foundation Vital Practices

January 2011

Healthy Practices

Closing the Planning Gap
By David Farrand
As we begin a new year, perhaps you are trying to decide, once again, what resolutions might bring you health and peace. One goal might be to close the planning gap. Or, put another way, this may be the year to finally address end of life issues for you and your family.
Covenants in Congregational Life
By Thomas Brackett
Via witnessing four congregational “splits,” several new ministries and the redevelopment of two dying ministries, I have come to respect “covenants” as the essential glue for vital faith communities as well as for those leading ministry revitalization.
Healthy Transitions Part 1
By Sandra Clark Kolb
Change in ordained leadership in a congregation creates a time of both challenge and opportunity. As a vestry member you play a critical role in making the transition a healthy one.
Healthy Transitions Part 2: The Role of Leaders
By Sandra Clark Kolb
As a vestry member during a change in ordained leadership you play a critical role in making the transition a healthy one. Both the change and the transition need to be managed. Returning to the example of Moses we used last month, here are some additional steps to take as the process unfolds.
Let Your Light Shine Through
By Dorothy Gibson with assistance from Barbara Larson
Given all that energy and the challenges of the time we live in, it feels like a good time to expand the opportunities for lay leadership beyond the church walls.
Liderazgo de Resurrección
By Jeff W. Fisher
¿Realmente creemos en la resurrección? Eso fue lo que se preguntó la gente de la Iglesia Episcopal St. Alban’s de Waco, Texas, después de haber tenido que cerrar la escuela St. Alban’s Memorial, una escuela episcopal que había servido a los niños de Waco por 60 años.
Resurrection Leadership
By Jeff W. Fisher
Do we really believe in resurrection? That is the question that the people of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Waco, Texas, asked themselves after closing St. Alban’s Memorial School, an Episcopal school that had served the children of Waco for 60 years.
The End to 'Business as Usual'
By Tom Ehrich
For a better future to happen, vestries need to recognize that business-as-usual is over. Over the next two to three years, vestries need to undertake six radical shifts in how they operate.
Understanding and Celebrating Differences
By William M. Kondrath
Scientists tell us that biodiversity is a key measure of the health of any ecosystem. Many of us suspect that diversity within our congregations would also be a sign of health, creativity, radical welcome, and the possibility of growth.