|
When children fight, parents often intervene but who can help when
a congregation is in conflict? Congregational Churches have no
authority with the power to compel change or settle
fights. But we do have a tool: the vicinage council.
Taken from the word `vicinity,' the vicinage
council is made up of representatives of local Congregational
Churches. While its power is persuasion, it can be a powerful way to help get a
congregation back on track.
A year ago, the First Congregational Church of Mukwonago,
Wisconsin, was locked in a conflict that had created factions within the church
and division between members and the minister. When their own
resources failed, the church turned to others in their association and called a
vicinage council. After hearing from all parties in writing and in person,
the council made recommendations that helped the church reclaim and
revitalize its ministry and vision.
A key to the success of this process, according to the church's
Interim Minister, Rev. Bob Fleischmann, was the work of a Vicinage Committee. This Committee prepared the council
and stayed in being to help plan changes in First Church's vision statement,
covenant and constitution recommended by the council. It helped create a
plan to reorganize the church's committee structure. One sign that the
conflict was over was the unanimous adoption of this plan.
Today, First Church in Mukwonago is about to call a
new minister and looks forward to a renewed mission. They have
emerged from a difficult time strengthened and with the sense "...that there
are people out there who care," Rev. Fleischmann says.
Is your church held back by conflict? Consider asking the advice of
your sister churches. Information on vicinage councils is available from
the National Association office and in a booklet called
From Call to Settlement by Rev. Dr. Lloyd Hall.
HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM YOUR STAFF
Your NACCC staff prays that
2002 will be a year of spiritual growth, true joy in the work your Church
is doing to participate in Almighty's dream and hopes for you, and a
year of peace, which surpasses all human understanding.
Tom, Phil, Don, Marina,
Carrie, Karen, Ruth, Nancy, and Sue
HOW ONE CHURCH CELEBRATES OUR HERITAGE…
We have been told numerous
times, and in two major studies, that teaching our congregations'
membership about the Congregational Christian way of life is imperative if it is to
be the vibrant, forward- looking movement of the future. One of our
congregations has taken this responsibility very seriously. North
Church in Farmington Hills, MI recently had an education month entitled,
"Congregationalism Then and Now" and made it much more than a
rehearsal of the past. Here are the topics they covered: Beginnings of the
Congregational Way, Life in the New Land Serving God's World,
Living Our Faith. How do you educate your congregation about the
vibrancy of the Congregational Way of Life? Write to us. Let us
hear about your creative approach(es). |
