Faith Formation Leaders Forum:
Bridging the Lay-Clergy Divide
Tuesday, Jan 3, 2016 7:00 - 8:30 pm
(Monthly First Tuesdays)
This is an online event.
Lisa Green and Laura Goodwin have offered to facilitate a conversation on ways to "Bridge the Lay-Clergy Divide" after many participants at the annual faith formation leaders gathering identified it as a challenge in their ministry as faith formation leaders. Lisa and Laura bring their perspectives having served God's mission on both sides of the divide, first as lay church professionals before responding to a call for ordained leadership.
The lay-clergy divide is part of many denominations. In their 2005 document "Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord," (http://www.usccb.org/upload/co-workers-vineyard-lay-ecclesial-ministry-2005.pdf) the US Conference of Catholic Bishops explored ways to foster a mutually life-giving and respectful collaboration between lay and ordained ministers. We thought excerpts from this document could catalyze our conversation:
This monthly forum is a web based way for faith formation leaders to walk with each other - sharing hopes and frustrations - in hope of inspiring, supporting and renewing our ministries. Sponsored by the Episcopal Province of New England (Province I), these live, interactive web conferences will occur monthly on the first Tuesday, 7:00 -8:30 pm and feature faith formation leaders and guest presenters sharing stories from their ministries, exploring case studies, offering peer wisdom and feedback, and exchanging mutual support.