|  | SPONSOR
PARISH PREACHING MISSION GENERAL
DESCRIPTION | A series of evening
worship services and/or general meetings at the Church, featuring an outstanding
bishop(s), priest(s) or layman as the preacher/teacher. These may or may not be
followed by discussion groups and a fellowship period. Both of the latter are
desirable. |
BACKGROUND
INFORMATION | Preaching Missions,
conferences, retreats, quiet days, etc., at which outstanding speakers or leaders
take part, are helpful for the following reasons: | | 1. They provide
variety, which is more essential than we often realize | | 2. They
provide different viewpoints and ideas to help broaden knowledge and understanding. | | 3.
They provide an opportunity for Christian witness, especially when laymen are
the speakers. | | 4. They stimulate the parish and promote fellowship
and mutual spiritual strengthening by bringing parish people together to pray
and work for a specific objective. | | 5. They can sometimes “
people who have not been reached otherwise and provide candidate for inquirers
classes. | | 6. They frequently stimulate the formation of vital
and needed prayer and study groups or produce new members for existing ones. | | At
least one major event like this should be scheduled annually, although the type
could be varied. Two such events could be sponsored effectively each year in many
parishes, depending on local factors. |
HOW
IT WORKS | A Parish
Preaching Mission usually lasts three to six days, often starting at the Sunday
morning worship services and including a Sunday evening session. The prerequisites
for good attendance and effectiveness are: | | 1.
General. Enthusiasm and Support by the rector, vestry and most parish leaders
and groups. Leaders should be brought together for a preliminary discussion prior
to reaching a decision to go ahead | | 2. An Outstanding
Preacher or Speaker is essential. The rector can generally procure the names of
men who are available. The Brotherhood of St. Andrew can provide the names
of some good people. These sometimes need to be scheduled 6 to 12 months in advance. | |
3. Good Publicity. Use posters (with photo), small flyers, radio and TV spots,
parish newsletters and bulletins and announcements at worship services and meetings.
A large sign outside the Church is recommended also. | | 4.
Good Planning is needed to prepare for details such as meals and lodging for missioner,
transportation for communicants, baby sitters, refreshments, if served, ushers,
choir and discussion group leaders, if used, afterwards. Some missioners like
to eat lunches and dinners in various parishioners homes in order to become better
acquainted. In case morning “coffees” in homes and small group discussions
are included, arrangements for use of homes and church meeting rooms must be made.
Some missioners like to, or are willing to, hold counseling sessions after the
meeting with those who desire this. | | 5. Elimination
of Competing Interests which might focus attention from the Mission is essential.
Check and clear the parish calendar. | | 6. Prayer is
the key to success in doing God’s will. A special Mission prayer should be
provided to all members of the parish for daily use for about one month prior
to the mission. A special group could also be recruited to do this. | | Brotherhood
chapters may undertake to handle all details, but it is considered more effective
to form a Committee of representatives from most parish groups. Follow-up and
hard work are vital for success. This “HOW TO” can outline main points
only. It is essential to solicit imaginative ideas and present an enthusiastic
approach. |
HOW
TO GET STARTED | As noted above,
if the rector is in agreement, a preliminary meeting of all, parish leaders could
be called to explain, discuss, approve, and solicit active support. The parish
calendar must be reviewed and alternate dates selected after careful consideration
of all factors. Spring and Fall are generally considered the best times to hold
conferences although Winter is fine in mild climates. Firm dates should be arranged
with the Missioner at least 6 months in advance. |
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES | The
National Church Office of Evangelism and Renewal will also be able to suggest
Missioners. |
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