Saint John parish to host
congregational development conference
By Greg McMullin and Cecil VanBuskirk
In the spirit of the Nicodemus Project , the man Bishop Edward Salmon of the Diocese of South Carolina calls “my right hand man in congregational development,” will lead a weekend conference and workshop on the topic at St. Mary and St. Bartholomew’s Church in Saint John on Oct. 29 and 30.
Bishop Salmon assures us the Rev. Dr. Charles (Chuck) Owens is a superb proclaimer of the Gospel with the ability to empower others. Not only did he work with Bishop Salmon to bring about growth in the diocese, his own Church of the Cross in Bluffton, South Carolina has grown from a congregation of about 150 members to two congregations of more than 1,500 active souls during Dr. Owens' 14-year ministry. While it is true the demographics of the Diocese of Fredericton are very different from those in South Carolina, it is clear that gifted leadership inspires significant growth.
The Church of St. Mary and St. Bartholomew’s/Parish of Coldbrook-St. Mary is pleased to host this important conference for the entire diocese. "I am delighted to endorse this parish-based Nicodemus Project initiative,” says Archbishop Claude Miller. “I want to encourage our clergy and lay leaders to respond enthusiastically to this timely opportunity to build on Bishop Salmon’s foundational teaching on congregational development. We are blessed to receive this well-timed invitation."
The conference features a breakfast for clergy and a leadership luncheon on both days and several teaching workshops will focus on the role of clergy and lay leadership in congregational development. Beginning Saturday evening Dr. Owens will lead a three-day parish mission with two mission services, the first that evening and the second on Monday evening, Nov. 2.
Dr. Owens has served in various lay leadership roles at the parish and diocesan levels — member of the Diocesan Council, the Commission on Ministry, the Congregational Development Committee, the Board of Trustees of York Place and the South Carolina Christian Action Council. He has led many retreats including a diocesan men’s conference and, most recently, he and his wife Becky led a diocesan couples conference.
The conference and mission services at St. Mary and St. Bartholomew’s are free, however, advance registration is required and a free will offering will be received. Registration deadline is Friday Oct. 22. Please contact the parish office at 696-1347.
