"Pathways with Promise" will be the theme of the sixth National Consultation on Cooperative Projects, Ministries and Parishes Nov. 13-16 in St. Louis. Held every four years, the consultation is designed for ministry leaders who are exploring or working in cooperative arrangements, whether in rural or urban settings. It will occur in conjunction with the Rural Chaplains Association meeting Nov. 13-18.
Featured speakers will include Bishop William Morris of the Nashville (Tenn.) Area on "Why Work Cooperatively?"; Bishop Sharon Brown Christopher, president of the United Methodist Council of Bishops, who will issue a challenge to do cooperative ministry; and Michael Kinnamon, faculty member at Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis, who will tell "Why Cooperation Matters Locally."
Participants will choose from almost 40 workshops on practical aspects of cooperative ministry. Some of the topics include handling transitions, evaluating community assets, dealing with legal issues, using interns, writing a covenant, doing faith-based initiatives, building multicultural cooperatives, increasing community-organizing skills, doing spiritual formation, worshiping together, and understanding the life cycles of cooperative parish ministries.
A special track for leaders beyond the local church will be offered. Other tracks or pathways will feature ecumenical cooperation, leadership development, financial management, connectional issues, specific skills and models of cooperative ventures.
Registration is $175 per person and includes meals, except for two lunches. More information is available from Lisa Jean Hoefner at (800) 593-7539, Ext. 26. For registration, contact Charlene Ugwu, P.O. Box 178176, Nashville, TN 37217-9998.
Details about the Rural Chaplains Association meeting are available from Harold McSwain at hwmcswain@juno.com or (614) 882-6067.
By Albert H. Lee
chtoday_editor@chtoday.com
