Judicatory Conversations from the Front Line
The Alban Institute and Indianapolis Center for Congregations present a community gathering for middle judicatories and their congregations to wrestle with critical and relevant themes, issues, and resources.
Conversation Starters (click here to join the threaded discussions)
Join threaded discussions on critical issues facing judicatories and congregations today. Below are excerpts from research articles that speak to the topics currently available for discussion.
- VISION and IDENTITY: Connections and Unity Among and Between Congregations, Middle Judicatories, and their National Church by Adair Lummis of the Hartford Institute for Religious Research.
- POLITY GRIDLOCK: Finding the Path in the Wilderness: Middle Judicatory Case Studies and Learnings by Gil Rendle, Director of the Center for Learning at the Alban Institute.
- THE HELP JUDICATORIES NEED: Judicatory Leaders: Help from Beyond the Denominational Gates, Trends and Directions in Alban Institute Work by Ian Evison, Director of Research at the Alban Institute.
- WORKING HARD vs. WORKING SMART: Reinventing Congregational Services in Middle Judicatories by George Bullard, Executive Coach, Lake Hickory Learning Communities and Associate Executive Director-Treasurer, Baptist State Convention of North Carolina.
- WAYS CONGREGATIONS CAN USE OUTSIDE HELP WELL: How to Make Best Use of Your Help by the Congregational Resource Guide.
Surveys: Checking the Pulse
Thanks to everyone who answered our survey and helped us learn about current issues affecting congregations and judicatories. Click here for the survey results!
Recommended Resources (click here for resources)
In addition to the resources presented under "Conversation Starters", these resources will be valuable for denominational leaders facing such challenges as leadership, evangelism, change, and conflict resolution.
Are we missing your favorite resource? If so, please email Claudia Greer, Research Associate at the Alban Institute.