Planning for ecclesiology conversations continues.

The cross-denominational group working on a series of "ecclesiology conversations," exploring what it means to be the church, met again Jan. 15-16 at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind. Representatives of Annual Conference and all five of its agencies were present, along with several members of the Council of District Executives-the body that initiated the effort.

Agenda items at the January meeting included sharing input obtained from various groups within the denomination, discussing ways to secure grants to fund the events being planned, and working on plans for a launching event in 2005 or early 2006.

Brethren Press is developing a guide for a study process that will enable groups to wrestle with questions and share stories. The committee expects to test the process in small groups at the launching event, which will be national in scope and will include worship times with some major keynote speakers. A subcommittee is working on details for the event.

After a period of regional events and opportunities for congregational groups and others to give input through the study process, a large-scale culminating event is envisioned for 2007. Organizers hope it will bring together a vision that can bring renewal for the church at all levels.

The committee is scheduled to meet again in late spring to continue planning.

Source: Newsline 1/30/2004
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