Newcomers & Evangelism Listening Session Minutes

Strategic Planning Committee

Saint Michael and All Angels

Sunday, May 15, 2005 ~ 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

A group of 19 new and old members of SMAA gathered in the Library to discuss Evangelism and Newcomers. See the sign in sheet for names. Jeni Gallup and John Bartling moderated.

The meeting began with a prayer and the group giving their impressions of “Evangelism.”

·     Help

·     Reach the unchurched

·     Be an example

·     Teach

·     Sharing Christ in our lives

·     Inclusion to find interest for every person

·     Allowing the self to be a conduit for God

·     Many attendees mentioned “touch,” so that concept was further explored and defined.

o  Make a difference in the lives of others

o  Emotionally and spiritually moving others

o  Leave an impression

o  Reciprocal nature of touch

o  Care

Next, the group gave their reasons for choosing to be parishioners at SMAA and hypothesized on why others join.

·     Feel a sense of community

·     Social, demographic reasons

·     Invited by a friend to come and stay for community

·     Volunteer and activity level of parish

·     Love and movement of holy spirit

·     Services (diversity) and fellowship

·     Conservative family focus

·     Location, people, clergy, family atmosphere

·     Children’s programming

·     Local and world involvement

·     Sacraments, gospel preached

A few people answered the question “Where have you heard/encountered SMAA outside of the church itself?”

·     Party

·     Stewpot

·     Other priests in other cities

Other churches with strong reputations for evangelism and newcomers outreach were then listed.

·     Northwest Bible

·     Fellowship

·     PCBC

·     St. Joseph

The attendees briefly discussed what is and is not working at SMAA with regard to these two areas.

     Working                                                    Not Working

     Alpha                                                        Alpha

     Cursillo                                                      Communicating opportunities

     Inquirers Class                                           Need classes stick together in social

     Rector’s evening open houses                      groups with one leader

     Parrish Life Council

     “God Squad” 

Finally, a few specific ideas were mentioned for actions SMAA can take to facilitate growth.

·     Tom McConnell voiced his desire for a master facilities plan.

·     Spirituality school

·     Extend the Inquirer’s Class through the website or an “advanced” class on Sundays

The meeting closed with a request for attendees to contact John with more ideas to encourage others to come to the next meeting.

After the meeting formally ended, a few other ideas were offered:

·     A newcomer’s page on the website.

·     Helping to keep groups/classes together over time by offering a path of study with fixed points, such as starting with the Inquirers Class and moving the group forward together.

·     Ann discussed holding an Inquires class during Sunday school to reach a broader group of newcomers.

·     Concern was expressed for the people who live in the apartment buildings to the north of the church when any facilities plan is put into action.