Welcome
The Learning Commons provides training, tools, and resources to develop the eight essential pillars of a parish’s life and ministry. Each pillar is important because all eight work together to help a parish thrive.
Pillars
Worship is at the heart of Anglican identity. We have been described as people of ‘common prayer’, able to visit Anglican churches around the world, recognizing the worship that is taking place.
At the same time, each worshiping community exists within its own unique context. Ideally, worship combines the familiarity of common prayer with the flexibility to speak to the faithful in a way that resonates with their daily reality. Worship shapes the life of a church, and feed the spirits of those who attend. Ideally, worship is sensitive to the needs of those who attend regularly, as well as those who attend occasionally or may simply be visiting.
WorshipFollowing the way of Jesus (being Christian) is not a static experience. It begins on the day of our baptism and lasts until our physical life comes to an end – and beyond! Christians are able to grow and develop their spiritual selves, just as they can learn and grow in other areas of life. This involves the promises made at our baptism: the study of scripture and other elements of our faith; persisting in prayer for ourselves, our community, and even our enemies; learning about the unjust systems of our world (and pushing back against them); and learning to be good stewards of the earth.
Each of these elements requires a commitment to prayer and study, as well as challenging ourselves to move out of our comfort zone. Our churches are spiritual communities. If we want them to thrive and develop, we must be willing to do the same ourselves.
Spiritual GrowthThriving congregations and the principles of Christian hospitality go hand in hand. They strive to be intentional communities that live and function in healthy ways. They are aware of the demographics and needs of the community that surrounds them. They warmly welcome visitors and newcomers in ways that ‘meet them where they are,’ instead of insisting visitors quickly adapt to insular cultural norms.
Christian community works to foster meaningful relationships between individuals and, when conflicts arise, it is hoped that people speak to the person(s) involved or discuss the matter with parish leadership. Thriving churches are outward focused, serving the needs of the community around them.
CommunityThriving churches have members who actively care for one another. This can be as simple as noticing when someone is “missing” on a Sunday morning or struggling with something difficult, and taking the time to reach out and care. There is a caring atmosphere.
In addition, thriving congregations often have a group of people who are trained on up-to-date ‘best practices’ in the ministry of pastoral care. Together with parish clergy, they seek to meet the pastoral needs of the community through prayer, companionship, and timely reception of the sacraments.
Pastoral CareThriving churches are rarely insular in their focus, because Jesus taught his followers to become the servants of others. In order to carry out this mission, a thriving congregation knows the community that surrounds it: what its current needs are and how the church might help. It adapts its ministry to changing needs while still looking through the eyes of the gospel. It has good relationships with the people, businesses, and organizations in the neighbourhood. The Holy Spirit often speaks to the Church through these voices, and then good things happen!
Contextual MissionThriving churches have a clear sense of direction and vision. They know who they are as a spiritual community, and what God is calling them to do. Leaders champion the vision and priorities of their parish, and support those who are working toward common goals. Lay and clergy leaders in a thriving church have a functioning understanding of how congregations and parishes ‘works’, as well as how they fit into the governance structure of its diocese.
Leadership & GovernanceThriving parishes do not shy away from the important topic of finances. The gathering of funds as well as the managing of those funds must be intentional. Being good stewards means making deliberate choices. An annual stewardship program and intentional financial planning strategy are both important. They ensure the congregation is kept regularly informed as to the current reality, and what must be done in order to achieve shared goals and priorities.
Financial Stewardship & ManagementThriving churches are good steward of all its assets, including its properties and buildings. It is important to have – and follow – a plan to keep property and buildings in good repair so they can be used well. Sometimes leaders must be willing to adapt these assets so the property and buildings can be ‘right-sized’ for the needs and budget of the parish of the present, while also keeping in mind the needs of the future.
Property Management & Maintenance