A Conversation Among Churches

The Canadian Ministry Forum begins with a series of classis-wide events called A Conversation Among Churches.

"Conversations Among Churches" are sponsored by each of the 12 Canadian classes of the Christian Reformed Church about a year in advance of the national forum. These events are designed to motivate and guide classes and congregations in developing their local ministries, as well as to provide input to the next Canadian Ministry Forum.

The events have three main purposes:

1. For the churches in a classis and the classis itself to learn from one another about "best practices," explore visions for the future, and find ways to support each other.

2. To provide input to the Canadian Ministry Forum process by providing feedback about the Denominational Ministry Plan and insight into the vision for ministry in Canada.

3. To enable participants to experience in practical ways a connection with other churches in the area and the ministries of the denomination.

Organizers suggest that classes invite at least six people per church, including the pastor and people who provide leadership in the areas of: worship/prayer, evangelism/outreach/mission, pastoral care/congregational life, youth/young adult ministries, adult education/leadership development, and diaconal ministry/stewardship/justice.

Also invited are the members of the Classis Ministry Committee or the Classis Interim Committee and other representatives of classis. Denominational staff, including agency directors, are encouraged to attend as resource persons and listeners.

Each of the "Conversations Among Churches" focus on two activities: the sharing of "best practices" from each congregation, and an "Achieve, Preserve and Avoid" (APA) exercise designed to draw out activities or ideas that participants felt should be achieved, preserved or avoided in the ministry of the church.

For more information, contact Henry Hess 905-336-2920 or via fax at 905-336-834