Community Changes Affect Churches

In a recent issue of Leadership, editor Marshall Shelley asked in his lead article “Has your community changed in the last 10 years? Are you doing anything differently now?” As I drive around the District I have seen a number of changes over the past four years – new large, apartment complexes in Providence, Mc Mansion developments in many towns, gentrification of older neighborhoods as younger people move in, and expanded immigrant populations. In a few years when the commuter rail is finished there will be significant growth on the south coast. We have a great opportunity to grow and to engage in new ministries to present liberal religion to our cities and towns. But where to start?

Shelley suggests:

• Provide a strong worship service relevant to your particular community that offers the spiritual wisdom and power desired by people who live there now. Do not be stuck on “the way we have always done it.”
• Actively and visibly work to erase barriers of ignorance, prejudice and misunderstanding – take a public stand and make allies with others, especially affected populations.
• Conduct ministries that directly contribute to solving community issues or meeting the needs of the new residents.

Many of our congregations do a good job with these issues. Let’s think and act in ways that will make us great in what we do.

Bill Zelazny, District Executive (BCD in Brief, 6/2003)