Probably the most important outreach people perform comes in their daily callings. Obvious evidence for this comes in how we identify people according to "what they do," referring to their occupations. And people derive a great part of the meaning of their lives from job performance, achievement, work environment, etc. It's one of our most important ways we participate in the creation and the common good. Our everyday work clearly has a spiritual quality and no one would deny that it's a form of "outreach." Churches, however, are chary to embrace this area of endeavor becuase it isn't necessarily carried on specifically as "outreach" in the name of one's home congregation. But if you want to communicate and explore our faith on a level that really stirs the hearts of people, work has a very large vein of relevance to be mined.

In part, the topic I propose is similar to Wayne Schwab's "Every Member Mission," except I'm thinking to focus just on what we do when we go to work, especially on how we richly participate in the life of the Trinity, but also on the wealth of biblical resources for workaday quandries (e.g., dysfunctional workplaces, tyrranical bosses, burnout, trust and betrayal), aswellas fulfillment (vision, motivation, getting along, finding relevance), etc., etc.

I have a book out on theology of work (After Sunday) currently in use at EDS in a course on baptismal ministry, and elsewhere, and I have spoken on the topic at some major seminaries, but I believe the topic can take on a lively interest by means of narrated and illustrated power point presentations. Whether that format would fit with your "eMinistry" scheme, however, is something I wouldn't know.

Greetings!

You're invited to post any suggestions for eMinistry's Roanridge project supporting the ministry of Christian Education/Formation. While the focus of the Roanridge grant is providing training to members of small and rural congregations, we know that there are common issues important to all involved in this ministry regardless of congregational size and location...

We're specifically asking: What are the essential tools and training that members involved in Christian Education in your congregation need most? What will increase their ability to be be effective and happy in their ministry? What topics should eMinistry develop which will be most helpful?

Any suggestions about possible leaders whom eMinistry might contact (and your permission to use your name when we do!) would also be deeply appreciated.

Elizabeth

(The Rev. Elizabeth Hasen)
elizabeth@eministrynetwork.org