by Anthony B. Robinson

Writer Annie Dillard somewhere makes the observation that quite possibly the greatest indication of God’s grace she can imagine is the continued existence of the church on earth! There are days like that, aren’t there? Days when we wonder why in the world God puts up with us. Days when the best we can do is laugh at ourselves, ask God for a little more divine patience, and pray that somehow God’s grace might break us open and make us new. Besides, it’s good to laugh and, at least sometimes, to laugh at ourselves. In that spirit, I offer this little list of the seven habits of highly ineffective (and later highly effective) churches. It is intended to be fun, but serious too. I can imagine congregations having a good time building a skit or mime around each habit, or people with a flair for dramatic reading offering them up at a pot-luck dinner or talent show. Have fun, and keep the faith!
Continue reading "Seven Habits"

Registrations are rolling in for the final 2008 Presbyterian Communicators’ Network regional conference, Oct. 29-31 at the Menucha Retreat & Conference Center in Corbett, Oregon (about a half hour east of Portland).  This promises to be a great event – full of opportunities to learn more about new and existing communication tools to spread the Word.

Workshop topics will include online social networking, podcasting, media relations, online gift markets and more. Plenary speakers include Corey Schlosser-Hall, executive presbyter for North Puget Sound Presbytery, and Rob Bullock, mission communications director for the General Assembly Council.

Registration is now open at http://www.pcusa.org/comnet.  Commuter / day rates are available for people in the Vancouver-Portland area. Feel free to forward this information to others who may be interested. Hope to see you there!