Claiming the Power of Place

Seminary Events & Happenings

Claiming the Power of Place:
Taking Seriously Where We Do Ministry

A Workshop with Cynthia Woolever, Ph.D.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Time: 9:00 AM to 12:30

Location: Hartford Seminary, 77 Sherman St., Hartford

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Participants in this workshop will have the opportunity to apply recent research findings to their ministry settings, reflect on their local theology of place, and take away resources for additional congregation/community analysis. The workshop builds on the new book, Places of Promise: Finding Strength in Your Congregation’s Location (Westminster John Knox Press, 2008), co-authored by Cynthia Woolever and Deborah Bruce. The book challenges congregational leaders to reframe their thinking about whether location determines the vitality of congregations. By taking “place” seriously, every congregation can achieve strength and effectiveness in its present location -- if its ministry focus and leadership decisions match key features of the community.

This is an essential program for all pastors and other religious leaders seeking guidance on successful congregations.

Cynthia Woolever directs the U.S. Congregational Life Survey, the largest study of worshipers ever conducted involving 2,000 worshipers and more than 50 faith groups. The project, funded by Lilly Endowment, will conduct a second wave of the national study of congregations in fall 2008. From 2003 to 2007, she was a member of the faculty at Hartford Seminary and a sociologist in the Seminary’s Hartford Institute for Religion Research. Prior to her tenure at Hartford Seminary, she conducted congregational studies for the research office of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). She currently serves on the board of the Religious Research Association and is co-editor (along with Herb Miller and Lyle Schaller) of The Parish Paper.

Cost: $35 (includes lunch) - Please register in advance for this event.

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For more information, contact Tubanur Yesilhark at (860) 509-9555 or events@hartsem.edu.

Hartford Seminary 77 Sherman Street Hartford, CT 06105 860-509-9500 info@hartsem.edu