Two energies

There are two energies in parish churches. One is always related to the energies of the Blessed Trinity. The other, maybe, maybe not.

Program and vision

There is often the energy coming from the rector or vicar. Her vision, his programs. This usually involves a rector's drawing people into forms of social service ministries or parish community activities or fundraising for the parish.

Renewal – Apostolate Cycle

This is the organic energy of every parish. The congregation gathers to adore and praise God and in doing that to experience something of the life of the Trinity. People gather and are renewed in their baptismal identity and purpose and they return to family and friends, workplace and civic life, as instruments of God’s love. 

How a rector might be faithful and successful 

When a new rector comes to a parish, usually, within a year or two, the programs and visions of the former rector are washed away and new ones take their place. When you build upon sand, that's the likely outcome.

What endures is the organic cycle.

If you want to be a faithful and successful rector or vicar the starting place is going to be to work with that organic cycle — point to it, coach and train people for it, remove barriers.

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