By: Canon SuzeAnne Silla
Welcome to By Word and Example! My prayer for this site is that it blesses the Episcopal congregations in northern Indiana with information and inspiration.
In our Baptismal Covenant we are asked: “Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?” That is exactly what we hope this site and its e-news articles will do, complimenting the parish-strengthening lessons (words) delivered in our diocesan Congregational Development Institute (CDI), and amplifying the examples of wonderful ministries and leadership in our parishes.
Our vision is not about bigger churches, but better ones. The frameworks and models presented in CDI help parish leaders understand church dynamics and develop strategies for strengthening ministries. Congregations are then empowered to find and effectively carry out what God is calling them to do in their corner of the Kingdom.
By Word and Example will aim to provide information and tools to transform our congregations and to equip disciples based on our Diocesan Core Values and our Actions for Congregational Transformation (ACT).
CORE VALUES of the Diocese of Northern Indiana
A Passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ
A Heart for the Lost
A Willingness to Do Whatever it Takes
A Commitment to One Another
ACTIONS: Evangelism, Conversion, Local Mission, World Mission
Stories here will also reveal deeper spiritual growth for individual CDI participants, many of whom experience a new “wholeness” to their spirituality. From the Benedictine Promise to more familiarity with the Book of Common Prayer, CDI illumines our faith journeys and helps people find the courage to share that light with others by word and example.
Our Editorial Board is comprised of lay and clergy persons from around the Diocese. We will all be initial contributors to the site, but we look forward to inspiring submissions from our readers as you share success stories from your own parish.
Thanks for checking us out! Come back often!