Transitions in Urban Congregations
Workshop leaders:
1. Rev. Ken Brown 2. Dr. Angela Merkert (contact person)
About the Workshop:
Our understanding of how congregations function as systems is based in part on theory
about how the size of a congregation defines the style of the ministry. We now understand
that the changes made in congregational style go through a process of transitions where,
unless clear decisions are made, congregations often remain stuck on plateaus. Using the
work of Alice Mann and their own experience as congregational consultants, the leaders
will address congregations can plan for and work with these transitions. Particular
application will be made to the transitions and issues experienced in urban congregations,
with the ultimate goal strengthened urban ministries.
Workshop leader biographies:
Angela Merkert is the Congregational Services Consultant-elect for the Central Midwest
District. She has extensive experience as a consultant with UU congregations, boards,
search committees and districts. She has worked closely with Alice Mann to plan workshops
in the Massachusetts Bay District where she also co-founded and chaired the Leadership
Resources Council. She has been a consultant with the UUA programs: Decisions for Growth,
Mission Centered Ministry, and Planning For Growth.
Ken Brown has been a UU minister for 26 years and is currently the District Executive
for the Pacific Southwest District. He has been helping the congregations in the PSWD
understand the impact of their decisions as they relate to growth and congregational
transitions. He was the chair of the UU Urban Church Coalition Steering Committee in the
1980s and again in the 1990s. He was also a founding board member of the UU Urban Ministry
of Los Angeles. He has been a consultant for the UUA in the Decisions for Growth and the
Mission Centered Ministry programs.
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