From Springfiled Il.
In a whirlwind month of yesteryear, I graduated from seminary, was married and ordained.
I joined a team planning the consecration of our new bishop.
Thinking no church large enough, planners had rented a basketball arena for this epic event.
On the day itself, I kept waiting for eager Episcopalians to pour into the arena’s 16,000 seats, where Elvis Presley had just played his final concert. But they didn’t. Some came, but the hall felt empty to this self-absorbed young clergyman.
That should have been a sign that the world wasn’t holding its breath while we ordained a bishop. Although the new bishop was a fine man and would lead capably, even our own folks had other things to do.
That was 1977. If we had been paying attention to such outcomes, we would have known a steep decline was in its 13th year. After three decades of growth up to 1964, mainline Protestant congregations were hemorrhaging members, as all but a handful of denominations are dwindling today. It was time to rethink everything.
More here-
http://www.sj-r.com/features/x2084257214/Tom-Ehrich-Ordination-is-a-day-ministry-is-a-lifetime
2 comments:
Four hours! Ours in Louisiana was only two. I can't imagine what they did during the extra time.
Sorry, the above comment was meant for the blog about Upper South Carolina.
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