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On June 9–10, representatives from across the Orthodox Church in America gathered in Springfield, VA, for a two-day planning meeting as part of the Church’s participation in the Lilly Endowment’s New Churches Initiative.
Earlier this year, the Orthodox Church in America was invited to apply to this national initiative, which seeks to support the establishment of new worshiping communities and help Christian organizations develop sustainable models for church planting and long-term growth. The invitation itself is a recognition of the Orthodox Church in America’s organizational health and demonstrated capacity to undertake significant initiatives.
The invitation also comes at a providential moment. Across North America, many parishes and missions are experiencing significant growth, while increasing numbers of inquirers and catechumens continue to seek the Orthodox faith.
The planning process began earlier this year with a series of interviews involving clergy, lay leaders, seminary representatives, mission priests, diocesan administrators, and other stakeholders from throughout the Church. The June gathering brought many of those voices together for a period of reflection, discussion, and discernment.
His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon and His Grace Bishop Gerasim of Fort Worth were joined by diocesan chancellors, treasurers, representatives of the seminaries, experienced mission priests, and other leaders from across the Church. Drawing upon their experience in parish life, theological education, administration, and mission work, participants considered both the opportunities and challenges facing the Church as it seeks to bring the Gospel to new communities throughout North America.
“The growth we are witnessing throughout the Orthodox Church in America is not ultimately the result of our own efforts, but a sign of God’s continued work among His people,” said His Beatitude. “This initiative invites us to consider carefully how we can be faithful stewards of that blessing—strengthening existing missions, planting new communities, and ensuring that those who are seeking Christ are welcomed into the life of the Church and formed as His disciples for a life of holiness.”
Throughout the meeting, participants emphasized the importance of thoughtful planning in the establishment of new churches. Particular attention was given to the formation of clergy, the indispensable role of lay ministry, and the need to ensure that new communities are built upon strong spiritual and financial foundations.
Discussion repeatedly returned to the importance of supporting full-time clergy ministry in mission settings. Participants noted that mission communities are best positioned for healthy growth when priests are able to devote themselves fully to the liturgical, pastoral, educational, and evangelistic work entrusted to them. Participants further affirmed that the growth of the Church must be accompanied by the careful formation of future clergy through our seminaries, whose work remains essential in preparing priests capable of serving the complex pastoral and missionary needs of contemporary parish life. The importance of dedicated lay ministry was likewise emphasized, including the service of catechists, choir directors, treasurers, church musicians, and many others whose ministries contribute to the health of parish communities.
A central focus of the Lilly Endowment initiative is sustainability. Much discussion was devoted to reflecting not only on the opportunities before the Church, but also on the practical and pastoral foundations necessary for lasting growth. While there was great enthusiasm for the continued expansion of mission work throughout North America, there was also broad agreement that healthy church planting requires patience, thoughtful planning, well-formed clergy and lay leaders, and a commitment to providing the support necessary for new communities to flourish over the long term.
The planning meeting represents an important step in the development of the Church’s proposal, which is scheduled to be submitted to the Lilly Endowment later this summer. In the months ahead, the Orthodox Church in America will continue refining its vision and priorities for this initiative, drawing upon the insights shared by participants and the experiences of dioceses, parishes, seminaries, and mission communities across the Church.
As the Orthodox Church in America continues this planning process, the faithful are encouraged to keep this work in their prayers and to support the Church’s missionary efforts through their generosity. Those wishing to contribute may do so through the Orthodox Church in America’s online giving page.
The Church also encourages all of the faithful to prayerfully consider how the Lord may be calling them to participate in this missionary work. Some may be called to ordained ministry and theological education through one of the Church’s seminaries. Others may discern a vocation through the Diaconal Vocations Program or through service as catechists, choir directors, church musicians, parish administrators, treasurers, youth workers, and in countless other ministries that sustain and strengthen parish life. The growth of the Church is the work of the whole People of God, and each member has a role to play in building up the Body of Christ.
