Congregation-based community organizing (CBCO) is a model that offers significant success for congregations to revitalize congregational life and achieve social justice in our communities, states, and nation. Over 100 UU congregations are now members of CBCOs.

How does our socioeconomic background inform our ministries? What class issues go unnamed in UU congregations and in our movement? How many UU families live in secret with drug addiction, relatives in prison, no health insurance, or lack of a financial cushion? Are we truly welcoming of people without college degrees? Are we missing the power of oral culture?

The challenges of developing transformational congregations are the focus of this workshop. The foundation of mission/vision/covenant in congregational life will be addressed, in addition to strategic planning. Assessment of the congregational system, including governance, staffing, organizational structures and worship styles and their alignment with vision will be highlighted.

This workshop is based on a video-conversation between Laurel Hallman and Harry Scholefield on spiritual practices for UUs. The workbook designed by Laurel Hallman to accompany the video will be used. The workshop will give you a group experience in a variety of Living by Heart practices, along with guidance in leading spiritual groups and retreats in your church and community settings.

More than half of our congregations have tried Small Group Ministry (SGM) or Covenant Groups as a way of meeting the needs for intimacy and spiritual growth in our congregations. Groups hold the promise for revitalizing our congregations. Yet many of us are encountering challenges and frustrations as we use this approach. We will provide a candid review of SGM and explore ways to successfully run programs to prevent and avoid some of the common pitfalls. We'll explore the hidden, cultural biases that can limit program effectiveness.