Paris is a peculiar presbytery. Situated in south-western Ontario, its demographics, in many ways, reflect presbyteries across the country: several larger churches working alongside a greater number of rural and small-town congregations. But in other ways, the presbytery is quite different. While its attendance and members both dropped between 2003 and 2004, its number of adherents increased. It also has several congregations whose numbers reflect a growing trend in many denominations; that of more adherents than members. Paris Presbyterian and Calvin, Delhi, are examples of this, and Innerkip actually has more in attendance each week than is listed on the constituent roll.
Rev. Lonnie Atkinson, minister at St. Paul’s, Ingersoll, understands this trend. “The tribalism of denominationalism is ending. We see that in the growth of non-denominational churches,” he said. “We don’t push membership, and yet there’s growth in true participation. We offer sanctuary and hospitality and ask you to become part of the family. And if it’s somewhere you feel at home, and where your heart is content, than we’ll welcome you to membership with open arms.”
Atkinson’s strategy seems to be working. Since joining St. Paul’s about 16 years ago, membership has grown from about 270 members to its current 380. About 300 people, including children, are in church each Sunday. Emphasis is on community and reaching out to the “un-churched.”
The challenge, he said, is to move from simple hospitality to discipling — strengthening the faith of newcomers and their connection to the church. With a congregation like St. Paul’s, however, the shift doesn’t seem too daunting. “They’ve been willing to be innovative and creative,” said Atkinson. He noted numerous ambitious projects including an addition and contemporary sanctuary renovation, a community camp outreach, a parish nurse, one of the first congregations in Canada to offer the workshop rotation model of Sunday school, writing their own Sunday school curriculum, and a stellar concert series begun 16 years ago.
Thanks to such initiatives, St. Paul’s has become “10 years younger” in the last six years. They’re currently developing a spirit centre where clergy and other professionals can come to learn, relax and rejuvenate. Various guest speakers from across the country come to these special events (there were four scheduled this year), and participants travel from all over Ontario for the spiritual renewal they find there.
“Ministry here is joyful,” said Atkinson. “The congregation is always willing to risk for the gospel and to try new ways of being faithful to God.”
Paris Presbytery’s 14 charges cover 17 congregations; a small presbytery that offers intimacy to its members. St. Paul’s, Ingersoll, has the most members, Innerkip the highest attendance, and Paris the most adherents.
Tracing its roots to 1836, the Paris congregation is heavily involved in youth and small groups and tailoring its outreach initiatives to life stages. The congregation offers women’s bible study groups, men’s groups, youth groups, Meals on Wheels, DivorceCare (a support and recovery group for people going through divorce), a weekly congregational discussion group, single parent potluck lunches, community meals, and a twice-yearly trek to Evangel Hall to host a meal. Paris’ long-time minister, Rev. Stanley Cox, retired in July, and the congregation is beginning to start the search process.
Including Cox’ retirement and that of Rev. John Cruickshank from St. Paul’s, Simcoe, the presbytery has five vacancies, although two are being filled by supply ministers. The strain of few ministers is heightened in a small presbytery, where there is already too much work for the number of people available to do it.
Cruickshank, who retired from Simcoe after more than 17 years there, said although being small can be challenging, the same situation fosters a deep sense of commitment, as “those who are involved have to be really involved. There’s no extra manpower to spread the work around. Everyone has to carry their own weight.”
Under Cruickshank’s guidance, St Paul’s (1792) has taken on three major building projects, including a complete restoration of the sanctuary and a $1.1-million addition finished in early 2005. One of their largest undertakings, however, is St. Paul’s Court — a 30-unit apartment complex for senior citizens built in 1990 and attached to the church.
Innerkip Presbyterian is a congregation with more people attending on Sunday than are on the roll. Established around 1852, the congregation is filled with new ideas. “We’ve done things differently,” said Rev. Chris Little, who has been at Innerkip for 15 years. “We began moving towards contemporary worship about 12 years ago, and the presbytery has always been open, supportive and excited.”
Changes have included singing contemporary songs, moving from a choir to a worship team, using a band instead of an organ, and adding drama on various occasions. Little has stopped wearing robes and a tie. “We preach the gospel in a relevant way, and that includes our vocabulary, our dress and our worship style. We’re addressing people’s needs and meeting those needs with love and grace,” he said.
Today, Innerkip offers two Sunday services for its 325 parishioners. Eighteen small groups meet in various homes and about 100 children are in Sunday school. To accommodate the growth, the congregation moved into a new 28,000 square foot building in August. Built on 10 acres, the sanctuary accommodates 525 people. “God is really at work among us,” said Little. “We’re taking Christ beyond ourselves, and people have been touched.”
Central, Brantford, was established in 1925 by the dissenting members of the three Presbyterian congregations in that town. Today, it is one of four Presbyterian churches in Brantford, and Central’s youth group meets with the youth from the Alexandra and Greenbrier congregations.
Central is involved in several ministries including women’s and men’s clubs, an annual picnic and bazaar, mystery dinners, a pastoral care team, transportation to worship services, and cooperation with the Salvation Army which hosts community meals at the nearby United Church.
Mount Pleasant (1841) is currently linked with Knox, Brantford. Mount Pleasant prides itself on its strong sense of family and community fostered by potluck dinners, corn roasts, coffee hours, picnics, concerts and euchre nights. The church also has a social action-minded college and careers group that raises funds for students in Ghana, to support initiatives of Presbyterian World Service & Development and to support the congregation’s Sunday school.
Ken Smith, presbytery clerk and member at St. Paul’s, Simcoe, since 1960, describes his presbytery as “collegial, sincerely prayerful, diligent and responsive.” This inviting atmosphere persists even in times of difficulty. Although the presbytery has numerous small and struggling congregations, Smith said the presbytery remains dedicated to letting them continue if possible. “I don’t think my presbytery would ever encourage a church to close. We do our best to look after their needs and to provide what they require.”
