Last weekend's School of Congregational Development was a wonderful, inspiring event. I have to admit that I was skeptical as to how the presenters would come across over a telecast. Not actually *being* at the event, I worried that I (and the others gathered) would not engage. Fortunately my worries were unfounded. The speakers were so spirit-filled that their energy came right through the live-stream and on to our screen. It also helped that a few of the presenters engaged us by giving those at the satellite locations a "shout-out."

The question that has stayed with me since leaving the event is ~ How do we bring what we worship inside to the outside? We can consider this from a couple of different perspectives. How do we share what is in our hearts with those outside, those we meet everyday? And how does our church bring our worship inside our church building to those outside our walls.

The different speakers engaged these questions from several different angles. There were conversations about making worship more accessible by using contemporary language and music. There were suggestions for using Facebook, websites and Power Point videos. Some talked about intentionally engaging those on the margins of our society and those from different socioeconomic and racial / cultural backgrounds. The point was made that when we minister we do not minister "to" but "with" because no matter how much we give, we also receive.

As with any good continuing education event, I've come away with more questions than answers. As Jesus' disciples in South Burlington, what are we doing to minister inside out? How are we engaging in ministry with our community? How can we be more transparent to those outside our walls?