In the Parish/Congregation Study, Paul Wilkes and his staff identified 600
of the best local churches in America. All of these churches, while quite different, had something in common: a
"habit of being*." Wilkes and his staff then wrote about these churches in Excellent Catholic
Parishes: The Guide to Best Places and Practices and Excellent Protestant Congregations: The Guide
to Best Places and Practices.
Both books are now in use throughout America, providing a template for local church excellence,
rejuvenation, and assessment.
At the Pastoral Summit in New Orleans in May-June 2001 - which brought together some 700 clergy and
lay leaders in pursuit of church excellence -- this "habit of being" was in the air. There was excitement
about the current role and the future potential of the local church. As one participant said: "I now know
what the early church was like - the power, the possibilities are limitless. I felt it."
Now is time to bring that excitement and potential to your church with a visit from Paul Wilkes, Pastoral
Summit Project Director, and/or Pastoral Summit Associates Marty Minchin and Miles Daniels, who specialize
in youth ministry, GenX ministry, contemporary worship and small group.
*This "habit of being" includes meaningful and relevant worship,
a welcoming spirit, an excitement about leading a religious life, willingness, and an eagerness to serve.
*This "habit of being" revolves around a true and deep relationship with God and the quest to know His will -
and sense His power -- in individuals' and a church's life. The church culture in these excellent churches
is holy, healthy, and happy. People enjoy their church affiliation and feel they are an integral - and most
needed -- part of a great adventure.
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