This video is a visual summary of some of my recent thinking on the changing nature of congregational ministry in Estonia. I'm thinking in particular of the way that resources can be intentionally shared between congregations and leveraged for greater missional effectiveness. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucb3eAy77UY
Congregational Mapping – A Proposal
What would remain of a church if all of its institutional buttressing were removed? A great wind blows and takes away the roof and the walls. The bookkeeper checks on accounts only to find that the last cent on reserve has been spent. Paid leaders and staff hang on as long as possible but eventually … Continue reading Congregational Mapping – A Proposal
Hospitality House Sauna
Back when I was serving as youth leader for the Viimsi Church youth group, I remember having sauna parties with the guys every few weeks (the church had its own sauna built in, a real perk both for those living in the house or for ministry purposes). In the winter while the sauna was heating, … Continue reading Hospitality House Sauna
An Excercise in Missio-mandering
I've had a number of interesting conversations recently on the question of how to divide up the country of Estonia into regions of churches. As the member of a local congregation, particularly in a Christendom setting like the UK or North America with church buildings saturating the landscape, the idea of grouping congregations may seem … Continue reading An Excercise in Missio-mandering
Windows, Doors, Patio
Finished: Siding, roofing, (windows and doors by 8/27!).Sauna patio framed and plankedInterior framing (by 8/27) Next steps: Electricity, plumbing and ventilation (deadline September 15)Sauna construction, exterior chimney and sauna stove (deadline December 31)Breezeway, toilet and sauna tiling (deadline December 31)Gyproc walls and painting (February)Flooring and finishing (April)Eves, sofits, gutters, garage door
Rapla English Camp
This summer we held our English Camp in town for the first time. Under Ben Ellis' leadership and in partnership with KOMA Youth Organization (Josiah Venture in Estonia) we welcomed the Nõmme Church youth group from Tallinn to put on a mixed English and Music camp at the iconic OktaCentrum in Rapla. The camp was … Continue reading Rapla English Camp