“Canoeing the Mountains” laid the foundation for a new conversation about the Church’s role and ministry today. to build on that foundation, St. Andrew’s is establishing the Engaging the Climb Team.

What is the job of the Engaging the Climb Team?
The book “Canoeing the Mountains” described a challinging new reality for the Christian Church: Christendom has ended, and many of f the ways that the church is accustomed to doing things no longer work. Acknowledging these realities, St. Andrew’s Engaging the Climb Team will experiment with new ways to be present in a changing world. Participants on the team will develop and carry out projects outside the doors of St. Andrew’s, with a goal of developing new Christian community for people who are not currently, nor may ever be, parishioners of a traditional church.

What kinds of characteristics and skills are needed for the Engaging the Climb Team?
For this team to be successful, a wide variety of characteristics are needed: a lover of Jesus and of our neighbors; curiosity; flexibility; willingness to try new things; ability to grow through and lean from failure; ability to think outside the box. No one person is going to have all of these characteristics and skills, and the task at hand is far too big for just one person. That’s why a team is needed.

How can I learn more about the work of the Engaging the Climb Team?
The book “Canoeing the Mountains” and the task of our Engaging the Climb Team both fit into a larger movement called Fresh Expressions. A Fresh Expression is a form of church for our changing culture, established primarily for the benefit of people who are not yet members of any church. Learn more at www.fresh expression.org. Members of the Engaging the Climb Team will begin their adventure by working through a how-to manual entitled “How to Pioneer”, available on Amazon and written by David Male, director of evangelism and discipleship for the entire Church of England.

What is Anne’s role on this team?
Anne’s role here is as permission-giver. She will not be a member of the team itself but will support their work, and the team will keep her posted about their decisions and experiments.

I would love to serve on this team! What should I do?
Email Rachel Roby at saec0371@gmail.com by Sunday, Sept. 22.