Tony Jones, renowned author, theologian and self-proclaimed ecclesial gadfly joined  us at the In Good Company w/Alliance Friends. During his keynote conversation, discussed in detail in the next issue of VOICES, Tony talked about the similarities and differences between the Alliance of Baptists and the emergent church movement with a keen eye towards the new ways of being and doing church in the world. The Alliance of Baptists, as we know, is a denominational movement of progressive Christians called to respond to the continuing call of God in a rapidly changing world. So how do we respond to these new ways of being and doing church in the world? One way the Alliance responds is through the faithful service of its pastors and ministry leaders in the 130 affiliate congregations that comprise the body of the Alliance of Baptists. Another way is through the radical hospitality service Alliance mission partners continuously demonstrate in their local and global mission to follow the Great Commandment: Love God. Love Your Neighbor. Another way is through ecumenical partnerships with Alliance friends who think about new ways of being and doing church strategically in terms of growing the progressive church in the world.

In this first article for Midwifing Matters it is with great joy and admiration that I introduce Cameron Trimble. Rev. Cameron Trimble is the Executive Director of the Center for Progressive Renewal.  She most recently served as an advisor to the Congregational Vitality and Discipleship Team of Local Church Ministries for the United Church of Christ, and as Associate Conference Minister of Church Development in the Southeast Conference of the UCC. In her ministry in the national setting, Rev. Trimble was responsible for the development of national strategy for birthing new churches. In her conference setting, she directly oversaw the birthing of churches throughout the Southeast Conference. Each setting has given her a unique perspective on the challenges of cultivating leaders equipped to meet the needs of the future of mainline Protestantism. Thanks to Cameron and the Alliance's partnership with the Center for Progressive Renewal, Alliance of Baptist leaders have the opportunity to participate in the Bridge4Faith program that provides training to leaders who are both midwifing new communities of faith and are interested renewing their existing congregations. Alliance leaders can also participate in webinars such as the June 17 webinar on planting progressive churches and in the New Church Leadership Institute: Seven Secrets Conference, August 9-13 in Atlanta, Ga. These are very rich and exciting opportunities for the Alliance of Baptist to share in.

Here's how Cameron describes it:

One day, we will look back at the early days of 2010 as the beginning of a creative partnership between the Alliance of Baptist Church and the Center of Progressive Renewal that transformed the Progressive Church. Together we are seeking to grow our churches, impact our communities and transform the world. Through joint sponsorships of training events like the New Church Leadership Institute (August 9-13, 2010 in Atlanta, Ga) and through the sharing of  coaching resources for leaders who grow and nurture congregations, we are determined to strengthen the impact of our progressive voice and values.  

The Alliance and The Center For Progressive Renewal are also exploring ways we might develop international training experiences for seminary and divinity school students called to midwifing, those who are in the process of midwifing churches,  and church leaders who wish to renew their congregations.  Seeking a reformation of worship across our land, we will immerse ourselves in lands where the Gospel of Jesus Christ is bringing new life to villages, towns and cities, studying the lessons learned and feeling the transformation in our own lives once again.

Today is our moment; now is our time.  Together, we will renew the progressive church of Jesus Christ. We hope you will join us on that journey.

If you are interested in learning more about the opportunities birthed from this new partnership with the Center for Progressive Renewal or if you would like to share a story about how you are  exploring new ways of being and doing church in the world, please contact Mary Andreolli.