Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew & Matthew (SsAM)

Seeking to know and love God in every person, here, now.

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Vitality Workshop with Bishop Brown, February, 2022

Pursue Vitality, Not Growth

A summary of Bishop Brown’s “Congregational Growth and Vitality Workshop” of 2022 by Danny Schweers.

As we look to the future of our church, let us think about how we can encourage vitality and liveliness in our church rather than growth in numbers. If we want our church to thrive, we should invite people to become passionate followers of Jesus. We should create opportunities for personal and corporate transformation. We should empower members to proclaim the Good News, and equip them for their gospel mission in the world.

That, briefly, is the message Bishop Brown gave to us during his “Congregational Growth and Vitality Workshop” held in SsAM’s auditorium on Saturday, February 26, 2022.

Passion! Transformation! Proclamation!

Kevin Brown, Episcopal Bishop of Delaware, with slide show at SsAM, Wilmington, DelawareYes, he was preaching, but by the numbers. Again and again Bishop Brown took us to the spreadsheets, something he did with humor and insight. If you want, you can spend hours with the numbers (but without Bishop Brown’s wit and grace) by following these links.

The Bishop’s Handout of Spreadsheets and Numbers

The Bishop’s PowerPoint Slides in PDF format

Fast Facts from General Convention

The Church Report Company

Three Other Words: Revitalization, Redefinition, and Rebirth.

In the bishop’s eyes, the key to revitalization is for the church to be Jesus-centered first, last, and always. We live in a transformation-hungry world. As a church, we need to offer the world a path to transformation, invite everyone to join us on our way to Easter’s promise of resurrection. We need to show the world the good that we have found.

Here is a quote that might surprise you. “Stability leads to decline.” SsAM has been relatively stable for years. That is dangerous. Bishop Brown recommends creating an Evangelism Ministry, making the proclamation of Jesus a first priority. He suggested hiring a consultant to guide us through redevelopment, a redefinition of our primary mode of operation that focuses on evangelism. “Do a new thing, not the old thing differently.” “Do evangelism like you mean it.”

One observation Bishop Brown made was that society as a whole has become suspicious of institutions. A similar observation is that people are not eager to belong. They will gladly attend an event but may never sign up for regular attendance, make a pledge, or define themselves as “Episcopalian”. They will eagerly work at some ministry, but do not want or expect that ministry to define them. As a church, we should not be marketing membership or the Episcopal brand but telling people about how God is affecting our lives and how the church is part of our transformation.

What is God doing in our church? Let’s look in that direction.

Where is there vitality in our church? Let’s encourage it. Who is showing enthusiasm? Rather than burdening them with new responsibilities, let’s protect their enthusiasm and fan the flames.

Learn more about the clergy transition.

Click here to learn more about the transition process for calling new clergy to serve at the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew.

We worship God on Sundays at 8am and 10:30am and offer prayer services other days.

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Minister to others in worship services, behind the scenes, and in the community.

We are looking for 100% participation this year rather than a financial goal.

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NEWS

Clergy Transition – Our Search for a New Rector

SsAM IS NOW RECEIVING NAMES FOR OUR NEXT RECTOR! If you are a clergy person and interested in our open rector position, we invite you to … [Read More...]

The Rev. Deacon Clay Brown

The Rev. Deacon Clay Brown will be ordained a priest on Saturday, February 4, at 11am. He joined the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew … [Read More...]

Worship God with us this Sunday in downtown Wilmington, Delaware

You are invited to worship God with us in person this Sunday at 8:00 or 10:30 a.m. in downtown Wilmington, Delaware. Our newly-ordained … [Read More...]

Welcome To SsAM. You are invited!

SsAM, the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew & Matthew in downtown Wilmington, Delaware, welcomes you. Come to God’s Table! Come, you … [Read More...]

SsAM Presents: Upcoming Events

Silent Walk for Justice and Peace, 5:30pm on Friday, February 3 Join us for this peaceful, prayerful walk through the center of … [Read More...]

The Extraordinary Life of Rosetta Henderson

An interview with Rosetta Henderson and a digital exhibit exploring her life and accomplishments is now at the Hagley Museum and Library. … [Read More...]

Reflection – Things kept going wrong but that didn’t bother us.

A reflection by Danny Schweers for January 29, 2023. Why did our companionship, in spite of events, continue as cheerfully as ever? Why … [Read More...]

First Friday Walks for Justice and Peace in Wilmington, Delaware

The next walk begins on Friday, February 3 at 5:30 p.m. in the SsAM parking lot, 713 N. Shipley Street. Join us for this peaceful, … [Read More...]

Spiritual Music in Wilmington, Delaware

Wilmington Children’s Chorus Teaching Fellowship applications are due February 10. The Wilmington Children's Chorus is accepting … [Read More...]

Children’s Chapel continues on February 12 at 10:30am.

Children’s Chapel will meet on February 12 and 26, and on every second and fourth Sunday at 10:30 a.m. in Crypt Hall. Children have several … [Read More...]

See all the News & Upcoming Events posts

Worship Services

We will be delighted if you worship with us in-person or via video this Sunday at 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. Click here to learn more!

Visit Us

719 N. Shipley Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
with free parking weekends and evenings next to the church at 713 N. Shipley Street. Click here to learn more about parking and directions.
Office Hours
Monday – Thursday, 9:00 to 4:30
Friday, 9:00 to 1:00

OUR MISSION

To be an inclusive Christian community which worships God, follows Christ in all aspects of our lives, and serves the Greater Wilmington area through actions and ministries which promote peace, justice, reconciliation and empowerment for all people.

Contact Us

PHONE: 302 656-6628

EMAIL: Click here to use our email form.

FACEBOOK: Click here to see our Facebook page. You need a Facebook account to see it.

YOUTUBE: Click here to see our YouTube Channel. Some smart TV sets will allow you to stream YouTube, so you can watch in your den or living room. Search for “Saints Andrews and Matthew”.

Are You New to SsAM?

If you are new to SsAM, please click here to see the Welcome to SsAM booklet in PDF format. The Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew is a dynamic and diverse congregation in downtown Wilmington, Delaware.

Our Vision

The Episcopal Church of Sts. Andrew and Matthew seeks to be a dynamic, spiritual center that is active in the pursuit of peace and justice in the community and a place where all God’s people are honored.

LINKS

  • Worship at SsAM: Sunday Documents, Church News, and More
  • eNewsletter Sign Up
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  • Recent Announcements at SsAM
  • On-Line Calendar
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  • Clergy Transition
  • Episcopal Church in Delaware
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  • Michael Curry’s blog: the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church
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Donations Are Welcome, and a Necessity
Our ministries are dependent on financial donations. Click here to make a secure credit-card donation on-line or to learn

Our main focus is ministry, not money!
We offer a host of ministries for which you can volunteer. You can participate in worship services, help make the church hum, or offer your time and talent to the local community.

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