By Dick Hamm at DHamm@TheColumbiaPartnership.org
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The middle expression of denominations (variously called region, conference, diocese, district, association, fellowship, convention, synod, presbytery, classis, etc.) connects local churches with their national bodies. These middle expressions often began as mission organizations within a state or territory with the purpose of starting new congregations. However, once every town had its congregations of various denominations, these middle expressions began turning their attention to the support of existing congregations and clergy, and the raising of resources from congregations for overseas mission.
In the mid-20th century, middle expressions were offering clinics to congregational leaders on how to use denominational Sunday School curriculum, how to be good church treasurers, how to lead effective meetings, etc. But as the 1950’s and 60’s unfolded, the glue that had held congregations of the same denomination together (fifth Sunday night meetings, shared revivals and other common activities, distinctive denominational history and practice, etc.) began to give way to high rates of individual relocation to other parts of the country, religious intermarriage, isolating individual activities such as television, and the personal busyness we all know today. Thus, as congregations related less and less to each other, the middle expressions of the church were charged with relating to their congregations in a way that would keep them connected with their denomination.
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