One of our diocesan clergy was recently discussing the acoustics in the nave of a church building. After hearing about the problems of sound in that space, the acoustics technician responded, "Well you know, Father, the best way to deal with the sound problem is to fill this space with more people."

How interesting that a sound technician has a solution not only to acoustics problems, but also knows what that church and every other church needs – more people. Indeed, as I travel about our diocese I discover that many of our congregations know that they need more people. What I also discover is that few of our congregations who need more people do anything about getting more folks to join them in worship and ministry. Does it not seem strange to you that we know we should be bringing more people into the embrace of our Lord Jesus Christ by inviting them to become part of the church, the Body of Christ, but we are unwilling to take that step which will make a difference both to those who come into the church and those who are already part of the church.

Recently I was meeting with the Presiding Bishop‘s Council of Advice. The question was asked by a college student about growth in our dioceses. It was interesting to listen to the stories told by the bishops present about those places that are growing in the variety of dioceses represented among the bishops on the Council. To a person, they reported the key to growth was the interest of the members of a congregation in growth – and their doing something about growth by asking others to join them in worship. The key was asking others to join them in worship – again, and again, and again.

One bishop told of a congregation that grew from an average Sunday attendance (ASA) of about 10 to more than 30 through the work of one young man, age 12. He loves his church and the Lord and wants others to share in the joy and love he finds in a relationship with both. Who knows how many folks he has invited to worship in that church? But at least 20 people have found something for their life through his invitation.

It is one thing to want my congregations to grow. It does not, however, grow because I wish it would grow. It grows because I love the Lord and want others to share in the joy I find in that relation. It grows because I ask another (and another and another) to join me in our worship this Sunday and next Sunday and the Sunday after. In other words, if your congregation grows it is because you have chosen to help it grow by inviting more people to fill the space. If it does not grow, it is because you have chosen to keep the light of Christ for yourself. And that decision is of no benefit to anyone, yourself included.

Bishop Search: The profile (description of) for our diocese is now posted online at the diocesan website – www.episcopalidaho.org. It is for your reading and edification. As you read, mark, learn and inwardly digest it, you may think of persons who you think might be able to journey with you as the next bishop. If so, do place that person‘s name in nomination. Finding the right person to journey with us into the future as bishop is the work of all of us.

A personal note: At the end of October my tumors had shrunk because of the treatment. I will have a CT scan early in January to see where we are at that point. And then the doctors and I will decide what the next steps are. Your prayers are so important to both Kit and me. We are very grateful for your love and concern ex-pressed to us and for us in so many ways.

Thank you. - HBB