"Releasing the Power of the Smaller Church"

Contact: Joni Sullivan Baker, 513-319-3231, buoyancypr@gmail.com

CINCINNATI,  Feb. 7 /Christian Newswire/ -- Although it's the churches with thousands of members that make the news, the truth is the majority of church-going Americans attend a church with fewer than 100 members, according to a study by the Barna Group.

To help leaders in those churches, the Energizing Smaller Churches Network (ESCN) will present a series of two-day workshops called "Releasing the Power of the Smaller Church" in 11 cities in 2007.

The conference will include plenary sessions that will affirm the value of the smaller church and equip smaller church leaders and volunteers for effective ministry. In addition, specialized workshop sessions will offer step-by-step instructions, specific tools, and helpful resources for smaller church ministry.

ESCN's spring conference schedule, which begins in February, includes:

• Thursday-Friday, February 22-23, at Dallas Christian College, Dallas, Texas;
  
  
• Friday-Saturday, March 9-10, at Central Christian College, Moberly, Mo.;
  
  
• Friday-Saturday, March 30-31, at Manhattan Christian College, Manhattan, Kan.;
  
  
• Friday-Saturday, May 4-5, at the Oregon Christian Convention Conference Center, Turner, Ore., and
  
  
• Friday-Saturday, May 18-19, Florida Christian College, Kissimmee, Fla.

The fall conference schedule includes venues in Ohio, Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, Tennessee and North Carolina. A complete schedule and registration information is available at www.escnetwork.org.

"There are simply thousands of smaller churches across the country having a large impact on the communities they serve. While much is written and publicized about the mega-church movement, ESCN exists to remind smaller churches around the country that they can have a 'mega' influence on people's lives," said Shawn McMullen, director of the Energizing Smaller Churches Network, and author of Unleashing the Potential of the Smaller Church (Standard Publishing, 2006).

A national organization based in Cincinnati, ESCN seeks to provide training and resources for churches of 200 members or less. In addition to its conferences the ESCN provides resources, networking and support through consultation and its website, www.escnetwork.org. It is sponsored by Standard Publishing, also in Cincinnati. 

"We're committed to serving the church," said Darrell Lewis, vice president of marketing at Standard Publishing, "and we believe this conference is an idea whose time has come."

"It is exciting to us to see so many ministers and volunteer leaders in smaller churches interested in participating in a network that meets the unique needs of the smaller church. We urge all of them to attend the conference and make the most of this opportunity to learn, network, and be encouraged by outstanding speakers who share their passion for serving God in smaller congregations."

Cost for the conference is $59 per person ($15 for full-time college students) if pre-registered, or $69 at the door. The conference cost includes lunch and parking, in addition to materials.  To register, go to www.escnetwork.org.

Since 1866, Standard Publishing has been providing true-to-the-Bible resources that inspire, educate, and motivate Christians to a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, Standard creates a wide array of Christian products and resources for churches and families. For more information, visit www.standardpub.com.

For more information or to arrange interviews, contact Joni Sullivan Baker, 513/319-3231, or buoyancypr@gmail.com.