An article by John Patrick Herold on April 16, 2026, arguing that healthy Episcopal congregations sustain growth through reliable, repeatable parish-systems rather than charisma or demographics alone.

Key Insights

• Systems vs. Vision: While vision matters, growth is maintained by quiet infrastructure (welcoming, visitor follow-up, communications, and discipleship).
• The Acts Model: Acts 2:42 outlines four repeated practices: teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers.
• Children's Ministry: Highly predictive of family retention. High-quality children's formation serves as a liturgical apprenticeship.
• Eastertide Window: The 50 days between Easter and Pentecost are critical for re-engaging holiday visitors.

Case Studies

• St. Anne's (Annapolis): Integrates Sunday school, seasonal formation guides, and outreach into an intentional system.
• St. John's (Charleston, WV): The legacy of the Rev. Jim Lewis (d. 2026, age 89) and Manna Meal shows how a vision can outlast its founder when built into a system.