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Preparing for Inquirers: Insights, Questions, and Needs in Orthodox Parish Ministries

Learn about the demographic profile, interests, and questions of inquirers exploring the Orthodox Church. Gain practical strategies to create a welcoming and supportive environment for them. Presented by Edith Marshall Roberts from St. Mark Orthodox Church in Rochester Hills, Michigan.

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Preparing for Inquirers: Insights, Questions, and Needs in Orthodox Parish Ministries

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  1. OCA PARISH MINISTRIES CONFERENCE Berea, Ohio June 27-30, 2010  GETTING READY FOR INQUIRERS WHO THEY ARE WHAT THEY ASK WHAT THEY NEED Presented by Edith Marshall Roberts St. Mark Orthodox Church Rochester Hills, Michigan edith.marshall@sbcglobal.net 

  2. The Orthodox Church needs converts The world needs Orthodoxy!

  3. What We Have Learned About Inquirers: Overwhelmingly Caucasian 40% Female 60%Male

  4. Journey to Orthodoxy Begins at Age: 21-30 37% 31-40 26% 41-50 15%

  5. Marital Status 53% Married 31% Never Married 9% Divorced

  6. Education High School 12% *College 53% **Masters 20% **PhD, JD 14% *or some college **or working toward

  7. Previous Religious Affiliations Protestants 60% Roman Catholic 22% Episcopalian 12% None/Agnostic 4% Jewish 2%

  8. Why Orthodoxy? 15% Dissatisfied with current religious affiliation 15% Seeking deeper spiritual life 10% Read something about Orthodoxy 8% Had contact with Orthodox person 8% Invited to Orthodox service

  9. What They Find Attractive About Orthodoxy Historical continuity 92% Structured/unchanging Liturgy 83% Orthodoxy embodies “fullness of faith” 81% Centrality of tradition 76% Theology is mystical in nature 75%

  10. What Do They Ask? Questions are based on difficulties and differences they encounter . . .

  11. Ethnicity of Church 41% Veneration of The Theotokos 27% Complexity/Unfamiliarity with Liturgy 25% Orthodox spiritual disciplines 24% Icons 18%

  12. Unfamiliar with Eastern mindset 16% Restriction in participation in sacraments 16% Beliefs/practices concerning saints 15%

  13. Theological Questions

  14. Veneration of Theotokos (27%) What does “Theotokos” mean? Why is she so prominent? Do you worship the Virgin Mary?

  15. Icons (18%) They don’t look realistic like art. Why do you kiss them? Are you worshipping them?

  16. Saints (15%) Why do you pray to saints? Why not pray directly to God? Do you really believe saints pray for you?

  17. Western vs. Eastern Mindset (16%) What do you mean by Tradition? How is God known if not rationally? What is mystery? Doesn’t God want us to know Him?

  18. Spiritual Formation Questions

  19. Liturgy (25%) Why so long? (21%) Why so many repetitions? When/how do I cross myself? Why incense? Can I sit down?

  20. Sacraments (16%) Why do you think you have the fullness of faith– is everyone else wrong? Is the bread and wine really the body and blood Christ? Why is communion “closed”?

  21. Orthodox Spiritual Disciplines (24%) Why so many rote prayers? Can I pray for myself using my own thoughts and words? Why fast? How does that bring me closer to God? What about Bible reading? Do the Orthodox study the Bible? Why can’t I interpret the Bible for myself?

  22. Church Culture & Ethnicity (41%) Pascha basket contents/rationale Procedures for house blessings Reading church calendar/fasting Role of Godmother How do things get done? Who’s in charge of coffee hour? Job assignments? How are ideas/suggestions given and realized? What offends?

  23. What Inquirers Need

  24. A community that is welcoming . . . Welcoming committee/greeters Shepherding person A worship book which explains the liturgy Informational brochures about Orthodoxy

  25. They need to be understood . . . Respect for their previous religious affiliation and common beliefs Their theological background and questions

  26. Be prepared to answer their questions An inquirer/catechumen study Reading and resource materials Recommended reading list or library

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