The development of an organizational model for congregational growth and social mission inspired by ecclesial base communities in Central America

A model for congregational development is described in detail which is based on small groups, organized through natural affinity, which practice spiritual reflection and lay ministry. The author adapted the paradigm of base Christian communities in Central America for a Unitarian Universalist church in Hillsboro, Oregon, a suburb of Portland. She drew on experience with peace affinity groups as well as megachurch organizing techniques.; The project discovers, through experiments with ministry reflection groups of eight to twelve participants, the difficulty in achieving a spiritual focus and an identity grounded in work for social justice in a church whose members enjoy exploring many faith traditions and come to church primarily to seek support and direction in raising a family and handling the stresses of affluent, suburban life.; Other groups organize spontaneously with natural affinities, like those for elders, women, writers and folk musicians, and enjoy varying life spans. Their ministry is primarily mutual support. Some committees, whose work may be seen as ministry, adopt portions of the model for their meetings. "Good Neighbors" Circles, deliberately organized by zip code, give every church member and visitor a small social group to which they automatically are welcome if they so choose. While they may not choose a spiritual practice, most have undertaken a community-building fund-raiser as their ministry.; Social justice ministries, during this ministry project, included English as a Second Language, a community garden with Hispanic and Anglo participants, a "No on Nine" campaign to promote gay and lesbian rights and a Parenting Skills Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse. Most of these were conducted by short-term task forces with specific, attainable goals.; The project's conclusion is that the struggle for meaning and hope is the middle class's counterpart to the struggle for justice and hope waged by the poor. Consistent ministerial leadership, centered in a chosen spiritual discipline of Buddhist meditation, has gradually drawn one reflection group into committed weekly practice and mutual support. This group, which clearly provides meaning for its members, is growing steadily as less focused reflection groups did not.; The dissertation also traces this minister's struggle with her commitment to economic justice in an affluent church in a suburban context.