In the Central States Synod, we believe that every congregation has vitality and that all of our congregations have opportunities as vital communities to nurture life-changing relationships with God, one another, and neighbors. 

 

To support congregations as they grow vitality in their contexts, the Central States Synod provides a variety of resources. As the synod transitions to a new bishop and, in turn, a new Director for Evangelical Mission, these programs are being evaluated and revised. Updates and information will be shared as it is available.

 

Tools for Congregational Vitality:
 

• Congregational Vitality Surveys:
  An assessment of vitality in a particular context. Members and leaders take the free survey, and results are shared by one of the Directors for Evangelical Mission. As we review the results, we begin to build a plan for growing in areas like leadership, worship, children’s ministries, stewardship, and discipleship.

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• Retreats: 
  (Mission and Vision; Discernment; Council Leadership; Community Organizing and Connection; Conflict Resolution:) 
  A Director for Evangelical Mission walks with the church's leadership team through either the process of honing a mission or vision statement, or putting those statements into practice with clear, measurable, gospel-centered goals and practices.
   

• Faithful Innovation Process: 
  In a small cohort of congregations, a congregational team of four to six members will learn how to lead their congregation through a process of learning that invites the whole congregation into a three-step process

  • Listening,

  • Acting,

  • Sharing. 

The process repeats as the congregation innovates and learns what God is doing through them in their congregation and community.

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Why Participate

 

Research from congregations in the Oregon Synod who participated in an intentional congregation vitality process showed these long-term effects. . .

 

• Theological imagination expanded -  able to articulate how God is active and how they join God in that activity

• Clarified sense of purpose within God's mission

• Increased mutual agreement with neighbors

• Deeper congregational member connections with God, each other, and the world

• New lay leaders identified and engaged

• Increased mission support

• Increased worship attendance