Purpose: To help our congregations view our changing culture as an opportunity and invitation to refocus energy and resources toward becoming communities of Jesus that nurture life-changing relationships with God, one another, and the world.*

 

Vital Congregations* are places where. . .

• Worship is dynamic and authentic

• Leaders are respectful of boundaries

• Leaders participate in and engage with their local communities

• Members treat each other as fellow members of the body of Christ

• Diversity is honored and respected

• People are willing to engage in holy experiments & open to change & risk

• Faith is nurtured

• Gathering spaces are attractive and inviting

 

* This is the definition of vitality being used throughout the ELCA.

 

Congregational Vitality
Surveys:

 

Every congregation is invited to take a congregation-wide vitality survey which helps them understand how they are connecting people to God, to one another, and to the world.

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• Cost to take the survey is $100 (Remaining cost is covered by a synod grant.)

• Survey results are shared with church council and leadership to provide a starting place for congregations to begin setting goals and priorities.

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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