Something Big is Underway
Good Shepherd United Methodist Church is in the process of thinking, praying and dreaming big. It began with the United Methodist Church’s Call to Action, a denomination-wide initiative aimed at increasing vitality in local congregations.
Three planning forums have been held at the church so far and parts of the plan are coming clear. We have identified those ministries we currently do well, reaffirmed our mission and vision statements, reviewed our core values and beliefs, reviewed several key biblical passages and looked at recent demographic materials and best ministry practices that have been identified with vital congregations. We also began to consider some big goals that would move us forward to becoming a more vital congregation.
Our goals are:
- To start a new worship service primarily aimed at those who do not currently attend any worship services.
- To offer ministries for and with young adults (especially college and career starts)
- To engage persons in mission and service
- To grow in worship attendance, professions of faith, and participation in small groups for faith formation
The next step is to finalize our goals and create the action steps that will move us forward over the next one to three years. On Saturday, January 28th, there will be a planning Retreat to do just this. I hope that you might consider taking part in the planning retreat or providing some written comments that can be used in the process. Most of all, I ask that you be in prayer for the church and its ministries. Specific prayer suggestions are offered below.
Prayer Suggestions
During the time we are engaged in the Call to Action planning process, please pray each day for the following:
- That we as a congregation can catch a glimpse of the things God has planned for us and for this community and be bold in claiming the promises of God.
But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart
conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him” — these things God
has revealed to us through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches everything, even the
depths of God. (2 Corinthians 2:9-10)
- For discernment and the ability to think strategically about the needs of persons both
outside the congregation as well as within.
- That God will provide the right people and resources to move the congregation forward.
- For the leaders of the church that they can carry out their tasks faithfully and effectively.
Pray for the pastor and others from the staff as well.
Clergy and laity leaders at all levels of the United Methodist Connection are called to work together in this opportunity to cast vision and set discipleship goals to increase vitality in our congregations. As each congregation sets reasonable, accessible, and achievable goals based upon its individual context, and is equipped and resourced to meet those goals, the congregation readies itself to receive the fruits of God’s harvest. (2 Cor. 9:5-7) We become a church united by a common vision, striving to reach the goals uniting us for the transformation of the world through God’s power and grace.
- The UMC Vital Congregations Planning Guide
See you in church,
-Pastor Steve Larsen
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