Signs of Vitality?

Participants in the Ready, Set, Grow Project of our Missouri Mid-South Conference have named the need for better communications among churches of our Conference. The congregational polity can be a strength...but also a limitation. How might we chare our experiences with one another for the upbuilding of the Body?
Let us begin by using this blog to name the signs of vitality seen in our congregations. Post a comment...to name a sign of vitality in your context. Consider hope-filled worship, bold global/local mission witness, visionary leadership, nurturing faith, extravagant welcome, inspiring generosity, life together.

Church Models

The first module presentation (Ready) for the St. Louis Association inspired a conversation regarding church models which are in place. There are certain expectations for church leadership - who is a minister? Paid staff? All participants in congregation?
Expectations/models for governing structure include ideas for a certain number of committees with a specific number of persons on each committee, with a specified number of meetings per year. Does this structure continue to serve the Body of Christ, or is it the other way around?
Do we set the annual budget and simply expect the funds to appear, or does vision/mission proceed the budget discussions?
What new models for Church might be helpful?
Please share your insights with others here.
Blessings, Carole

Covenanting together

The United Church of Christ lifts up our covenant relationship at all levels. To begin this Ready, Set, Grow project, participants covenant to grow together following an intentional set of expectations. The following will be used to begin each session, naming intentionally our commitment to loving and honest communications as we make use of resources available for Congregational Vitality Initiative.

Norms…Expectations of project
1) Anonymity/confidentiality is important. When we leave this time of sharing and conversation, it is ok to share topics covered and insights, but NOT individuals’ names or church names. The UCC is a small denominational family, and we need to avoid appearance or feel of gossip. This helps us to respect and honor the safe space for talk. Deep sharing causes one to feel vulnerable.
2) No cross-talk. Use I-statements, speaking for yourself only. Important to honor positions of others, not trying to convince another to change – feels like being corrected for one’s own point of view or belief.
3) No blame, but keep a positive focus and stay in the room with topics. Name problems, ok. But keep things positive. No demonizing others.
4) This is a safe place/sanctuary; honesty must be gently given so gently received.
5) Remember everyone is a child of God. See the divine in each one.

The Covenant spoken:

Will those able, please stand?

Leader: We come this day to share with one another who we are, to begin to know one another on a deeper level, to provide support and a safe context in which to learn, that we might be open to the work of the Holy Spirit and the discernment before us. In order to realize this goal, guidelines for our relating have now been presented.
Do you covenant with one another to accept and embody these guidelines for the duration of our meeting time today? If so, answer, I do, with God’s help.

Participants: I do, with God’s help.

Leader: Let us pray. Gracious and loving God, who continues to speak to us, we pray your blessing on our time together, that we might honor this covenant for the purpose of answering our call to be your Church. In Christ’s name we pray…and let all the people say…
All: Amen.