Court Street UMC’s Journey Towards Missional Living
Change is a constant companion on our journey of faith. On Sunday, January 21, 2024, we gathered for a pivotal State of the Church meeting, navigating toward a more intentional and outward-focused ministry.
The Roadmap: Local Church Assessment Process
Guided by the wise insights of our District Superintendent, Rev. Denise Bates, we delved into the Local Church Assessment Process. This strategic examination, outlined in Paragraph 213 of The Book of Discipline, thoroughly explores our congregation’s past, present, and potential future.
What Does This Mean?
A study task force, a blend of lay and clergy members, will embark on a mission to uncover our community’s unique missional opportunities and needs. They will study our present ministries, evaluate leadership styles, consider our financial and facilities needs, and ponder our place in the broader landscape.
The findings of this comprehensive study will be shared openly with our congregation. We will learn about our strengths and areas for growth. The recommendations that we hope emerge won’t be only directives but invitations to dream, strategize, and unite as a community of believers.
The options are diverse—serving our community through organized church ministries, exploring cooperative parish initiatives, engaging in ecumenical shared ministries, contemplating redevelopment, and meeting the needs of Downtown Lynchburg. The choices ahead are both challenging and exciting, calling for a thoughtful response.
Shaping Our Future
United together, we will mold goals and a ministry action plan that aligns with our unique identity and mission.
Our appointed task force will guide us in presenting the results of our study and our proposed action plan to the cabinet. This includes considerations for staff support, resourcing, financial backing, and any other resources essential for our endeavors. Such support is committed for up to three years.
Tailoring Approaches for Urban Churches
Recognizing the distinct challenges of urban churches, where average worship attendance is below 25 or unknown, the District Superintendent may convene a special conference session. This session will actively shape and endorse ministry recommendations with the invaluable input of the District Board of Church Location and Building.
The Next Steps: Journeying Together
As we transition, let’s remember that change is not the end but a transformation into new possibilities. Let’s join hands in prayer, discussion, and discernment, trusting that our collective wisdom and the guidance of the Holy Spirit will lead us toward a future filled with purpose and impact.
The road ahead may be unknown, but with faith as our compass, we march forward, ready to embrace the call of being a Missional Church.
No responses yet