Anthropologist Margaret Mead famously pronounced that we should “never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world, indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Who doesn’t want to change the world? Who doesn’t want to have a transformative impact on our communities? It all begins by understanding what is vitality. Unfortunately, we have bought into how our culture defines it; by the number of people we attract to our buildings and the number of offerings we collect. But what if we look to Jesus as our example of vitality? He went to where the people were and didn't wait for them to come to him.
Who doesn’t want to change the world? Who doesn’t want to have a transformative impact on our communities? It all begins by understanding what is vitality. Unfortunately, we have bought into how our culture defines it; by the number of people we attract to our buildings and the number of offerings we collect. But what if we look to Jesus as our example of vitality? He went to where the people were and didn't wait for them to come to him.
With this as our focus, we will begin our journey toward vitality.
Vitality is about living life to the fullest (John 10:10). A vital church makes a definable and notable difference in the lives of those in their community. What mark are we making as Christ-followers so that all might live life to the fullest?
To help you get from your current reality to God’s place of vitality, we have designed 2 Congregational Pathways. While each of them is different, each has a similar goal; to help you discern and implement your next faithful step. This type of work is messy, complicated, and challenging for those who want a quick fix.
Those who participated in Catalyst:
- Saw an increase number of people in relationship with.
- Explored where God’s calling them now and in the future instead of relying on their past understanding.
- Learned how to work well as a team.
- Tested a new ministry idea that gives them a process for doing more of the same.
- Left with better measures of vitality.
- Increased momentum, hope, and tools that will help them continue to do more into the future.
Rather than a quick fix, you are invited to join us on a journey toward the vitality God is offering you, your congregation and your local community.
Still wondering if Catalyst is the right fit for your church, book a meeting time to discuss your options.
Assembling your TeaM
Assembling your team is an important step in the journey. The content you will receive is critical to the pathway you are traveling, but just as important are your traveling companions. Prayerfully and thoughtfully invite prospective members to the team. Here are some tips and considerations for assembling your team:
- Avoid the temptation of:
- Assigning this work to an already existing team or committee within your church. Many of our committees and teams are bogged down with the current operation of the church that little space is left for innovation.
- Having too many paid staff members populate the team. This is your opportunity to create something new and encourage participation from beyond the current structure.
- Asking people based on position rather than passion or giftedness.
- Identify people who are respected in the congregation and can influence momentum. There needs to be at least one person on the team who others will listen to and truly hear what is being offered through the congregational vitality journey.
- Be mindful to invite people who represent the diversity of the congregation and the neighborhood in which your church exists. Remember, not everyone on the team needs to be a member of the congregation.
- Ensure that each team member has the desire, ability, and the commitment to engage in this process. The Catalyst Initiative is at times a fast-paced process and has approximately the same time commitment as the Disciple 1 Bible Study. Therefore, your team members can expect to spend an average of 10 hours per month for learning and implementing. Be upfront about expectations and responsibilities of team members so they are not surprised later on in the journey.
- Consider inviting people who are newer to the church. These people are more likely to bring a new set of eyes and a different perspective to conversations and learning as the church navigates reaching the unchurched in its community.
- Consider inviting people who are experiencing a season of “holy disruption,” sensing or desiring something new or different for the church, and more importantly, for those in the community that are unchurched.
- Make sure that each team member has internet access and a basic knowledge of computer etiquette. Or have a team member who is willing to work with members who are enthusiastic about the work, but may need some guidance.
- Once your congregation has received an invitation to a particular pathway, make sure that each team member is available for the orientation retreat and other dates given per pathway.
Don't think Catalyst is the right fit? Try the Readiness Initiative.