narratives of change and hope

THE PLOT THICKENS

Flourishing Church Consultations

Whitewater Valley Presbytery

Luke 9:10: On their return the apostles told Jesus all they had done. He took them with him and withdrew privately…

1. Doing the work of the church

2. Telling the stories3. Reflecting

The Bible is full of stories that express God’s Word

Stories capture our imagination.

We always want to know “what happened then?”

Plots thicken and twist and turn.

There’s always the next chapter—hope.

Four unhappy pastorates

A new location, and three building projects

Yo-yo membership A growing county Playing victim: Blaming

pastors, blaming the Presbytery,

Designated pastor with a heart for stories.

The family life center…

Pastor is working on structures

Establishing a Personnel Committee with written policies

Training the Session in Book of Order procedures

Strengthening the Session as leaders

Lumpy rug More lay

leadership Better structures Need to know who

we are (Identity) Need to focus (a

clear compelling vision of mission)

“The Titanic” (USS JPC) “A ‘Wolfe’ in

Sheep’s Clothing”

“Sliding Down the Mountain”

“Dynamic Church”

When were you most alive, most excited about your church?

What do you value most about the church?

What three wishes would you m ake for the future of the church?

Children and Youth (critical to future, lack of adult interaction)

Unity (lack of loving relationships, moving from “I” to “We”)

Fellowship (We do this well, improve communication, “think next size.”)

Worship (previously source of conflict, now enthusiastic and participative, moving from “me” to “God”)

How can we become:

Like minded, Have the same love,

And be one in purpose?

Entrenched leaders relinquish control

Community soccer league on property

Envisioning senior housing project

50 adults help with VBS

New worship leader

Attendance is UP