Love One Another

As you all should know by now we have been participating in the Vital Congregations initiative of our denomination for the past year and a half, and we will continue to do so for at least the next year. There are 7 marks of a Vital Congregation, and I want to review these here today as we are about to take surveys and I want you to be clear as to what the marks are.

LIFELONG Discipleship Formation

This is in contrast to complacent “Christian” piety, simply teaching good morals, or offering the latest programs.

It’s not about good thoughts and morals, but about creating disciples of Jesus Christ.

Intentional, Authentic Evangelism

in contrast to “jesus freaks”; or “Christian” hypocrisy; or evangelism simply be the job of a committee.

Outward Incarnational Focus

vs. inward institutional survival; closed communities of assimilation/exclusion.

Empower Servant Leadership

vs. the Pastor’s Job; monopolized leadership; hiring the young, energetic pastor to do all the work.

Spirit-Inspired Worship

vs. Self-gratifying worship, stale ritual divorced of meaning, or consumer entertainment worship

Caring Relationships

vs. any other social club; facades, hypocrisy, and judgment of “church” and “religion”

Ecclesial Health

vs. unhealthy dysfunction; toxic environments; obsolete and irrelevant buildings.