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Congregational Life: Vision, Mission & Identity: Vision

tools for listening to God, generating new vision, developing a mission and empowering communal embrace of congregational identity

Books & Study Guides

2020s Foresight: Three Vital Practices for Thriving in a Decade of Accelerating Change     Picture of The Adept Church          CHURCH AFTER: Finding transformation in unexpected change by [Mitchell Hall, Anna]     Picture of The Innovative Church     Jesus on Main Street               A More Perfect Union: A New Vision for Building the Beloved Community           The Space Between Us     Staying Awake: The Gospel for Changemakers     Cover of Discovering God's Future for Your Church showing a blank wooden signpost          

Webinars & Studies

All In | Series Resources

Reimagining Our Common Ground for the Collective Good

The church - every church - faces new challenges, imagining what church looks like moving forward from 2020. The Courageous Church Online Summit, dives into leading questions on vision, identity, leadership, and hope, hearing from leading voices and provocative thought leaders on the next best steps for a vital progressive faith movement. 

Thriving Beyond COVID is a scripture-based small and large group study that will encourage, inspire, and challenge members and get them in a positive frame of mind for your post-COVID journey. Challenges can be managed with faith and a plan. This two-minute video is an introduction. A leader guide, small and large group participant guides, as well as videos are available for free download here.

Strategic Planning from Convergence includes:

  • Organizational Assessment
  • Congregational Creative Solve Sessions
  • Strategy Formation
  • Strategic Plan Development

Blogs, Podcasts & Articles

Photos of Mikka McCracken and a person holding paper dolls in a chain

Innovating to Reach More People

How can innovation help congregations reach new and younger people? Lewis Center Director F. Douglas Powe Jr. interviews Mikka McCracken about innovation, building relationships, and creating person-focused ministries so more people know the way of Jesus and discover community, justice, and love.

Rural church with a red roof

“Building Thriving Rural Congregations” featuring Allen Stanton

How can rural churches break free from false narratives and unrealistic metrics? Allen Stanton lays out a new vision for healthy rural congregations as valued stakeholders and potent agents of change within their communities.

Jessica Guleth wonders, "What does it look like for the voices of our youth to be invited in, heard and included in the ways we do for adults? What needs adjusting in our minds and hearts to see and hear them as members?" in The Future of the Church Is Young.

What Now?

Tools for Engaging the Post-Covid Church is a suite of practical resources created for pastors as they navigate the impacts and realities of COVID19. Sign up here.

Clinton AME Zion Church

3 Indicators of a Thriving Congregation

Allen Stanton says rural churches need better indicators of what it means to thrive. He outlines three characteristics of vital rural congregations able to lead the wider community toward the Kin[g]dom of God.

People working together for new ideas

10 Ways to Cultivate a Creative Culture

How can you cultivate a creative spirit that will carry your ministry beyond the pandemic? Phil Cooke describes 10 ways to nurture a culture that embraces new vision and potential.

Question marks

New Questions for a New Day

The pandemic presents an opportunity for churches to reframe their thinking and reboot their vision. 

    Living Lutheran

Construction person holding rolled-up drafting papers

When Churches Engage the World of Business

By  On 

Audrey Warren led First UMC Miami toward a new vision anchored in the redevelopment of its property with a commercial real estate partner. She offers tips to churches considering more entrepreneurial ways of financing ministry.