Congregational Discussion #2

Last Sunday we met for the second time and discussed the vision of the church, all centered around the Benediction that we say together every week. The sermon text came from 1 Corinthians 12, which offers a picture of what the church is intended to be like. Verses 6-7 reads,

6 There are different ways God works in our lives, but it is the same God who does the work through all of us. 7 A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church.

God is at work in all of our lives and he gives each of us gifts to share and so to build up the church.

After discussing all of this, we really centered on one concept that would provide a compelling focus for the church-- empowering people for service.

We brainstormed several other ways to express this, including:

• Discovering God and empowering people to grow and minster
• Growth and Ministry Through Christ
• Empowering people to discover their gifts

The vision is for a church that helps people discover the God who is present and active in their lives, the God who wants to work through them in the lives of others. It is a church that then equips them to discover their purpose in God, giving them the training, the skills and the opportunities to do what God is calling them to do.

Can you imagine the impact a church like that could have? A church where each person was contributing their own unique gifts and abilities, all for the common good? That would be a powerful force!

We outlined a three step process of moving people from wherever they are to where God wants them to be.

1. Discovering God--This would be an exploration of the foundation of faith, the good news about Jesus Christ. This would be new to some people who are discovering God for the first time. To those who are already following him, it would be a chance to become comfortable telling that story for themselves.
2. Discovering Grace-gifts--This stage would be a combination of teaching about God's gifts, assessment tools and conversations to help each person discover their God-given gifts and resources.
3. Discovering Community--This is where people plug into to the church. If they are ready to serve, it might mean joining a ministry team where they can use their gifts and benefit the church. It could also mean joining a small group for common study, encouragement and growth.

We plan to meet again after church on July 13, in order to finalize the wording of the vision.

What's in a name?

We also started something new -- a quest for a new name. When God called Abram, he became Abraham. When God called Sarai, she became Sarah. When God called Jacob, he became Israel. When God called Saul, he became Paul. As we believe that God is calling us to something new, and we are experiencing a new beginning, a new name is in order. Here were some of the ideas to get you started thinking:

• Discovery Church
• Clayton Disciple Church
• Inspirational Church
• Church of Empowerment
• The Vine Church

Bring your ideas on the 13th.