Congregational Transformation

" . . if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation;
the old has gone, the new has come !"

What is transformation?

"I am about to do a new thing. Do you not perceive it?"

(Isaiah 43: 19)

Transformation is–a commitment on the part of a congregation to be constantly looking for the new things that God is doing in our midst and to welcome and participate in them.

Transformation is–a process by which these new things can be discerned.

Transformation is–the renewal the Holy Spirit can bring about as a result.

Why should our church consider transformation?

The transformation process can lead to new vitality for a congregation. Churches already participating in the program have gained an increase in spiritual energy, vision and passion, increased membership and worship attendance, new mission and outreach programs, improved finances, and in the case of one church, a new fellowship hall.

Isn't transformation just for churches that are struggling or "in trouble?"

By no means. Transformation is for any congregation that believes it can be more than it presently is.

What are the criteria for becoming a transforming congregation?

Faith that God "can do anything–far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams" (Ephesians 3:20, The Message) and a desire to dream wild dreams about the Church's mission.

A willingness to enter into a covenantal relationship with the presbytery that contains the elements identified below and to follow a mutually-agreed upon visioning process which will engage the 5 dynamics of transformation.

Patience to take the time to discern "what is the hope to which he has called you" (Ephesians 1:18, New Revised Standard Version).

Openness to whatever and whomever God sends.

Energy and commitment to do what you can to make the dreams happen.

A willingness to change.

The pastor's wholehearted commitment to transformation.

How do we begin?

The session invites one of the presbytery's Consultants for Congregational Transformation to present the presbytery's transformation program to them and then votes to enroll in it.

What does this program include?

A covenant stating the expectations for the church, the pastor, and the presbytery is mutually agreed upon. This covenant includes:

• provisions for the establishment of a representative visioning team to oversee the process
• attendance at retreats led by the Consultants for Congregational Transformation at the beginning and mid-point of the process
• participation by the pastor in a presbytery-facilitated pastor's support group
• attendance by congregational leaders at transformational training events conducted by the Consultants for Congregational Transformation

The visioning team leads the congregation through a process that focuses on 5 dynamics that have been identified as normative for successful transformation:

• Creating spiritual energy for transformation
• Coming to terms with the congregation's past and present identities
• Re-engaging the community around the church
• Building a ministry plan
• Funds Development

The Consultants for Congregational Transformation work with the visioning team to identify the transformational modalities which will best help them to engage the 5 dynamics.

The Presbytery of West Jersey

1701 Sycamore Street

Haddon Heights, NJ 08035

856-547-5100

Your Consultants for Congregational Transformation:

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