1. Seek Significant God Encounter

1. Seek Significant God Encounter

Top 3 ways to surprise people:

1.) Hide behind a door and yell boo!

2.) Stick a sharpened pencil on their chair.

3.) Dress up in a gorilla suit and hide in the closet.

10 Strategies for Leading Change

1. Seek Significant God Encounter

2. Love one another.

3. Love Your Community

4. Treat Urgency as a Gift.

5. Collect (and deploy) Bright-Eyed

People.

6. Make a few helpful Bold Moves.

7. Create legend on the Community

Grapevine.

8. Hold Difficult People Accountable.

9. Show up at the Parties.

10. Trust God and Expect Great Things!!

Ways to use The Surprise Factor

Practical Uses for The Surprise Factor:

1.) Training for New Appointments

2.) Resourcing for Turn-Arounds

3.) Pre-ordinationTraining 4.) Lay-Clergy Events

Moving Your ChurchToward Vitality

Kim ShockleyTeam Leader

Toward Vitality research [email protected]

What is Vitality?• The continuation of a meaningful or

purposeful existence• The power to live or grow•Our end result: Congregations who put

their energy into a intentional desire to grow disciples of Jesus Christ are vital.

Ecclesiastes 4:12Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (NIV)

A Cord of Three Strands•A pastor who is not afraid to lead

• Lay people in leadership who will work as a team

•A sense of purpose or vision that comes through prayer and discernment

Evangelical UMC – Billings MT

Yellowstone Free Store

Congregational Characteristics

for movingTOWARD VITALITY

•Focus• Intentionality•Attitude adjustment (2 specific)

Focus and Intention

True no matter the size, location, theological style or ethnicity of the congregation.

Obstacles to Change

• Fear and Anxiety •Not recognizing the need for change• Finances• Facilities•UM Structure & System

Amberson UMC - Spring Run PA

Amberson UMCSunday School Picnic

Overcoming Obstacles•Communication – inclusive, transparent,

consistent communication• Listening•Prayer•Celebrating baby steps•Persistence over time

First UMC – Williamsport PA

Evangelical Center - Sanctuary

Life Center Worship

North Campus Worship

Spiritual Disciplines•Prayer!•Bible study•Worship practices•Desire to deepen spiritual practices•God language

Belle Plaine UMC - Kansas

Dinner Crew

Toward Vitality

Halifax UMC’s Youth Center and ROCK Solid Worship

Halifax, PA

Summary Themes•Vision and Purpose gives FOCUS

•Clergy leadership gives IMPETUS

• Lay leadership are the HANDS AND FEET of change

Summary Themes•Overcoming obstacles are the HARD

WORK

• Spiritual disciplines are the MOTIVATORS

•Resources are the HELP

More information• The full Toward Vitality Report is available

• http://www.gbod.org/lead-your-church/toward-vitality-research-project•www.epicentergroup.org – for study

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