Vital Mission Congregations
Path to Fulling Your Congregation’s Purpose
Christ gave to the church leaders and their responsibility is to equip God’s people for the work and ministry of building up the church, the body of Christ.
Ephesians 4:11-12
Purpose/Mission of A United Methodist Congregation
Make new and deepen the faith of all disciples to be loyal to Christ through their prayers, presence and participation in the church, and to engage in ministries of witness, mercy and justice in the world. (Based on the membership vows of The United Methodist Church)
A congregation builds up the body of Christ to serve in the world.
What is vitality?
Vitality is how well a congregation engages its members and new people in the life of the congregation through five vital ministries. Vitality measures how well you inspire and engage people in the ministry of growing faith, building up the congregation and engaging in community hands on mission.
Why is vitality important?
The more engaged your members are, the deeper they grow in faith and purpose and the greater the opportunity for your congregation to thrive.
What are the key measures of vitality?
Vital mission congregations involve people in five vital ministries that grow and engage disciples to build up the body of Christ and serve in the world (Ephesians 4:12 and Acts 2:41-47). These vital ministries also meet the mind, body and soul needs of people. Implementing the five vital ministries meets the needs of people, deepens the faith and engagement of the congregation and creates a healthier and more vital congregation.
The Five Vital Ministries
| Vital Ministry | Vital Verse and Words |
Vital Need | Vital Marker | Vital Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inspiring Worship | Acts 2:47
Revelation |
Transcendence – people need someone that is greater than us, the Creator |
Average Worship attendance is higher than it was two years prior. | Inspired disciples who continue to praise God and grow in faith, service and giving. |
| Small-Group Fellowship and Learning | Acts 2:42 Formation |
Relationships and Growth – people need to be in relationship with others and grow together in mind, body and soul. | The number of Disciples in small groups is equal to or more than 50% of the average worship attendance. | The congregation is deepening in faith and developing strong connections. |
| Hands on Mission | Acts 2:45 Activation Application |
Purpose and Meaning – people’s lives are better when they experience purpose and meaning. | The number of Disciples in hands-on mission is equal to or more than 60% of the average worship attendance. | The congregation is connecting with the community through mercy, justice and witness ministries. |
| New Disciple | Acts 2:41 Cultivation Multiplication |
Significance – because of God’s grace and Christ’s love in my heart, my life has significance to others. | The number of new professions of faith is equal to or more than 5% of the average worship attendance. | The congregation is multiplying faith and belief. |
| Generous Giving | Acts 2:44
Appreciation |
Gratitude – people are blessed by blessing others through generosity and giving. |
Mission Giving is equal to or more than 18% of the church’s expenses. | Sustainable mission. |
What are vital activities and strategies for growing the five vital ministries?
One of the greatest challenges is developing a comprehensive program for each vital ministry for the first time. It requires organizing a team, creating or identifying the resources and materials, recruiting and training people and supporting people as they carry out the ministries. But once leadership has done it the first time, it becomes easier and easier the successive launches of a new season of vital ministries. It is important to assess your congregation’s capacity to launch more than one vital ministry at a time. For some congregations it may take 4-5 years to launch all five. For others it may take 2-3 years to launch all five ministries.
What support is there to grow our vitality and create a vitality plan?
Discover the path to vital mission and ministry! Register now for Pathways to Grow in Fruitfulness and Health and begin your transformative journey today.
Register for Pathways now, and a Pathways champion will be in touch with you shortly. Address all questions to Megan McKay, Resource Manager mmckay@gnjumc.org
Click here to download a list of strategies to improve your vitality today.