Surface to Soul - RYC Strategic Planning

Positioning People for Greater Impact

One of the most critical aspects of a successful strategic planning process is ensuring that the right people are in the right roles. Strategic planning requires a team that is diverse in skills, perspectives, and experience. When the right individuals are in place, the process becomes more effective, leading to a clear vision, well-informed decisions, and sustainable ministry strategies.

LOOK FOR THESE QUALITIES IN YOUR CANDIDATES
When selecting people to participate in the strategic planning process, church leaders should look for individuals who demonstrate the following qualities:

Spiritual Maturity – They have a deep faith, a commitment to prayer, and a willingness to seek God’s direction.
Commitment to the Church’s Mission – They have a strong alignment with the church’s values, beliefs, and vision.
Integrity and Trustworthiness – They are honest, ethical, and committed to the well-being of the congregation.
Collaboration and Teamwork – They work well with others, listen actively, and contribute to group discussions.
Visionary Thinking – They can think beyond the present and imagine new possibilities for the church’s future.
Emotional Intelligence – They possess self-awareness, empathy, and interpersonal skills to navigate difficult conversations.
Open-mindedness and Flexibility – They are willing to consider new ideas, adapt to change, and engage in constructive dialogue.
Problem-solving Ability – They can analyze challenges, propose solutions, and work towards consensus.
Resilience and Patience – They can navigate obstacles without becoming discouraged and understand that strategic planning is a long-term process.
Respect for Diversity – They appreciate different perspectives and recognize the value of diverse voices within the church and community.

LOOK FOR THESE ESSENTIAL SKILLS
Having the right skills is crucial to a well-functioning strategic planning process. Some of the key skills include:

Critical Thinking – The ability to analyze information, identify patterns, and make sound decisions.
Strategic Visioning – The skill to anticipate trends, set priorities, and develop long-term goals.
Facilitation & Communication – The ability to lead discussions, listen actively, and communicate ideas clearly.
Research & Data Interpretation – The ability to analyze church metrics, community demographics, and emerging ministry trends.
Project Management – The ability to organize tasks, set deadlines, and follow through on initiatives.
Consensus Building – The ability to bring people together to develop shared goals and solutions.
Financial Acumen – An understanding of budgeting, stewardship, and financial sustainability.
Conflict Resolution – The skill to navigate disagreements in a constructive and respectful manner.

LOOK FOR THIS MINDSET
A successful strategic planning process requires a particular mindset among participants. The best candidates should embody:

Kingdom-focused Thinking – A desire to see the church thrive in fulfilling God’s mission, rather than personal agendas.
Future-oriented Perspective – The ability to envision and prepare for the future instead of focusing solely on past successes or failures.
Listening and Learning Posture – Willingness to seek input from members, community leaders, and data sources before making decisions.
Courage to Make Tough Decisions – The ability to embrace change and make difficult but necessary choices for the church’s future.
Trust in the Process – Confidence in the strategic planning framework, even when it takes time to see results.

TIME COMMITMENT CONSIDERATIONS
Strategic planning requires a significant investment of time and energy. Church leaders should consider the following:

Availability – Candidates should have the flexibility to attend planning meetings, retreats, and discussions.
Capacity – They should not be overloaded with existing church or personal commitments that would hinder their participation.
Follow-through – They should be willing to contribute between meetings, whether through research, writing, or engaging with the congregation.
Sustainability – The process should not be rushed; candidates should be prepared for a long-term commitment (e.g., 6–12 months or longer).

DISCERNMENT QUESTIONS FOR IDENTIFY THE RIGHT PEOPLE
To select the best candidates for strategic planning roles, church leaders can ask the following questions:

Spiritual and Mission Alignment

How do you see God at work in our church and community?
How do you personally connect with our church’s mission and vision?
How do you approach prayer and discernment when making big decisions?

Skills and Experience

Have you participated in any strategic planning, visioning, or leadership processes before?
What skills or perspectives do you bring that would contribute to this team?
Can you share an example of when you helped navigate change or solve a complex problem?

Collaboration and Communication

How do you handle differing opinions in group settings?
How comfortable are you with giving & receiving constructive feedback?
How would you ensure diverse voices in our planning process?

Commitment and Availability

Given your current responsibilities, do you have the capacity to commit to this process?
Are you willing to engage in meetings, prayer, and additional tasks between gatherings?
What motivates you to participate in shaping the future of our church?

By carefully selecting individuals based on their qualities, skills, mindset, and availability, church leaders can build a strong team capable of guiding the congregation toward a God-honoring, impactful future.

Keep your members engaged and informed. Create a name and logo/image for the initiative to increase people's awareness. Use your website, newsletters, and social media sites to help them prepare for and process the transitions that will be occurring. Use the questions, quotes, scriptures, and metaphors below to raise awareness.

KEY PLAYERS | KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1 | Pastors/Program Staff

Position Overview:
Pastors and program staff provide spiritual guidance, theological insight, and practical leadership throughout the strategic planning process. They ensure alignment with the church’s mission, values, and theological commitments while supporting the congregation’s engagement in the planning process.

Key Responsibilities:

Provide spiritual leadership and biblical grounding for the campaign.
Offer insights to the Vision Team about the church’s opportunities, challenges, strengths, and shortcomings.
Communicate the purpose, priorities, progress, and outcomes of the campaign to the congregation.
Help shape the plan's visioning process, design & implementation.
Participate in and/or facilitate strategic conversations, listening sessions, retreats, and coaching sessions.
Ensure that the church's purpose and missional priorities align with the church’s theological commitments and perspectives.
Champion the campaign's emerging vision; help mobilize the congregational engagement in the missional priorities.

Qualifications

Theological training that's aligned with the church's denomination.
Understanding and skills needed to exercise effective leadership.
Trust among members and leaders they serve.

2 | Church Board/Governing Body

Position Overview:
The church board provides governance oversight and ensures that the strategic planning process aligns with the church’s mission, values, and long-term sustainability. The board helps steward the church’s resources and approves the final strategic plan.

Key Responsibilities:

Select/approve a name, logo, and publicity scripts to raise awareness and buy-in of the campaign.
Offer insights, feedback, and financial oversight.
Help facilitate forums and congregational listening & feedback sessions.
Approve the plan after reviewing its financial and operational viability.
Align the church's budget, policies, structure, and annual goals with the church’s purpose and missional priorities,.
Monitor the plan's pace and progress on a quarterly basis.
Periodically put on a "volunteer hat," assisting with specific projects and tasks related to the campaign.

Qualifications

Experience in governance, finance, administration, or leadership.
Strong commitment to the church’s mission and long-term vision.
Ability to provide high-level oversight the church's policies.
Familiarity with church polity, structure, and decision-making processes.

3 | Strategic Planning Task Force

Position Overview:
The strategic planning task force is responsible for guiding the overall planning process. This group facilitates data collection, engages the congregation, and develops recommendations for the church’s future direction.

Key Responsibilities:

Co-create the campaign collaboration with church leadership.
In partnership with the council/board, select a campaign title.
List timelines and accountable partners for all projects related to the eight planning steps.
Create a communications plan and schedule to highlight planning themes, steps, learnings, and next steps.
Coordinate listening sessions, surveys, and community research.
Compile member/community data; edit for readability.
Create, print & email a Vision Retreat Guide.
Present the final plan to the board and congregation for approval and adoption.
Support implementation efforts and ongoing evaluation of the plan’s progress.

Qualifications:

Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
Experience in strategic planning, ministry leadership, or community engagement.
Ability to synthesize information and facilitate group discussions.
Commitment to prayerful discernment and congregational involvement.

4 | Retreat Facilitators

Position Overview:
Retreat facilitators lead strategic planning retreats and key discussions, helping participants reflect on mission, vision, and priorities for the future. They ensure that the retreat is engaging, productive, and spiritually meaningful.

Key Responsibilities:

Plan and lead strategic planning retreats.
Facilitate visioning/discernment activities.
Provide pre-work to help participants reflect.
Synthesize group input into clear themes and priorities.
Create space for prayerful discernment and dialogue.
Provide task force with follow-up recommendations.

Qualifications:

Experience in facilitation, coaching, and leading.
Knowledge of group dynamics and agile leadership.
Strong communication/conflict resolution skills.
Ability to create engaging, participatory sessions.

DECIDE

What will be our campaign's name?
Who will be the campaign's point person?
Where will we store documents?
When/where will Vision Retreat occur?
Who will keep us on task?
When will we meet with our coach?
Which issues require more listening?
What do we need to learn about our past and present?
What information be shared with members? When? How?
How will we manage transitions and tend to people's loss?

ASSIGN

Set up and give access to stored documents.
Add coach to e-newsletters.
Coordinate communications. between staff/leaders/coach.
Coordinate communications among members.
Send job descriptions, Annual Report, and past goals to coach.
Select interview questions for staff, Board, and focus groups.
Gather/summarize demographic data.
Coordinate Congregational Survey.
Create Ministry Scorecard.
Create congregational history report.
Coordinate interviews with community leaders.
Compile research data into Vision Retreat Booklet
Co-create the Vision Retreat agenda.

ACCESS

Surface to Soul has several worksheets, handout, and surveys you can use to ease your planning and next steps. Listed below are a few of our most frequently requested items. Ask your coach about where you can access these items:

10 Elements that Impact Church Culture
15 Tips for Facilitating Groups
Assess Community Needs and Assets
Assess Your Organizational Alignment
Celebrate, Tweak, Add & Delete Worksheet
Create a Team Covenant
Embed Spiritual. Practices into Daily Life
Learn about Your Local Community
Moderator Roles and Responsibilities
Recorder Roles and Responsibilities

RESOURCES TO INCREASE MEMBER AWARENESS

COMMUNICATION TIPS

These ideas aim to educate, engage, inspire, and involve your church community so that the vision planning process is embraced and supported:

1 | CAPTURE & SHARE CONTENT

Preach a sermon series on vision, calling, and discernment.
Share vision updates during weekly worship announcements.
Include a “Vision Corner” in the church bulletin or newsletter.
Send out a weekly “Vision Snapshot” email.
Post short, engaging videos on social media explaining the process.
Use testimonies from members on why this process matters to them.
Design a visual roadmap or timeline of the planning process.
Create a branding logo and tagline for the process.
Publish FAQs about the vision process on the church website.
Distribute printed materials after worship for people to read at home.

2 | WORSHIP & PRAYER

Include prayers for the discernment process in worship every week.
Host a “Vision Prayer Night” or vigil.
Provide prayer cards or a prayer guide for members to use at home.
Create a prayer wall or prayer station related to the process.
Host a “Listening to God” retreat or worship experience.

3 | LEADERSHIP ENGAGEMENT

Equip leaders to be “Vision Ambassadors” who spread excitement.
Offer short info sessions after church for ministry teams and volunteers.
Feature stories or quotes from board/staff about the process.
Host a Vision Leadership Summit or Town Hall.
Invite leaders to share what excites them about the future.

4 | PERSONAL ENGAGEMENT

Send a church-wide survey to gather input and ideas.
Invite members to write “I dream of a church that…” cards.
Host vision conversation circles or small-group discussions.
Launch a “Share Your Hopes” wall in the church lobby.
Create reflection prompts for individuals and families.

5 | COMMUNICATION & CELEBRATION

Host a “Vision Sunday” with music, testimonies, and a shared meal.
Hold an all-church celebration event marking a milestone.
Involve kids and youth by inviting them to draw or write their dreams.
Use creative arts (music, poetry, murals) to express vision themes.
Invite members to submit a photo that represents their vision for the church.

6 | DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT

Post weekly “Vision Questions” on Instagram/Facebook stories.
Launch a short podcast series or video interviews with leaders.
Use texting to share inspiration and updates (quotes, questions, scriptures).
Create a page or microsite dedicated to the vision process.
Host a virtual town hall or listening session for those who can’t attend in person.

7 | STORYTELLING

Share “God-at-Work” stories that highlight current impact.
Create a “Vision Wall” with member stories, prayers, and dreams.
Highlight stories in worship that align with emerging vision themes.
Invite people to share how they’ve experienced God’s leading.
Create a simple story submission form (paper & digital) for members to share testimonies, volunteer highlights, or impact stories.
Assign a volunteer photographer or videographer to events to regularly capture high-quality images and footage.
Conduct monthly interviews with members, staff, or community partners to gather powerful personal stories.
Host “Storytelling Sundays” or share one-minute video stories during services.
Encourage staff and volunteers to document wins, small and big, as they happen.
Center content around real people and real impact—use names, faces, and emotions.

8 | VISUAL TOOLS

Use infographics to explain complex information simply.
Provide posters and slides showing progress and participation.
Create a short explainer video with visuals and a clear message.
Use bulletin boards in key church areas to show the journey.

9 | PARTICIPATORY ACTIVITIES

Offer interactive polls and live Q&A during worship.
Use sticky-note brainstorming walls after services.
Provide art or journaling stations for quiet reflection.
Host intergenerational workshops to spark fresh insights.
Have a “vision box” where people drop ideas anonymously.
Display Scripture passages that are guiding the process.
Celebrate and thank participants along the way!

10 | STORYTELLING TIPS

Create a simple story submission form (paper & digital) for members to share testimonies, volunteer highlights, or impact stories.
Assign a volunteer photographer or videographer to events to regularly capture high-quality images and footage.
Conduct monthly interviews with members, staff, or community partners to gather powerful personal stories.
Host “Storytelling Sundays” or share one-minute video stories during services.
Encourage staff and volunteers to document wins, small and big, as they happen.
Center content around real people and real impact—use names, faces, and emotions.
Tailor messages to felt needs (e.g., parenting help, loneliness, purpose).

11 | STORAGE TIPS
Store for easy access and use. Create a centralized digital asset library (Google/Dropbox) with folders for

Photos (organized by event/year)
Logos and templates
Past newsletters and bulletins
Video and testimony archives
Label and tag files clearly for easy retrieval.

12 | WEBSITE TIPS

Put the most important info front and center: service times, location, how to get involved.
Design for first-time visitors—use language that’s welcoming and free of church jargon.
Keep pages clean and uncluttered with clear navigation and updated content.
Make sure it’s mobile-friendly—over half of web traffic is on phones.
Use real photos of your congregation, not stock images.

13 | SOCIAL MEDIA TIPS

Use video and stories—they outperform static posts in engagement.
Post consistently using a content rhythm (e.g., Motivational Monday, Testimony Tuesday).
Respond to comments and messages quickly—engagement builds trust.
Use hashtags to reach more people and organize content.
Tag people, ministries, or partners to expand reach and show connection.

14 | NEWSLETTER TIPS

Start with a short, warm intro—human tone, not institutional.
Keep sections brief and scannable—use bullet points and headers.
Include one main call to action (sign up, attend, give).
Use compelling subject lines to boost email open rates.
Always link to more info—don’t overcrowd with long text.

15 | ANNOUNCEMENT TIPS (verbal & visual)

Limit to 3 key messages max per week to avoid overload.
Use visual slides with minimal text to support spoken announcements.
Share why something matters before asking people to act.
Feature a 30-60 second story or testimony whenever possible.
Direct people to the website or bulletin for details, not during the announcement.

16 | GENERAL TIPS

Use clear calls-to-action (e.g., “Join us,” “Sign up,” “Pray for…”).
Follow the 70/20/10 rule for content: 70% inspirational/relational, 20% informational, 10% invitational.
Edit for Clarity & Consistency. Establish a style guide (tone, logo use, fonts, colors, voice).
Always include a “next step” and proofread for typos.
Keep key messages short, clear, and focused on one idea at a time.
Design with mobile in mind—most users view content on phones.
Share Across Multiple Channels. Use a content calendar to plan and repurpose content strategically. Customize the message for each platform (short + visual for social, detailed + clear for email/newsletter). Leverage short-form video (Instagram Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts).
Use church service announcements to amplify digital content, not repeat everything verbatim.

COMMUNICATIONS TIMELINE

PHASE 1 | PRE-LAUNCH (Weeks 1-2)

Design logo/tagline for the initiative.
Finalize communications plan.
Record and produce video message from the pastor.
Build and publish webpage with key info and FAQs.

PHASE 2 | LAUNCH (Week 3)

Sunday service announcement from the pastor.
Distribute bulletin insert with overview and visual timeline.
Send launch email with video, vision, and next steps.
Begin social media posts (with quotes, questions, countdowns).

PHASE 3 | LISTENING & ENGAGEMENT (Weeks 4-8)

Promote and host listening sessions and small groups.
Share short stories or quotes from participants.
Use social media to share reflective questions and poll insights.
Midpoint update via email and bulletin.

PHASE 4 | DISCERNMENT & DRAFTING (Weeks 9-14)

Provide brief updates on emerging themes.
Share prayer requests and spiritual reflections.
Video or blog post from task force sharing initial insights.

PHASE 5 | REVEAL & NEXT STEPS (Weeks 15-18)

Share draft vision/plan with congregation.
Host town halls or Q&A forums.
Celebrate milestones and affirm contributions.
Communicate implementation timeline and next steps.

SAMPLE NAMES FOR VISION CAMPAIGNS

Listed below are samplings of what other congregations have named their visioning process. Create a theme that's clear, concise, and easy to repeat.

Awaken the Future
Bold Futures for a Courageous Church
Building a Hopeful Future
Called to Connect
Discover, Discern & Dream
Empowered by Purpose
Equipping the Saints
Forming a Faithful Future
Forward in Faith
God’s Vision, Our Call
Holy Conversations
Holy Imagination
Journey Forward With Jesus
Moving Forward in Ministry
Pathways of Renewal
Renewed for Mission
Rooted & Reaching
Shaped by the Spirit
Sowing Seeds for the Future
Reimagining Church
Voices of Vision
We Are the Church

SAMPLE SCRIPTURES & IMAGES

“Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10
“Your word is a lamp to my feet.” – Psalm 119:105
“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” – Proverbs 29:18
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart…” – Proverbs 3:5–6
“The body has many parts, but one Spirit.” – 1 Corinthians 12
“God is doing a new thing.” – Isaiah 43:19
“Unless the Lord builds the house…” – Psalm 127:1
“Do not conform, but be transformed…” – Romans 12:2
“Let us run with perseverance the race…” – Hebrews 12:1
“He who began a good work…” – Philippians 1:6
“Come, follow me.” – Jesus
“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed…” – Matthew 13:31
“You are the light of the world.” – Matthew 5:14
“Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.” – 1 Samuel 3:10
“Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit.” – Zechariah 4:6
“I will pour out my Spirit on all people.” – Joel 2:28
“Let us not grow weary in doing good…” – Galatians 6:9
“Carry each other’s burdens…” – Galatians 6:2
“On this rock I will build my church…” – Matthew 16:18
“The wind blows wherever it pleases…” – John 3:8
God is the gardener; we are the branches.
Church is a campfire: warmth, light, and gathering.
Faith is a seed—we plant, God grows.
Discernment is like tuning a radio to the right frequency.
The Spirit is our GPS: recalculating as we go.
God often shows up in the margins, not the spotlight.
Discerning is like baking bread—kneading, waiting, rising.
The Church is a mosaic of grace.
Our future is God’s unfolding poem.
Vision is a holy whisper.
Discernment is the pause between the notes.
The Kingdom is like yeast—quiet but transforming.
Discerning is holding a compass, not a blueprint.
The Spirit leads like a river: fluid, not fixed.
God’s will is a pathway, not a parking spot.
A faithful church is a lighthouse, not a fortress.
Sometimes pruning is part of the plan.
The church is a greenhouse for spiritual growth.
Strategic discernment = holy listening + courageous action.
The journey of discernment is sacred ground.
Discerning hearts listen more than they speak.
The Spirit often leads through wilderness.

IDEAS FOR RAISING "VISION" AWARENESS

These ideas aim to educate, engage, inspire, and involve your church community so that the vision planning process is embraced and supported:

Communication & Messaging

Preach a sermon series on vision, calling, and discernment.
Share vision updates during weekly worship announcements.
Include a “Vision Corner” in the church bulletin or newsletter.
Send out a weekly “Vision Snapshot” email.
Post short, engaging videos on social media explaining the process.
Use testimonies from members on why this process matters to them.
Design a visual roadmap or timeline of the planning process.
Create a branding logo and tagline for the process.
Publish FAQs about the vision process on the church website.
Distribute printed materials after worship for people to read at home.

Worship & Prayer

Include prayers for the discernment process in worship every week.
Host a “Vision Prayer Night” or vigil.
Provide prayer cards or a prayer guide for members to use at home.
Create a prayer wall or prayer station related to the process.
Host a “Listening to God” retreat or worship experience.

Leadership Engagement

Equip leaders to be “Vision Ambassadors” who spread excitement.
Offer short info sessions after church for ministry teams and volunteers.
Feature stories or quotes from board/staff about the process.
Host a Vision Leadership Summit or Town Hall.
Invite leaders to share what excites them about the future.

Personal Engagement

Send a church-wide survey to gather input and ideas.
Invite members to write “I dream of a church that…” cards.
Host vision conversation circles or small-group discussions.
Launch a “Share Your Hopes” wall in the church lobby.
Create reflection prompts for individuals and families.

Community & Celebration

Host a “Vision Sunday” with music, testimonies, and a shared meal.
Hold an all-church celebration event marking a milestone.
Involve kids and youth by inviting them to draw or write their dreams.
Use creative arts (music, poetry, murals) to express vision themes.
Invite members to submit a photo that represents their vision for the church.

Digital Engagement

Post weekly “Vision Questions” on Instagram/Facebook stories.
Launch a short podcast series or video interviews with leaders.
Use texting to share inspiration and updates (quotes, questions, scriptures).
Create a page or microsite dedicated to the vision process.
Host a virtual town hall or listening session for those who can’t attend in person.

Storytelling

Share “God-at-Work” stories that highlight current impact.
Create a “Vision Wall” with member stories, prayers, and dreams.
Highlight stories in worship that align with emerging vision themes.
Invite people to share how they’ve experienced God’s leading.

Visual Tools

Use infographics to explain complex information simply.
Provide posters and slides showing progress and participation.
Create a short explainer video with visuals and a clear message.
Use bulletin boards in key church areas to show the journey.

Creative Participation

Offer interactive polls and live Q&A during worship.
Use sticky-note brainstorming walls after services.
Provide art or journaling stations for quiet reflection.
Host intergenerational workshops to spark fresh insights.
Have a “vision box” where people drop ideas anonymously.
Display Scripture passages that are guiding the process.
Celebrate and thank participants along the way!

SCRIPTS TO SHARE

1 | WHAT IS HAPPENING
Our church is launching a strategic planning process to prayerfully discern where God is leading us in the coming years.

2 | WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?
To better understand our current reality, listen to God and each other, and discern how to faithfully live out our mission in today’s world. To ensure we align our resources, ministries, and energy with a clear vision for the future.

3 | WHAT'S THE PROCESS?
The process includes listening sessions, community outreach, data gathering, prayerful reflection, and team discernment.
A task force of diverse church leaders will guide the process with input from the whole congregation.

4 | HOW CAN YOU HELP?
We seek to gather information, wisdom, and perspectives from as many members as possible. You'll be invited to attend listening sessions, focus groups, and town halls. You'll be invite to share your thoughts and ideas during worship, through short surveys sent to you my email, posting information on our Vision Boards and Community maps, sharing recorded messages around missional themes, and participating in community prayer walks/tours/bike rides. We also invite you to pray regularly for wisdom, unity, and vision as seek to discover what God has called us to be and do during the chapter of ministry.

SAMPLE "SOUL" SCRIPT

OUR PURPOSE
Our mission states that “we are a worshipping, learning, serving community welcoming all to the love of Christ.” Our logo represents four pieces of broken glass creating an image of the cross in the negative space that represents that “in our brokenness we see Christ. We believe our world is broken, but loved by God and that we create a safe place for people to explore their faith. We come together to find our common story, and the ways that God is working in it. We know we don’t have it all together, but we trust that God works through the church through the Holy Spirit. Our witness is in a loving, grace-filled God that has promised to walk with us in whatever we face. We believe that when we come together in this manner we see Christ.

OUR PITCH
We're the perfect church for imperfect people.

OUR PASSIONS

Connecting the gifts of our church to needs of the world. We partner with local organizations that support our community, and regularly highlighting these organizations on Sunday mornings.
Extending radical hospitality that helps people build authentic friendships.
Creating joy-filled settings that are playful, prayerful, participatory, and accessible for people of ages.
Helping people experience God's presence in their lives as they seek to follow in the way of Jesus.

OUR PERSPECTIVES (on faith)

The word of God can be found through the Holy Scriptures and is clearly revealed in Christ Jesus.
We know that God can work in ways that are beyond our understanding, but we trust that in our struggle to interpret and dig into God’s word together the Holy Spirit is alive here.
The sacraments are Baptism and Communion and are a means of grace available for all people. We recognize that in each of these practices we see God taking ordinary elements and making them extraordinary through the promises of love, grace, and mercy for all.
We seek to better understand how God is working in our world today through worship, learning and service.
As children of God we believe the best way to live out the promise of baptism is through a life constantly connecting to God’s word, and the world God loves.

MISSIONAL PRIORITIES*

Create a "Deepening Engagement" plan that describes the vision, plan, and specific steps for moving people in our community from first-time visitors to engaged ministry partners who are learning to live and love like Jesus.
Become a storytelling church focused on sharing stories that build friendship and inspire people to live into their callings, transform their community, and share their faith at home and daily life.
Form a Communications Team that develops brand standards for our church, grows our online presence (Facebook, Youtube & podcast), and updates web pages focused on engaging first-time visitors.

Each priority is assigned to a specific team, has a designated leader who is responsible for results, sets annual goals, and reports to the church board on a quarterly basis.