Acts 16:5 Initiative: A two-year process for congregational transformation.

"the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers"  [NIV]

God has a transformational future for our congregations – and for each of us personally. The Acts Initiative of our Presbytery is designed to stimulate conversation, imagination, and new directions in the vitality of our shared Christian experience.

We understand the truth of the words of W. Edward Deming, “Every system is perfectly designed to achieve the results its gets.” If we are fully satisfied with the life of our congregation as it is, there is no need to think about a transformational future. However, if we want to grow in the vitality of our worship, our fellowship, and our discipleship, as well as in our missional impact on the surrounding community, then we need to think in terms of ministry design – how do we honor the work of our present ministries and members while creating the new to reach new people?

The Acts Initiative does not offer a simple checklist of things to do in order to grow congregational vitality. Rather, it offers a theology of transformational ministry, essential defining practices, and a wide variety of potential “next steps” that a congregation may take. Since every congregation faces different issues and possibilities, the Acts Initiative involves a great deal of freedom for each pastor, leader, and team in discerning appropriate next steps.

To register e-mail, write, or call Jan Thomas:

jthomas@wifi7.com   Phone:  330.339.5515
109 Stonecreek Rd., NW,  New Philadelphia, Ohio  44663