Christ Church

Having reflected on the feedback from the whole-church evaluation process, the PCC have identified our emerging vision priorities for our church community over the coming years.

 

The priorities identified will enable us to work towards the long-term objectives of our vision framework.  In fact, the vision framework very much sets the tone for what we want to be and do in the years ahead.

Vision Framework

Long-term objectives

Setting the tone for our priorities

• Developing existing aspects of church
• Exploring new ways of being church
• Resourcing mission-shaped church (church life reaching out to others)
• Journeying further and deeper with God
• Growing an attractive community of all ages

 

 

Vision Priorities

Identified from evaluation material at PCC Vision Day

Direction we are heading in over next 5 years

God is calling us to think “outside the box” and develop ways to “take church to the people”.

To make this possible we will have to identify, encourage and equip a variety of gifts and ministries and encourage “every member” ministry.

We must encourage and enable people to develop their role.

This changes the nature of leadership and of church (from top-down to bottom-up) and requires us to emphasise that all members of our community are of equal value.

To equip us:

We must create a greater freedom in worship within a clearly understood framework that can provide a variety of styles, with a strong sense of openness to God’s leading.  We must create more space to be open to God and to the ministry of His Holy Spirit.

We must help people to understand and experience the power of prayer, raising the profile of the prayer support that is available within and outside our services and providing places for prayer and quietness that are discrete but easily accessible.

We must support each other by developing and building both new relationships and the existing relationships that can be taken for granted.  We must encourage an environment of grace rather than criticism.

To better enable us:

• We want to enhance the integration of church and community to create a sense of ownership of each and so we will, as part of that, encourage more non-Christians to come into the church building.

• We will explore ways of developing the foyer / entrance hall to support our vision more effectively.

 

What next?

How will we put this vision into practice?

The PCC will produce a working vision document:

Strategy

set strategic goals for each vision priority (steps to take)

identify timescale for goals

 

Structure (How we will organise ourselves)

Communication

Staffing

Developing leadership

Decision making

Who will take responsibility for what?

 

Once the vision document is complete...

...we will make it available to everyone and provide helpful ways to remember it, use it and apply it...

It is not going to be a document that never sees the light of day!

 

What can you do?

Imagine where you fit into this vision...

Pray God will continue to shape and lead us

Pray for the PCC

Ask God to show you what part you will play

Own the vision - ‘our vision’

Ask God to help you lay aside your previous expectations of what church should be

Ask not what your church can do for you but what you can do for your church

 

And finally...

Thank you to God - he is clearly moving us forward and has exciting plans for us.

Thank you to everyone who has played a part and added their inspiration and ideas.