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Summit on Congregational Transformation

February 10, 2009

Around forty people with a passion for the transformation of congregations gathered for a national summit of the PC(U.S.A.) in Louisville, Kentucky for three days of exciting conversation.

In late January, the office of Church Growth of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) hosted a three day summit on congregation transformation in Louisville. Participants included pastors, denominational national and regional executives and church consultants who share a common passion for the transformation and vitality of congregations and denominational regions. Led by consultant George Bullard, the conversation ranged over a variety of topics relevant to the task of transformation from simple definitions to the complex issues in making this a defining passion of the whole church. Some of the insights include the following:

Congregational Transformation is:
Centered in Outwardly Focused Missional Faith Communities That
Embody Passionate Spirituality and
Embraces Adaptive Challenges.
 
Congregational Transformation is Connectional and Recognizes Partnership and Collaboration
(which is a formal way of saying transformation doesn't happen by itself and interactions with others is a key component of the process).
 
Several groups brainstormed characteristics of a transformational church. Here is one list:
 
  1. Rigorous spiritual life
  2. Expectations of a new future
  3. Dissatisfaction with the present – if no urgency nothing will change – based on what God is calling us to.
  4. Leadership core willing to make and stand behind tough decisions
  5. We are here for those who are not here – hands on mission
  6. Willing to re-invent – with permission to do so and able to handle those who do not offer permission
  7. Laughter – good spirit
  8. Reaching new disciples