Finding Our Niche
The last post about church vibrancy dealt with a consideration of the roadblocks that can get in the way of a church experiencing vibrancy. We now need to begin to take a careful look at those standing to our right and left inside the walls of the congregation to take an inventory of our gifts, strengths and talents. God believes in your congregation and has placed within you all that is needed to make a difference in your community.
In order for your church to experience vibrancy you must have an understanding of who you are. If you try to do what others have done to reach their community or try to walk someone else's path to vibrancy then you will likely be frustrated. However, if you discover who you are as a congregation you will be close to beginning the journey to vibrancy.
Your path to vibrancy does not have to cost money. I know older congregations with limited financial resources who have found creative ways to use one of their greatest assets (time) to build bridges of ministry to the community. I know those who use their gifts in crochet to make hats and mittens for the homeless. I know congregations near race tracks who use their proximity to have a ministry there. Know who you are and be willing to make a difference and then God will empower your congregation into days of vibrancy.
If your congregation is small or in decline, why not have a potluck and write down all your gifts and abilities? Have someone from your table present to the group what was discovered at your table and see if major themes emerge. Your goal is to discover what ministry possibilities exist in your congregation. We will talk next time about how to determine how to build a bridge between who the congregation is and who the community is. For now, celebrate knowing who God has gathered you to be. Rejoice in affirming the gifts of others. Enjoy your potluck!