The Vibrant Church

In the last e-blast the question was asked,” Who Are We Becoming?” It is my hope that you thought intentionally about this question. Have you ever thought about your church being vibrant? Have you thought about your Church being a well-oiled machine from worship, ministry, and administration? Of course, there are times when we need to reimagine the effectiveness of the local church? What is the local Church called to do and become as we envision the pulpit and the pew working together helping the Church to live its best life.

Vibrant Church Initiative

The “Vibrant Church Initiative” (VCI) is a look at what we have and what we need as well as all the resources that are essential for goals set forth to assist the local Church. In some ways, this initiative may be viewed as something of an umbrella wherein the goals on discipleship, stewardship and community outreach are teaming up to offer our local and connectional church a holistic approach towards revitalization of many of our congregations. Pastors and local churches will intentionally focus on both their ministry within the life of the congregation with an outward mission and vision towards their own community context. Leaders must examine the local church and themselves from a critical lens to see who they are, given their respective make-up and context as they seek what they do best and how they will be the church given the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

Back to the Basics

            The vibrancy of the Church is given by Jesus the Christ who shares with his followers the desire to have a vibrant faith. A basic tenet of vibrancy is life, and this life should be more abundant. The local congregation which understands the power of the great commission (Go) and the great commandment (Love) must understand the urgency of the Vibrant Church Inactive.

How do we envision the ministry process bringing both the internal and external community of each congregation? Its aim is to assist a pastor and local congregation to both name and own who they are and who God’s Spirit is leading them to become. We can no longer overlook persons of all ages in the communities where we have a presence and potential presence. Worship needs to become more energized with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Hearing the Clarion Call

            Yes, every Church can be a vibrant church! However, people, process and procedure will be different in each context. How bad do you want it? Begin now, take note of what you do well, take note of the areas the congregation struggle with. Be completely transparent and become vibrant together.

 

Rev. Dr. Leon C. Moore, Jr.

General Secretary of Evangelism and Missions

Pleasant Hill CME, Conyers, GA