CONGREGATIONAL VITALITY

Building congregational vitality is intentionally and continuously developing members’ faith such that they actively engage with their community.Congregational vitality is not determined by the size of a church or its budget, but by a church’s faithfulness in demonstrating the love and justice of Jesus. One good test of a congregation’s vitality is to see how its members and neighbors answer the question, “If this church were to close, who would miss it and why?” When a congregation is committed to the work and witness of Jesus Christ, its mission becomes an essential part of the local community. This is the example set by Jesus. He would gather his followers, teaching them and modeling a very different way of life. Then, out of compassion for those in need, he would send them out in mission to teach, heal and confront evil (see Matthew 9–10). This rhythm of gathering and scattering is at the heart of the worship and service of the church: We learn from Jesus and are sent out, then return to experience more of God’s reign of justice, hope and peace. Congregational vitality arises from the development and practice of faith. It leads to church growth and the development of new disciples in communities with large populations.The Office of Vital Congregations has identified Seven Marks of a Vital Congregation:spirit-inspired worshiplifelong discipleship formationoutward incarnational focusintentional authentic evangelismempower servant leadershipcaring relationships

READ

Building Congregational Vitality by Presbyterian Mission Agency

Seven Day Prayer Cycle (download prayer card)

Seven Marks of Vital Congregation overview by Office of Vital Congregations

Seven Marks of Vital Congregations detailed by Office of Vital Congregations

Bible Study - Lifelong Discipleship by Office of Vital Congregations

Bible Study - Intentional Authentic Evangelism by Office of Vital Congregations

Bible Study - Outward Incarnational Focus by Office of Vital Congregations

Bible Study - Empower Servant Leadership by Office of Vital Congregations

Bible Study - Spirit Infused Worship by Office of Vital Congregations

Bible Study - Caring Relationships by Office of Vital Congregations

Bible Study - Ecclesial Health by Office of Vital Congregations

The Life Cycle of a Worshiping Community by Office of Vital Congregations

Godly Play and the Language of Christian Faith by Jerome W. Berryman

Building an Innovative Church by Scott Cormode

A Church Changed by COVID by Sue Washburn

How to Heal the Mass Trauma of COVID-19 by Ed Prideaux

NOTICE

What is your spiritual gift? How are you being called to serve the church?

Your are invited to take an online assessment to learn more about your spiritual gifts. This is different than a personality or work-style test in that it focuses on 22 spiritual gifts as referenced in the Bible. Once you have taken the assessment there will be a description of your top 5 spiritual gifts. You are then encouraged to reflect on how these gifts may be used to build up congregational vitality at FPC.


Take a Spiritual Gifts Assessment


Administration

The gift of administration is the divine strength or ability to organize multiple tasks and groups of people to accomplish these tasks.

Luke 14:28-30; Acts 6:1-7; 1 Corinthians 12:28

Apostleship

The gift of apostleship is the divine strength or ability to pioneer new churches and ministries through planting, overseeing, and training.

Acts 15:22-35; 1 Corinthians 12:28; 2 Corinthians 12:12; Galatians 2:7-10; Ephesians 4:11-14

Craftsmanship

The gift of craftsmanship is the divine strength or ability to plan, build, and work with your hands in construction environments to accomplish multiple ministry applications.

Exodus 30:22, 31:3-11; 2 Chronicles 34:9-13; Acts 18:2-3

Discernment

The gift of discernment is the divine strength or ability to spiritually identify falsehood, to distinguish between right and wrong motives and the spiritual forces at work in situations.

Matthew 16:21-23; Acts 5:1-11, 16:16-18; 1 Corinthians 12:10; 1 John 4:1-6

Evangelism

The gift of evangelism is the divine strength or ability to help non-Christians take the necessary steps to becoming a born-again Christian.

Acts 8:5-6, 8:26-40, 14:21, 21:8; Ephesians 4:11-14

Exhortation

The gift of exhortation is the divine strength or ability to strengthen, comfort or urge others to action through the written or spoken word and Biblical truth.

Acts 14:22; Romans 12:8; 1 Timothy 4:13; Hebrews 10:24-25

Faith

The gift of faith is the divine strength or ability to believe in God for unseen supernatural results in every arena of life.

Acts 11:22-24; Romans 4:18-21; 1 Corinthians 12:9; Hebrews 11

Giving

The gift of giving is the divine strength or ability to produce wealth and to give by tithes and offerings for the purpose of advancing the Kingdom of God on earth.

Mark 12:41-44; Romans 12:8; 2 Corinthians 8:1-7, 9:2-7 65

Healing

The gift of healing is the divine strength or ability to act as an intermediary in faith, prayer, and by the laying-on of hands for the healing of physical, mental and spiritual sickness.

Acts 3:1-10, 9:32-35, 28:7-10; 1 Corinthians 12:9, 28

Helps

The gift of helps is the divine strength or ability to work in a supportive role for the accomplishment of tasks in Christian ministry with the ability to often see the need before others do.

Mark 15:40-41; Acts 9:36; Romans 16:1-2; 1 Corinthians 12:28

Hospitality

The gift of hospitality is the divine strength or ability to create warm, welcoming environments for others in places such as your home, office, or church.

Acts 16:14-15; Romans 12:13, 16:23; Hebrews 13:1-2; 1 Peter 4:9

Intercession

The gift of intercession is the divine strength or ability to stand in the gap in prayer for someone, something, or someplace, believing for profound results.

Hebrews 7:25; Colossians 1:9-12, 4:12-13; James 5:14-16

Word of Knowledge

The gift of knowledge is the divine strength or ability to bring truth to a situation by supernatural revelation. This is often accompanied by a word from God.

Acts 5:1-11; 1 Corinthians 12:8; Colossians 2:2-3

Leadership

The gift of leadership is the divine strength or ability to influence people at their level while directing and focusing them on the big picture, vision, or idea.

Romans 12:8; 1 Timothy 3:1-13, 5:17; Hebrews 13:17

Mercy

The gift of mercy is the divine strength or ability to feel empathy and to care for those who are hurting in any way.

Matthew 9:35-36; Mark 9:41; Romans 12:8; 1 Thess. 5:14

Miracles

The gift of miracles is the divine strength or ability to alter the natural outcomes of life in a supernatural way through prayer, faith, and divine direction.

Acts 9:36-42, 19:11-12, 20:7-12; Romans 15:18-19; 1 Corinthians 12:10, 28

Pastor/Shepherd

The gift of pastor/shepherd is the divine strength or ability to care for the personal needs of others by nurturing and mending life issues.

John 10:1-18; Ephesians 4:11-14; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; 1 Peter 5:1-3

Prophecy

The gift of prophecy is the divine strength or ability to communicate God's truth and heart in a way that calls people to a right relationship with God.

Acts 2:37-40, 7:51-53, 26:24-29; 1 Corinthians 14:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 1:5

Service

The gift of serving is the divine strength or ability to do small or great tasks in working for the overall good of the body of Christ.

Acts 6:1-7; Romans 12:7; Galatians 6:10; 1 Timothy 1:16-18; Titus 3:14

Teaching

The gift of teaching is the divine strength or ability to study and learn from the Scriptures primarily to bring understanding and depth to other Christians.

Acts 18:24-28, 20:20-21; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11-14

Tongues (and Interpretation)

The gift of tongues is the divine strength or ability to pray in a heavenly language to encourage your spirit and to commune with God. The gift of tongues is often accompanied by interpretation and should be used appropriately.

Acts 2:1-13; 1 Corinthians 12:10, 14:1-14

Word of Wisdom

The gift of wisdom is the divine strength or ability to understand and to bring clarity to situations and circumstances often through applying the truths of Scripture in a practical way.

Acts 6:3,10; 1 Corinthians 2:6-13, 12:8