What is a Vital Church?
“And Jesus said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 NRSV
| Definition: A Vital Church is a congregation who puts its energy and resources into a purposeful desire to follow Jesus, make disciples and transform the world. |
Five Behavioral Characteristics of a Vital Church We believe vital congregations exhibit these five things:
- Vision that emerges from prayerful discernment asking God, “What do you want to do through this church to reach your people in this community?”
- Inspirational worship that flows out of deep love for God and invites people to open their minds and hearts to the reality of God’s love for them
- Transformational experiences that encourage people grow in Christ and share their faith in relational ways
- Awareness of the ever-changing culture and community around us and being adaptive in our faith-filled responses
- Loving God and loving others as the most tangible signs of life and faith.