Great start. Without a target - you have nothing to aim for - so I like the target. But my concrete mind needs to know how do we get from today to 5 years from now.
Has there been any discussion of steps for each year to reach these goals?
Again, thank you - everything has to have a beginning and I think you will get a lot of support once you start to communicate definite steps people can take to help.
Rosanne
Post by Jason for Dorothy:
I'm excited about the new vision statement of the church!
One suggestion I have for the elder board:
Go through the directory and approach every young family currently attending SWBC on a regular basis. Ask if they would mind sitting down during the Sunday School hour (so that there's childcare and also to minimize the amount of time that the elders need to be away from their own families) with 2-3 of the elders in order to get that couple's opinions of ways to help our church to be the kind of church that attracts people like them, in areas such as:
Music/Worship
Preaching
The Sunday Morning Experience
Sunday School
Small Groups
Fellowship Opportunities
Outreach/Missions
Adult Activities/Programs
Kids' Programs
etc
and find out what they think we are currently doing that is good for reaching people like themselves, and what are the weaknesses they see in what we are currently doing. Make it comfortable for them to share any weaknesses (whether real or perceived) and listen without judgement or feeling the need to justify what we do now - for example, if someone says that they wish we had more activities for preschoolers, don't point out that we already have Sunday School and Awana, etc. - just get their ideas.
I would also suggest asking each couple if they are interested in being a part of a focus group in the future, which could be used later on for bouncing new ideas/programs off of them and getting their feedback.
Doing all of this will accomplish several things. It will let them know that the elder board is putting their money where their mouth is - they are getting feedback to reach their demographic most effectively. It also gives each person in that demographic a further connection (and hopefully a sense of being more comfortable with) church leadership. Also, it is going to give the elder board a good picture of how that demographic perceives SWBC strengths and weaknesses, and probably give the board a few ideas for ways that we can better reach that age group.
Anyway, this is just my suggestion for ways to get ideas on making our church more "user-friendly" for young families.
Thanks,
Dorothy
To russophile882: you are absolutely correct about the need for strong biblical teaching. It was not mentioned because we feel we already have this. But we certainly don't want to lose it. I will add it to the next update to the plan. Thanks for writing! Jason
First of all, let me say that I think forming a vision is good step in the right direction. I also think that attempting to reach young families is the absolute best thing for us to be doing considering the demographics of both our church and our area. The Elders need to be commended for taking this step.
There is one thing, however, that is very concerning to me. When I look at the vision strategy, I see statements about worship, facilities, programs, and relationships, but absolutely NOTHING about biblical doctrine and teaching. The phrases that describe where we want SWBC to be in 5 years are all well and good IF they are coupled with biblical teaching. If sound teaching is not part of the equation, those phrases add up to a postmodern church whose lack of doctrine results in them being more of a social club than the Church of Christ.
I'm hoping that the reason for this oversight is the fact that biblical teaching is a part of who SWBC is now. But for it to continue to be a part of who SWBC is in the future, it MUST be part of the vision strategy. Otherwise, the things that are a part of the strategy will take precedence and the things that are not will slowly be phased out.
I love sayrewoods. I have two suggestions. First, there need, need, needs to be ALOT more praise and worship days/nights, occasions. i know how hard it is getting everyone together, but its a must! Those praise and worship times reinforce and strengthen our togetherness and oneness in the body of christ!
Also, i think there should be alot more scheduled church/family outings and stuff at the church. I think there should be alot more babysitting opportunities for the parents, and other events that gather the body of believers together to praise his holy name. Other than these two suggestions, Sayrewoods is awesome and I just want to say that I love it!!!
