Monday, January 25, 2010

The Apostolic Congregation


With great thanks to Dr. George Hunter...here are some of the features that identify a congregation that is alive, vital and clearly looking toward the future with apostolic eyes!

By the way, George Hunter's new book called The Apostolic Congregation, Church Growth Reconceived For A New Generation is well worth the read. It is a wonderful summary of where we have been with a focus on a growing future!

An Apostolic Congregation


* Has congregational eyes, heart, and mind that are always focused outward toward the needs of pre-Christian people

* Organizes ministry around a staff leadership team that is responsible for motivating and training others for hands-on-ministry

* Intentionally shifts away from the 'chaplain' model of ministry into a multifaceted gifts-based congregational ministry team that includes paid and non-paid staff

* Has a strategy for providing excellence in teaching, worship, preaching, and prayer

* Understands that the 'harvest field' has changed

* Stands firmly on traditional faith with flexibility in how that faith is delivered and shared with the congregation

*Intentionally seeks to be aware of the current culture, climate and needs in the missional neighborhood

* Desires to involve as many people as possible in direct hands-on ministry

* Looks to mission ministry as a primary training ground where all people are mission senders or mission goers...but always seeking to reach the local neighborhood

* Is constantly learning how to create growth and discipleship opportunities for people in the areas of personal faith, relationship building, leadership, and life skills

* Sees the future as a positive and passionate possibility that is filled with hope...they are 'horizon' people who are always looking for the next opportunity

* Is lead by leaders who are flexible, spiritually alive, and constantly learning

* Allows for and welcomes change, adjustment, and new opportunities that will bring hope to others

* Understands how social networks and key relationships help bring people to faith

* Realize that commitment to Christ is not the end goal, it is the beginning

* Has a model for ministry that includes solid Biblical stewardship teaching

* Looks to the establishment of new congregations and fresh ministries as a primary goal

* Understands the power of excellence, the motivation of innovation, and the potential that arises from anticipation, preparation, and holy unrest

* Has a solid theological understanding of the Bible and the teachings of Jesus.

No comments: