Spiritual Strategic
Journey
Congregational
Redevelopment
Tutorial
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Choices Within the Journey What is the essence of this choice? Choose to become a congregation that worships in multiple locations. Develop worshiping communities at various sites within a reasonable travel distance of a main campus in an attempt to reach various communities of people or target groups. Often the activities offered at each site will differ according to the needs of the community or target group, and the capacity of the primary congregation to provide leadership. This model is primarily where a base congregation sponsors satellite worshiping communities or congregations, but maintains an organic, collegial, or partnership relationship with the various locations. At the same time variations exist. Some multiple sties are within the same geographic community, and are simply developed out of the necessity of having a place to do different types of worship, discipleship, and fellowship that cannot be accommodated within the primary facilities. Other sites are strategically located around a metropolitan area to reach same or similar target groups of people who are attracted to the style of worship, discipleship, and fellowship characteristic of the primary congregation. Who ought to consider this choice? Congregations that are out of space in their primary location, Congregations that have a strong appeal to people who must travel more than 20 to 25 minutes on Sunday morning to get to their location, Congregations that want to reach communities of people or target groups who are significantly different from the primary congregation, Congregations that want to venture out with a radically different congregational model than they are now practicing without disrupting their current pattern, Some congregations where the leadership feels that it needs to relocate, but the congregation is not ready to accept this choice, start worship services in other locations to enable them to continue to grow while the core congregation takes time to consider their longer-term choices. Is the choice to worship at multiple sties primarily a choice for very large congregations? Absolutely not! Congregations of 80 to 85 in worship attendance easily qualify. It is an excellent method for midsize congregations to expand their ministry. Any congregation who would consider a second worship service, could conduct that worship service at a different site if it would enhance the style, quality, or ability to reach a chosen target group. What are strategic change and transition issues to address? Examples of this choice:
Worshiping at multiple sites allows for experimentation with radically different worship, discipleship, and fellowship styles. It allows for a schedule of activities that competes with or compliments the schedule at the primary campus. It empowers a congregation to reach diverse groups of people that they could not reach because of the bounded culture present at their primary location. Worship at multiple locations also allows for a primary congregation to partner with congregations that are generally smaller, very focused in who they are seeking to reach, and in need of a relationship with a larger congregation for the provision of various support services to carry their ministry. This has been an effective model in urban areas for a multi-cultural partnership of congregations. Harmony can be maintained as the ministerial staff from the primary location also provides leadership at the satellite locations. Often when the satellite locations are created because the primary location is out of space, or the satellite location is more than 20 to 25 minutes away, the attempt is made for the senior pastor to preach at least two, if not three, locations.
What are essential resources to have available to embrace this choice? Readiness, including a sense of urgency. Case studies to observe and from which to learn. Discover and dialogue with congregation who have made this choice at least five years ago is essential. Knowledge of the strategic actions called for by this choice.
A vision incorporated into a future story of the congregation’s potential. A minimum critical mass of leadership, including a Minister of Missions. Faithful, effective, and innovative actions. Coaching from a Christian coach. Does this choice fit your congregation? If you think the answer is "yes," click the Next button underneath It fits. If you're not sure, or you think the answer is probably "no," click the Next button underneath Look further to select another option from the full list of choices.
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