The major work of the Vital Churches Institute is the Acts 16:5 Initiative bringing fresh vitality to denominational regional areas and to congregations whether they are small or large, flourishing or floundering.
In his March 3, 2011 blog entry, Michael Kruse describes his own experience attending the launch event of the Acts 16:5 Initiative in the area around Kansas City...
As someone who has read tons on congregational transformation and seen many models come and go, and as someone who spent almost a decade working for transformation in a congregation that finally dissolved, and as someone who has consulted and participated with other struggling congregations, I come with some skepticism toward transformational programs. My impression is that Vital Churches has incorporated the best of what has been learned from previous transformational efforts. I think a key piece they offer that fills a critical gap in other processes is the development of a cohort of congregations who go through the process together with periodic input by a coach over an extended period.
Michael is the chairperson of the General Assembly Mission Council of the Presbyterian Church ((U.S.A.) which is the group that works to implement the policies of the denomination's top governing body, the General Assembly.
Check out his post: http://www.krusekronicle.com/2011/03/the-acts-165-inititative.html
Thanks for the link. You all do awesome work!
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