Fifteen years ago Thomas Presbyterian Church was a midsized congregation, settled into the countryside of southwestern Pennsylvania. This group of social friends had fun together, worshiped together and had begun stretching into missional outreach. Since then we have become a Christ-centered, disciple-making, welcoming, and mission focused congregation. From 1996 to 2006, we grew from 240 members to 398, and our annual income grew from under $100,000 to over $240,000. An ambitious building expansion and renovation project was also completed. We developed new ministries and added part time staff to not only bring growth but to provide for the spiritual needs of those God added to our faith family.
When the Acts 16:5 opportunity was presented to Thomas Church, we were at the tail end of a 2 year visioning process and at the beginning of a three year "all hell breaking loose" era. The time to make deep systematic changes coming out of Acts 16:5 materials coincided with a volcano of deep conflict boiling over within Thomas’ leadership core. The source of the conflict was totally unrelated to the Acts 16:5 process or materials. Instead, like most congregational conflict, the underlining issues were around who held power and influence. More about this dynamic in part two of this article.
There were several transformational changes already happening that Acts 16:5 affirmed and expanded.
1. We moved from "committees" to "Planning Teams"...85% of them have developed their own Vision statement, Goals, and Team member "job" /ministry descriptions
2. The "With- me" principle birthed a whole new set of Christian Education leaders (With-me principle based on Mark 3:14)
3. We launched four rounds of startups for new small groups
4. We "blessed" a long standing ministry to senior adults and "added" a new ministry....{the former has since ceased while the latter continues}
5. VBS is seen and planned as a major outreach to the community and not just providing for our own kids.
6. We have strengthened our "communal" ministry by a layered approach to caring for the needs of our congregational by implementing or using: Small groups, Deacons, Stephen Ministers, Prayer Chain, Healing services, Pastoral care.} An article describing these layered ministries is published regularly, so people can see where help is available.
The Thomas' Acts 16:5 Vision Team not only faithfully participated in the training seminars but also worked to make Stan's teaching materials work for Thomas.
The Presbytery Clergy Support groups were especially helpful to me in changing established congregational norms in a way that honored both Christ and the traditions of Thomas Church. My colleagues asked excellent questions that helped me clarify my goals and they held me accountable to follow through on my established next steps.
In Christ - Reverend Linda Jaberg
