Congregational Vitality
Every church and mission, whether small or large, is important. The goal of the new Minister for Congregational Vitality is to grow churches in strength, vitality, and joy-filled ministry. The collaborative effort between the Rev. Shirley Smith Graham and diocesan churches to boost Congregational Vitality will extend across the diocese, from the mountains to the waterways, from DC to Richmond. This work will help congregations see themselves clearly and describe their vital signs and markers for thriving. It will aid the diocese in developing a shared language to support congregations in realizing their full potential and finding ways to collaborate with one another. It will also assist churches and their leaders in discerning their current call as a congregation, specifically within the context of their neighborhoods, and in developing meaningful relationships with the Church.
In the Diocese of Virginia, we collaboratively provide coaching and support to worshipping communities so that they
- Describe and demonstrate their identity as disciples of Jesus following the Episcopal tradition
- Regularly live out their missional purpose in ways that carry them into a sustainable future (people, dollars, buildings)
- Reflect their missional identity and purpose in what they do and how they spend resources
- Develop mature Christians inside the church
- Connect meaningfully with its neighbors and share the light of Christ through acts of mercy and justice inside and outside of the congregation
- Adapt to changes in cultural and neighborhood context as well as the congregation by doing things differently when needed.
The Ministry of Congregational Vitality Happens through
Who
Parish churches, mission churches, and other worshipping communities (i.e., college ministries, adult living centers, camps and conference centers), all orders of the Church (lay persons, deacons, priests and bishops), and diocesan leadership groups (Regional Councils, Executive Board, Standing Committee) as well as resourcing organizations (Commission on Church Mission, Diocesan Mission Society, Virginia Episcopal Real Estate Partners) — in cooperation with the Holy Spirit
Doing What
Working together to empower and equip congregational leaders and their clergy to grow vitality in their congregations. This includes clarifying the church’s missional identity and purpose, leveraging energy and passion, deepening spiritual formation for making mature Christians, providing training opportunities for lay leaders, refreshing understanding of the neighborhoods around the church, strengthening interdependent relationships with surrounding neighbors and organizations, increasing financial and human resources for doing ministry, re-balancing power in outreach ministries, overcoming obstacles that hinder our congregations from functioning well, and encouraging rest and sabbath — in coordination with other diocesan ministries such as Discipleship
How
Using peer-learning, training, coaching, methodologies and tools, creativity, imagination, hopefulness that is grounded in realism, brave and prayerful assessment of what we expect of ourselves, and re-focusing on ministry that gives us joy and strengthens the worshipping community
The Motivating purpose is to develop collaborative communities of disciples who creatively live out the gospel of Jesus in the Episcopal tradition. These communities embody Light, Salt, and Yeast in their churches, their communities, and the world. They focus on nourishing Christians for ministry and strengthening their churches now so that they not just survive but thrive in the future.
Ministry of Congregational Vitality — Map of Activities
The Vitality Listening Tour — listen to and consult with those to be supported
(September 2024 – February 2025)
Tours completed: Upper Tidewater, Southern Shenandoah Valley, North Fairfax, Alexandria
Tours scheduled: South Fairfax, Charlottesville, Central Richmond, Arlington, Northern Piedmont and Culpeper, Fredericksburg, North Richmond, Northern Neck, Potomac, Northern Shenandoah
Tours being scheduled: West Richmond
The Committee for Congregational Vitality begins its work
(January 2025 and continuing)
Understanding the information from the regions and parochial reports and developing an action plan for Year 1 (e.g., identifying and collaborating on continuing education opportunities for congregations, coaching, etc.)
Provide Workshops and Consultations
(January 2025 and continuing)
Assemble Resources for Congregations
(December 2024 and continuing)
Resources
Markers for Thriving Churches Survey
Take this survey with your clergy and vestry leadership and contact Rev. Shirley for a guide on how to focus on meaningful steps toward a stronger future.
Bible Study #1: Four Characteristics of Vibrant Churches, a Brief Bible Study Based on the Gospel of Mark
Mutual Ministry Review: To secure a trained facilitator, please review the 2023-2024 MMR trained facilitators list. Your congregation will work directly with the facilitator of your choice to schedule a Mutual Ministry Review. It is highly recommended that congregations provide their facilitator with a consulting fee (to be negotiated). For further information regarding Mutual Ministry Reviews, contact Canon d’Rue Hazel.
College for Congregational Development: The College for Congregational Development equips lay leaders and clergy in congregational and organizational development. The College is a 2-year initiative that includes readings, facilitation, teamwork, a content exam, and the completion of two projects within each participant’s own congregation. To strengthen leadership within parishes, it is encouraged that churches send groups of clergy and lay leaders to take part in the College as a team. For more information contact the Rev. Shirley Smith Graham.
Development of Collaborative Ministry: There are many ways for two or more congregations to share ministry resources with one another, whether clergy, bookkeeping, or care of property, for example. For more information contact the Rev. Shirley Smith Graham.