Self-Study and Church Profile

OUR VISION FOR MINISTRY

Instructions: Step Three: We suggest that you hold a meeting for the Prioritize the areas of ministry that you have leaders of your church. (If the congregation is identified. List the ministries you are currently small, you may consider inviting the whole doing and wish to continue. Then list ministries congregation.) We also suggest you invite you want to start as soon as possible. And your regional consultant (executive minister or finally list ministries you would like to start area minister), interim minister, or other someday in the future. facilitator to aid in the process of determining your church’s Vision for Ministry. Step Four: Identify and list on newsprint the most likely hindrances in your church or community to Step One: accomplishing each of the ministries in Step Ask those present to respond to the following Three. questions, one at a time, listing each answer on a separate three-by-five-inch (or larger) Step Five: card. Identify and list on newsprint how you would like a new pastor to help you in these 1. What are the strengths of our church? ministries. 2. What are the needs of our church? 3. What do we do well? Step Six: Identify and list on newsprint what the church 4. What do our neighbors need from us as is committed to doing to accomplish these a church? ministries. (Include the leadership gifts and skills in your congregation.) Step Two: Group the responses that relate to one another Step Seven: so that each grouping becomes an area of As the Search Committee, use this information ministry – one that is currently happening, or to determine the skills you need from your one that the church would like to see happen. pastor and to describe your church’s ministry goals and vision to pastoral candidates.

Calling An American Baptist Minister CHURCH REFLECTIONS 8