Conference on the Present
On a Sunday night in late August, 64 members of our church gathered to talk about the things we do that fulfill God's will. That group identified the following issues to be considered as we discern God's will for us in this community.
Growth
Our community has faced exponential growth in the past ten years creating a broader missional context for our church. This growth has created conflicting opportunities and priorities. This is evident in our growing youth presence, lack of opportunities for elderly, a more mobile community, increasing demographic diversity, "stretched" church members, and grappling with ways to reach out into this changing community.
Connectedness
Church members desire a sense of connectedness with one another in purpose, relationship, and support. In a growing congregation with three services, the feeling of connectedness is more difficult. The challenge is also evident outside our walls with feeling connected in a growing community. Our current members want a deeper and broader connection and those that have been away want to feel reconnected on their return.
Economic Issues
The financial needs and concerns we face as a church body and as individual families impact our abilities to give. We see a growing distinction between affluent and non-affluent.
Technology/Communication
Ever-changing technological opportunities and communication options are vital parts of the context our church lives within. This key issue creates opportunities and concerns within the congregation and our community.
Stretched resources
We are an increasingly busy society that puts strain on families, individuals, our church body, and our community. Lack of transportation options, the increasing size of our community, the connectedness of the "corridor," the increasing numbers of "latch-key" kids, in addition to numerous distractions competing for our energy and time all result in competing pulls on people's time.
Changing values
A key emerging issue includes changes in societal morality, values, and ethics. This impacts our congregation, community, and the larger world.