ALWAYS BEING MADE NEW:
THE CAMPAIGN FOR THE ELCA
SYNODICAL RENEWING CONGREGATIONS
STRATEGIES
Evaluation Plan
For
Template
Congregational Vitality
Project
12000 N. Washington St.
#385
Thornton CO 80241
(303) 523-3144
9/12/2016
1
Evaluation Plan
Background
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America awarded funds to this synod for a congregational
renewal project. These funds came from the Always Being Made New campaign. The purpose of
the funds is to allow synods and congregations to experiment with contextually relevant renewal
practices. Lessons learned from these experiments will inform future renewal efforts throughout
the church.
Objective
The objective of this evaluation plan is to help congregations, synods and churchwide organization
understand the impact of each intervention on the participating congregations. This evaluation
uses a Participatory Action Research model. That means information gathered under throughout
the process will be used to provide feedback so that it can be improved as it goes along. This
feedback process will happen both within and across participating synods.
When data are aggregated within each synod and across all participating synods we hope to learn
which kinds of congregations benefit from which kinds of assistance.
Another objective of the evaluation plan is to understand the cumulative impact of campaign
dollars on congregations. This information along with key learnings may be shared with donors as
a form of accountability.
Outcomes
Each grantee agrees to measure the outcomes outlined in the customized Logic Model presented
as Attachment 1. Specific ways for measuring each outcome are also listed.
Reporting
Each grantee will provide three kinds of reports during the life of the grant.
1. Annual Report – due one year after initial grant and each year after that.
2. Mid-term report – due approximately half way through the approved grant cycle
3. Final Report – due two months after the end of the grant cycle.
Forms for each report will be provided by the ELCA and completed by the synod. The final report
will be accompanied by an external analysis performed by Linda Bobbitt using the data collected
from congregations throughout the process.
Evaluation tools for each participating
congregations
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See the timeline for details about when each of these tools is used.
1. Pre-test: Lead Readiness survey (Attachment 2)
2. Congregational Vitality Survey: Pre and Post
3. Leader Reflection: Optional after final training (Attachment 3)
4. Congregation Reflection: After program completion (required), and one year later
(optional) (Attachment 4)
5. Logic Model score sheet (completed based on final reflection) (Attachment 6)
6. Reflection score sheet (completed by DEM and Linda Bobbitt) (Attachment 5)
Data Collection
One time Events
1. Ask each participant to complete a short evaluation at the end of the event. This evaluation
should ask them to name some things they learned and how they plan to use the
information when they return to the congregation.
2. Follow-up three months later with an email asking how they have implemented what they
learned.
3. Use score sheet and logic model to rate responses. Send all score sheets to Linda.
Congregational Renewal Cohorts: Done for each congregation at beginning, and end of
the project
Pretest- before first gathering
1. Complete Congregational Vitality Survey with every congregation participant on a
designated Sunday
2. Leadership team complete Lead Readiness Survey for congregation
3. Pastor confirm average worship attendance and mission support
Final
1.
2.
3.
4.
Complete Congregational Vitality Survey with every member on a designated Sunday
Pastor confirm average worship attendance and mission support
Individual members asked to do the Leader Reflection
Congregational team asked to do the Congregation reflection together
Synod
1. Synod planning team will complete synod reflection at midterm and final
2. DEM and Linda will score each congregation’s reflections on Logic Model Score sheet and
Reflection Score sheet. They will then compare notes and come to consensus on scores for
each participating congregation.
Confidentiality
Unless congregations choose to send information to the synod first, only Linda Bobbitt and other
ELCA research staff will have access to any data that would reveal the identity of specific
participants and/or their congregations. This information will be aggregated for any reports.
Permission will be asked of the participating congregation/individual before information that
identifies the participant it is shared with the synod or wider church.
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The ELCA will retain access to the data from this research for their own purposes outside of this
project, providing they maintain the confidentiality of participants at all times.
Timeline
Action
One-time training events

Complete evaluations and score

Follow-up survey
Start Cohort





Finalize participating congregations
For Fall 2017
Initial Cong. Vitality Survey
Complete Lead Survey
Confirm worship attendance and
giving
Time Frame
At the end of
the training
3 months after
each event
Before first
session
“
“
“
Begin Cohort sessions
Annual report
Mid-term report?
Wrap up Cohort





Final Cong. Vitality Survey
Record final worship attendance &
giving
Final individual reflections
Final Congregational Reflections
Continue cycle of cohorts throughout
project
Final Evaluation
Estimated Due
Date
varies
Half-way
through project
After all
sessions
2 months
after
completion
“
“
“
July 1, 2017, 2018,
2019
January 1, 2018
??
September 1, 2019
Template Synod:
I hereby agree to the evaluation plan outlined in this document.
________________________
Synod Representative
______________
Date
_______________________
Title
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Attachment 1: Logic Model for Congregational Renewal Cohorts
Inputs/Resources
 ELCA Renewal Team

trains the trainers
(regional renewal
teams); the
DEM/trainers train the
congregations
 Grant and synod
provides for
registration/hotel for
synod team and synod
team pays
transportation to
training
 Congregations that
host events provide
hospitality and free will
offering taken for
meals
 Supplies paid for by
synod
Activities/Programs
Renewal activities
Outputs
X congregations
participate in each
cohort
New cohorts each year
Short-term
Difference
Expected of participating
teams:
Establish spiritual
practices
Listening Work
(internal/external) leads
to learning
Experimenting leads to
learning
Reflection leads to
learning
Long-term
Difference
Deeper cong.
connections with God,
each other and world
Theological imagination
expanded – able to
articulate what God is
up to and how they join
God.
Clarified sense of
purpose within God’s
mission – articulate
mission and next steps
Increased engagement
with neighbors
New leaders identified
and engaged
Increased mission
support
Increased worship
attendance
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Measuring Progress Cohort Rubric
Measurement
Evidence that the
Difference is occurring,
but in a MINOR way
Reflection
Leaders describe that spiritual practices
have become part of congregational life and
are now informing their continued work.
Spiritual practices happen but it does
not appear to be informing their
work.
No regular spiritual
practice yet
Reflection
Leaders describe listening activities they’ve
done that are now informing their continued
work.
Listening activities have happened
but are not yet being used to inform
work.
No listening activities
have taken place yet.
Reflection
Leaders describe experiments they’ve done
that are now informing their continued
work.
Experiments have happened but are
not yet used to inform work.
No experimentation
have taken place yet.
Reflection
Leaders describe reflections they’ve done
that are now informing their continued
work.
Reflections have happened but are
not yet used to inform work.
No reflections have
taken place yet.
Reflection
Congregation can articulate their
mission/purpose and has clear next steps.
Vague mission/purpose and/or vague
next steps.
Use reflection score sheet with
1-7 scale (afterward)
Leaders describe shifts in missional
imagination. (score of 6-7)
Progress but transformation
incomplete. (score 4-5)
Congregation cannot
articulate a sense of
mission/purpose.
No shift in imagination,
little or no God
language. (score 1-3)
Reflection
Leaders describe concrete ways they now
engage with their context in a subject to
subject manner.
Some local connections but still
subject/object, transactional or
purely attractional.
No new activities.
Congregational Vitality Survey
at beginning of process and the
end. Annually after
(Measures people in pews)
Reflection
Vitality scores all over 4 or improved from
pre-test. Increases in specific practices or
specific scores. (TBD)
Some improvements, but not
significant from time 1 to time 2
Do change or decrease
New lay leaders are named and specific roles
they’ve played are identified
Lay leaders are named but haven’t
played leadership role yet
No new leaders
identified
Annual report: Average
worship attendance
Worship attendance increases more than 5%
and congregations have enough people to
participate in ministry.
Congregations are holding steady in
attendance.
Worship attendance
decreases more than 5%
Annual Report: % shared with
synod, income/expenses of
congregation
Congregations experience increased
contributions from members. Congregations
increase percentage given to synod.
Some improvements, but not
significant from time 1 to time 2
Congregations’ expenses
are higher than income.
Spiritual practices
Listening
Experimenting
Reflecting
Clear Purpose within God’s
mission & path forward
Expanded Missional
Imagination
Increased engagement in
local context
Deeper cong. connections
with God, each other, world
New Leadership
Worship attendance
Generous Giving
Evidence that
the Difference
has yet to
happen
Evidence that the Difference
is occurring in a MAJOR way
Key Categories
of Focus
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Measuring Progress for Congregations: Score sheet
One sheet for each congregation after project completion
Place an x in the box that best matches the description in Attachment 1
Congregation name: __________________ City:________________ CongID:___________ Date: ______________
Key Categories
of Focus
Spiritual practices
Listening
Measurement tool
Reflecting
Clear Purpose within God’s
mission & path forward
Expanded Missional
Imagination
Increased engagement in local
context
Final Reflection
Worship attendance
Generous Giving
Evidence that the
Difference has yet to
happen
Final Reflection
Final Reflection
New Leadership
Evidence that the
Difference is
occurring, but in a
MINOR way
Final Reflection
Experimenting
Deeper cong. connections
with God, each other, world
Evidence that the
Difference is occurring
in a MAJOR way
Final Reflection
Final Reflection
Final Reflection
Congregational Vitality SurveyLinda will complete
Final Reflection
Annual report: Average worship
attendance
Linda will complete
Annual Report: % shared with
synod, income/expenses of
congregation
Linda will complete
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Attachment 1b: Logic Model for One-time events
Inputs/Resources
o Trainer
o Host congregation
Activities/Programs
 Short term
workshops
Short-term
Difference
Outputs
X people from y
congregations
participate


Did they learn what
you taught them?
Do they have a plan
to use the
information.
Long-term
Difference

2-3 month follow
up – what have you
done with training
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Event Project Evaluation Rubric
After each training, ask members to answer two questions: what have you learned, and what are your next steps (or some variation of
those questions). Collect the responses and ask someone in the synod to read the answers and mark each response using the rating
sheet in Attachment 1. Total the marks in teach box. The total responses in each row should equal the total number of participants.
Key Categories
of Focus
Leaders articulate what they
learned
Leaders have clear ideas of
how to implement
Measurement
Evidence that the Difference
is occurring in a MAJOR way
Evidence that the
Difference is occurring,
but in a MINOR way
Evidence that
the Difference
has yet to
happen
Answer to 2 open ended
questions (immediately after
or at the end of training)
Leaders describe what they have learned in
clear, specific terms. What they learned
corresponds with what was taught.
Leaders have vague ideas of what
they learned or describe things not
taught in class.
Leaders are not able to
describe what they
learned.
Answer to 2 open ended
questions (immediately after
or at the end of training)
Leaders articulate clear next steps
Leaders articulate vague next steps
Leaders don’t articulate
next steps.
Event Project Follow-up
Two months after each training, ask participants to answer the following question: Please describe how you have used _____ training.
(give specific examples of what you have done). Collect the responses and ask someone in the synod to read the answers and mark each
response using the rating sheet in Attachment 1. Total the marks in teach box. The total responses in each row should equal the total
number of people who responded to the follow-up.
Date of follow-up: ______________ Number responding: ___________
Key Categories
of Focus
Leaders implement next
steps
Measurement
Follow-up survey & reflection 3
months later?
Evidence that the Difference
is occurring in a MAJOR way
Leaders can name specific steps they have
taken
Evidence that the
Difference is occurring,
but in a MINOR way
Leaders implemented started
planning but have not yet
implemented action plan
Evidence that
the Difference
has yet to
happen
Leaders did not
implement training.
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Event Project Evaluation Score sheet (one for each event)
After each training, ask members to answer two questions: what have you learned, and what are your next steps (or some variation of
those questions). Collect the responses and ask someone in the synod to read the answers and mark each response using the rating
sheet in Attachment 1. Total the marks in teach box. The total responses in each row should equal the total number of participants.
Date of event: ______________ Number participants:_______ Number responding: ___________
Key Categories
of Focus
Leaders articulate what they
learned
Leaders have clear ideas of
how to implement
Measurement
Evidence that the Difference
is occurring in a MAJOR way
Evidence that the
Difference is occurring,
but in a MINOR way
Evidence that
the Difference
has yet to
happen
Answer to 2 open ended
questions (immediately after
or at the end of training)
Answer to 2 open ended
questions (immediately after
or at the end of training)
Event Project Follow-up
Two months after each training, ask participants to answer the following question: Please describe how you have used _____ training.
(give specific examples of what you have done). Collect the responses and ask someone in the synod to read the answers and mark each
response using the rating sheet in Attachment 1. Total the marks in teach box. The total responses in each row should equal the total
number of people who responded to the follow-up.
Date of follow-up: ______________ Number responding: ___________
Key Categories
of Focus
Leaders implement next
steps
Measurement
Evidence that the Difference
is occurring in a MAJOR way
Evidence that the
Difference is occurring,
but in a MINOR way
Evidence that
the Difference
has yet to
happen
Follow-up survey & reflection 3
months later?
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Attachment 1c: Logic Model multi-session long term individual training programs (not congregational teams)
Inputs/Resources
Activities/Programs
 Training resources
 Host congregation or
site
 Long term
leadership training
Outputs
X people participate
from y congregations
Short-term
Difference
 They learned what you
taught
 They have a plan to
use what you taught
them
Long-term
Difference
 They establish
practices you taught
Theological imagination
expanded – able to
articulate what God is
up to and how they join
God.
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Measuring Progress for long term training: Rubric
Key Categories
of Focus
Measurement
Leader Reflection (immediately
after or at the end of training)
Specific outcome depends on
the class:
Evidence that the Difference
is occurring in a MAJOR way
Leaders describe what they have learned in
clear, specific terms.
Evidence that the
Difference is occurring,
but in a MINOR way
Evidence that
the Difference
has yet to
happen
Leaders meet describe what they
learned in vague terms or do a good
job describing what they learned, but
have not started practicing it yet.
Leaders are not able to
describe what they
learned.
The things they describe match what you
taught in the class.
Leaders describe shifts in missional
imagination scale below. (score of 6-7)
Progress but transformation
incomplete. (score 4-5)
No shift in imagination,
little or no God
language. (score 1-3)
Leaders describe how they have started
practicing what they have learned in their
congregation.
Leaders have expanded
missional imaginations
Leader Reflection (immediately
after or at the end of training)
Leaders have clear ideas of
how to implement
Leader Reflection (immediately
after or at the end of training)
Leaders articulate clear next steps
Leaders articulate vague next steps
Leaders don’t articulate
next steps.
Leaders implement next
steps
Follow-up survey & reflection
Leaders can name specific steps they have
taken
Leaders implemented some next
steps but fell short of initial plan
Leaders did not
implement training.
Describe the individual missional imagination overall change
Based on the individual reflection, indicate the one response that best represents the leader’s movement or lack of movement in missional imagination.
____ This leader is moving in the wrong direction in both attitude and direction. (1)
____ This leader is stuck in the old/unhealthy model– no appreciable movement in attitudes or behaviors. No willingness or ability to work on these things at this time. It may be
the wrong time for this leader to work on leadership skills. (2)
____ This leader is struggling– he or she wants to make progress but feels stuck, conflicted or have substantial barriers that keep them from progressing. Change is needed
(barriers overcome) before he/she will be able to move forward. (3)
____ There has been a positive change in attitude and/or knowledge, but it is not yet reflected in behaviors/practices. He/she appears to be moving in the right direction
without enough barriers to derail the process. It is still early in the process. (4)
____ There appears to be some positive movement in attitudes and behaviors/practices, but the transformation is incomplete so far. (5)
____ This leader has transformed from an old model or unhealthy situation to a predominantly new/healthy model (6)
____ This leader was always and continues to be in the new/healthy model (7)
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Measuring Progress of long term training: Score sheet
Key Categories
of Focus
Measurement
Specific outcome depends on
the class:
Leader Reflection (immediately
after or at the end of training)
Leaders have expanded
missional imaginations
Leader Reflection (immediately
after or at the end of training)
Leaders have clear ideas of
how to implement
Leader Reflection (immediately
after or at the end of training)
Leaders implement next
steps
Follow-up survey & reflection
Evidence that the Difference
is occurring in a MAJOR way
Evidence that
the Difference
has yet to
happen
Evidence that the
Difference is occurring,
but in a MINOR way
.
Describe the individual missional imagination overall change
Based on the individual reflection, indicate the one response that best represents the leader’s movement or lack of movement in missional imagination.
____ This leader is moving in the wrong direction in both attitude and direction. (1)
____ This leader is stuck in the old/unhealthy model– no appreciable movement in attitudes or behaviors. No willingness or ability to work on these things at this time. It may be
the wrong time for this leader to work on leadership skills. (2)
____ This leader is struggling– he or she wants to make progress but feels stuck, conflicted or have substantial barriers that keep them from progressing. Change is needed
(barriers overcome) before he/she will be able to move forward. (3)
____ There has been a positive change in attitude and/or knowledge, but it is not yet reflected in behaviors/practices. He/she appears to be moving in the right direction
without enough barriers to derail the process. It is still early in the process. (4)
____ There appears to be some positive movement in attitudes and behaviors/practices, but the transformation is incomplete so far. (5)
____ This leader has transformed from an old model or unhealthy situation to a predominantly new/healthy model (6)
____ This leader was always and continues to be in the new/healthy model (7)
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Attachment 2 (For congregational teams)
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Attachment 3
Leader Individual Reflection
Please use this form to reflect on the ___(name of your synod project)____ you did with the synod some time ago and
describe has happened since. Your responses will help synod staff and the larger church make changes in the future.
Complete this form by answering information for each line or typing responses in the spaces below each question. Feel
free to use as much space as you need – don’t worry about page breaks.
Congregation/Organization_______________________
CongID: ________________________________
City:___________________
Synod: _________________________________
Date: __________________
Role of person that completed this form: ________________________________
Questions about your participation in this process.
1. Describe your particular role in this process.
2. Describe how you participated in following practices and how those practices have informed your work so far: (If
you have not engaged these practices please say so.)
a. Spiritual Practices (e.g. Dwelling in the Word, Biblical learning, discernment, prayer, etc.)
b. Intentional Listening (e.g. one to ones, appreciative inquiry interviews, focus groups, etc.)
c. Experimenting (e.g. trying new things)
d. Reflecting (e.g. thinking about what happened and what you learned)
Questions about the outcomes of this process.
3. Identify 2-3 discoveries you personally made about yourself during this process. Talk about why or in what way
these were discoveries. (i.e. what information, understandings, experiences, practices, reflections did you gain in
because of process?)
4. Describe how you personally informed or connected people in your own congregation/organization to this process.
5. Describe any new relationships have you personally established with the residents of your congregation’s
neighborhood?
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6. Write 3-5 short statements about yourself based on what you learned.
They will start with “I used to….” And end with “now I…..”
(e.g. I used to (think, feel, have the habit of, have an attitude of, or do) __________;
Now I (think, feel, have the habit of, have an attitude of, or do) __________.)
Moving forward:
7. What did you realize or get reminded of while writing this reflection?
8. In light of this process, what do you think do you think is the best next step for your own development as a leader?
9. In light of this process, what do you think do you think is the best next step for your organization/congregation?
10. Describe anything that might keep you from continuing this journey.
11. Describe what gifts or assets you bring that will help you move forward in God’s mission.
12. How can the synod continue to support you moving forward?
Thank you for reflecting on your experience. Please save and return to: [email protected]
These responses will be shared verbatim with your synod staff so that they can learn from you. Your responses will also be
complied as part of a national research project. Reports from the national project may include descriptions of substance of
your comments and some quotes without identifying specific individuals or groups.
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Attachment 4
Congregational Reflection
Please use this form to reflect on the ___(name of your synod project)____ you did with the synod some time ago and
describe has happened since. Your responses will help synod staff and the larger church make changes in the future.
Complete this form by answering information for each line or typing responses in the spaces below each question. Feel
free to use as much space as you need – don’t worry about page breaks.
Congregation: ____________________________
CongID: ________________________________
City:___________________
Synod: _________________________________
Date: __________________
Person/Group that completed this form: ________________________________
Questions about your congregation’s participation in this process.
1. Describe how you and/or your congregation participated in following practices and how those practices have
informed your work so far: (If you have not engaged these practices please say so.)
a. Spiritual Practices (Dwelling in the Word, Biblical learning, discernment, prayer, etc.)
b. Intentional Listening (e.g. one to ones, appreciative inquiry interviews, focus groups, etc.)
c. Experimenting (e.g. trying new things)
d. Reflecting (e.g. thinking about what happened and what you learned)
2. If coaching was involved in this process, talk about how your team worked with your coach. Describe what (if any)
impact the coaching experience had your work?
3. Please write the names of any new lay leadership that has emerged in this process. Describe what role each person
has played so far.
Questions about the outcomes of this process.
4. In your own words, what is your congregation’s current purpose? (Don’t just cite your mission statement, talk about
what it means. If you don’t have a clear sense of your congregation’s purpose, say “not sure”.)
17
5. Identify 2-3 discoveries your leadership team made during this process. Talk about why or in what way these were
discoveries. (i.e. what information, understandings, experiences, practices, reflections did you gain in because of
process?)
6. In light of this process, share examples of new ways this congregation now actively connects people with…
a. God
b. each other
c. the world (your local context and beyond).
7. Describe any new relationships your congregation established with the residents of your community.
8. Write 3-5 short statements about your congregation based on what you learned.
They will start with “We used to….” And end with “now we…..”
(e.g. We used to (think, feel, have the habit of, have an attitude of, or do) __________;
Now we (think, feel, have the habit of, have an attitude of, or do) __________.)
Moving forward:
9. What did you learn or get reminded of while doing this reflection?
10. What are your next steps?
11. Describe anything in your congregation that might keep from continuing this journey.
12. Describe what gifts or assets your congregation has that will help you move forward in God’s mission.
13. How can the synod continue to support you moving forward?
Thank you for reflecting on your experience. Please save and return to: [email protected]
These responses will be shared verbatim with your synod staff so that they can learn from you. Your responses will also be
complied as part of a national research project. Reports from the national project may include descriptions of substance of
your comments and some quotes without identifying specific individuals or groups.
18
Attachment 5: Completed for each congregation reflection by David and Linda, then compared.
Marking Congregational Change in Attitudes and Practices
Congregation: ________________ Cong ID__________ Synod: ____________ Date: ______________
Each synod seeks to engage the missional imagination of congregational leaders. We expect changes in attitudes to
eventually result in new behaviors/practices. See the second page for examples of old/new or unhealthy/healthy
attitudes and behaviors.
After reading congregational reflections, copy the text or summarize content in the appropriate column below. The
result will be a list of examples of the attitudes and practices described in the reflection grouped by whether they
represent an old or unhealthy model, new or healthy model or movement toward a new or healthier model.
Look specifically for “God language”. Note when/if God is used as the subject of action verbs (e.g. God does x). Look
specifically for attitudes and practices or behaviors relating to mission, motivation, leadership development,
relationships among congregation members, and relationships with local community.
Attitudes
Old model or unhealthy
attitudes
Movement
New-model or healthy attitudes
Movement
New-model or healthy practices
Practices or Behaviors
Old model or unhealthy
behaviors
Describe the congregation’s overall change
Consider the notations above. Indicate the one response that best represents the movement or lack of movement in this
congregation.
____ This congregation is moving in the wrong direction in both attitude and direction. (1)
____ This congregation is stuck in the old/unhealthy model– no appreciable movement in attitudes or behaviors. No willingness or
ability to work on these things at this time. It may be the wrong time for this congregation to work toward renewal. (2)
____ This congregation is struggling with resistance – some wanting to stay in the old and others trying to move toward the new.
Some positive steps have been made, however the struggle has prevented significant, steady growth. Change is needed
(resistance overcome) before they will be able to move forward. (3)
____ There has been a positive change in attitude, but it is not yet reflected in behaviors. They appear to be moving in the right
direction without enough resistance to derail the process. It is still early in the process. (4)
____ There appears to be some positive movement in attitudes and behaviors/practices, but the transformation is incomplete so far.
(5)
____ This congregation has transformed from an old model or unhealthy situation to a predominantly new/healthy model (6)
____ This congregation was always and continues to be in the new/healthy model (7)
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Examples of Old/New model attitudes & behaviors
Old model or unhealthy attitudes
New model or Healthy attitudes
Resistance or no buy for process
Survival- fear based
Scarcity
Deficit focused (what we don’t have)
Inward focus (country club or social club mentality)
God not mentioned or distant/passive
Afraid of God or of failing God
Afraid to act – lack of confidence
Church sends people to do mission
Vague understanding of why they act as a church and as
individual disciples
Ask people to join us and what we do
God is here and we share God with the community
Subject to object (us/them)
Congregation as an island in community
Fixing problems to get us back to where we were.
Afraid of or avoid/resist change
Newcomers must learn the right way to do things
“Plastic people” – we don’t talk about difficult things as
individuals and/or congregation.
Consumer mentality
Competing with other congregations
Pastor as Chaplin
People like us are welcome
Young people are the church of the future
Enthusiastic about process
Hopeful - optimistic
Generosity & Abundance
Asset based (what we do have)
Outward focus (Driven into the world by God)
God used with action words
Trust God with success, free to fail
Confident in God’s promises (ok to fail)
Church itself is sent to do mission
Intentionality of church and individuals
Old model or unhealthy behaviors
Shutting down creativity and action
Ridged structures limit activities
Reactive decision making and planning
Conflict/tension or conflict avoidance
Tight control over what happens or anything goes
permission giving without focus
Dysfunctional relationships and behaviors
Secrets, poor or lack of communication
Lack of intentional plan
Cliques – especially in leadership
Disconnect between faith and people’s daily life
behaviors
Evangelism efforts non-existent or designed only to get
new members
Neighborhood outreach nonexistent or only designed to
attract members
Vague leadership roles – blurred expectations
Power/ authority used to control or assert dominance
Can’t articulate clear purpose
Join people to support what they want to do
God is here and in community. We partner.
Subject to subject (we are partners in community)
Congregation as collaborative partner
We are being transformed into something new
Change is part of who we are and what we do
Newcomers may show us new ways to do things
Authenticity- we talk about what is actually happening in our
lives and our church
Sense of ownership among participants
Collaborating with other congregations
Pastor as coach
Diversity is valued
Young people are the church now. They are full members
whose ideas/skills are sought out, valued and used.
New-model or healthy behaviors
Inspiring people to action
Adaptive structures allow for experimentation
Proactive decision making and planning
Open/respectful discussion
Creative, purpose focused experimentation with reflection and
adaptation
Collaborative, functional relationships
Proactive, transparent, helpful communication
Clear intentional plan for moving forward even if end goal is
vague
Rotating leaders, using the gifts of all including young people
and newcomers
Incarnational activities among people (talking about faith, living
out vocational call)
Evangelism = teaching people to share faith and invitation
Neighborhood outreach that builds relationships and partners
Clear leadership roles and expectations
Power/authority used to lift up weaker members or community
people (servant leaders)
Very clear on purpose – can explain
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