If Jesus is with us, then where is he? by Kate Murphy
Questions:
- The author writes, “We do not have a lot of money, and no one would describe our church as institutionally secure. But we live by faith. And day by day, we have enough.” How does that statement resonate with your church or another church you know of?
- How would you answer the question posed by the title of the article, “If Jesus is with us, then where is he?”
- Matthew 28:19-20 is a key passage in the article. How is your church doing in following through on Jesus’ commission to his disciples? What are some examples of your church’s ministry that show you are acting on that charge?
The vital congregation of tomorrow by Mark Elsdon
Questions:
- If attendance and financial metrics are not the most reliable measures of a church’s vitality, what would be a better measure? Can church vitality be measured? If so, what metrics will it include?
- The author uses Blockbuster video rental stores as an example of a company that was impacted by shifts in technology and social norms that changed how people viewed movies. How helpful do you see it as a model for the current state of church life and church vitality?
- The article describes three church communities that adopted different strategies to maintain their vitality as communities of faith. Which one intrigues you the most? Which one do you think has relevance for your church?
Adding church growth to the whirlwind by Josh Erickson
Questions:
- What has been your understanding and experience with church growth?
- The author identifies “four types of vitality to promote growth and be a dynamic local church.” What are your thoughts about this list? What would you add to the list?
- If you were to lead a group in your church to explore ways to grow the involvement of more people in your church’s ministry, what are some steps you would recommend? What are some resources you would seek?
Lilly Endowment grants foster ministry and mission across the PC(USA) by Gregg Brekke
Questions:
- What is your knowledge of and/or experience with the Lilly Endowment?
- The author lists 11 topics for which Presbyterian Seminaries received grants. About which initiative would you like to know more?
- Imagine yourself as a leader of a seminary. What is a topic that would be worthy of a grant for
more research? - The author identifies a variety of grants made to the Board of Pensions, the Presbyterian Foundation, Presbyterian Publishing Corporation, and Westminster Church, Oklahoma City. Which of these initiatives would you like to explore?
The church that gave itself away by Robert Barrett
Questions:
- What inspires you most about the story of Yachats Community Presbyterian Church?
- Of the many actions and activities of the church, which ones do you think are repeatable in your church? in other churches?
- What are some of your thoughts about the author’s statement, “And that’s the story of a little church by the sea. A congregation decided it was better to die giving than to live hoarding, and a community chose risk over retreat?”
