Congregational Teams

Feb. 22, 2008 -- We have now finished the latest round of Living the Welcome events. Sign up for Emerging Spirit News or watch www.emergingspirit.ca for updates on the launch of a new congregational training event later this year, focusing on the core areas of change in the development of welcoming congregations. Thanks!

The information below refers to the Living the Welcome events which have now been completed.

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Living the Welcome events are designed for congregational teams made up of a paid, accountable staff person plus other key lay leaders. The number of team members is to be based on average worship attendance, with approximately 3-5 team members per 100 worshippers.

Why Congregational Teams?

Through Emerging Spirit's research and work with congregations since the launch of the initiative, two things have become clear:

  • A congregation must have a significant investment in both exploring the possibilities of a program and implementing that program in order for change to occur.

  • And, if key leaders within a congregation are involved in learning about a program, there is a much higher investment in the implementation of that program in the congregation. 

Individual leaders often attend training programs or continuing education opportunities and return to their congregation "on fire" with the possibilities for their congregation only to be met with hostility at worst or disinterest at best. Have you had this experience?

A team approach to training programs can open all kinds of possibilities within a congregation for active listening and discernment of the directions God might be calling you to. A team approach that involves the congregation in the selection of the team members and plans for ways to disseminate their knowledge and experiences upon their return ensures a greater level of congregational investment.

Why is God calling your congregation, at this time, to send a congregational team to a "Living the Welcome" event?

Guidelines for Congregational Teams

Each team should include a paid, accountable staff person plus other key lay leaders. The number of team members is to be based on average worship attendance, with approximately 3-5 team members per 100 worshippers.

Who Is a "Key Lay Leader"? 

The following points may be helpful in identifying key lay leaders for a Living the Welcome congregational team:

  • Does the person have some understanding of the history and future directions of the congregation?

  • Does the person have an understanding of mission and God's call to engage relationship with those who are not currently a part of any congregation?

  • Does the person have some understanding of the congregational dynamics and how the implementation of programs and change occurs in your particular context?

  • Does the person represent a part of the spectrum of the diversity that embodies your congregation (i.e.: age, gender, ethnic diversity, years of experience in the congregation, etc)?

If you would like more information or have questions, please contact us.