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The How

 

As with any journey, it is a matter of getting prepared, setting out, and then moving beyond once the journey is complete.

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Discerning and Covenanting

 

A congregation prayerfully decides whether to join in the ACTS for Vitality journey. They go through a discernment process, aided by the Synod ACTS for Vitality Team. There is an orientation session to explain the journey and to aid with next steps. There is an assessment of a congregations’ openness and readiness to participate in the journey. Once they have decided to continue, the congregation forms a small Congregational Vitality Team of four to seven leaders, whose gifts complement one another. The congregation makes a covenant between themselves and the Synod.

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While in this process, congregations may know of other congregations in similar circumstances as their own. They are encouraged to invite these other congregations to join them in this journey.

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Here is a roadmap for your congregation to guide you int his discernment process.

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The ACTS Journey – Cohort and Workshops

 

The congregation's team joins a cohort of teams from several congregations. The teams in the cohort then support and hold one another accountable as they participate in the journey.

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Over a period of 18 to 24 months, the cohort meets for a series of seven workshops. Each workshop consists of a three-hour session, held on a weekend, once per quarter. Workshops will be held on-line or in-person, depending on the pandemic situation.

Each workshop is structured like a worshipful time together: Word, Meal, and Sent.

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• Word: Workshops begin with dwelling in the Word, learning and reflecting on new faith practices.

• Meal: Then there are interactive presentations and discussions on the topic of the day.

• Sent: Finally, participants are invited to practice in their settings what they have learned.

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Workshop topics relate to one another, like a spiral, moving through listening to God in scripture, in our congregation, and our neighborhoods, discovering our role as disciples and apostles, discerning how we participate in God's plan, developing vital and sustainable congregational partnerships for mission and ministry.

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During the journey, congregations will have access to skilled, trained, and dedicated coaches. Rostered leaders are also encouraged to become coaches.

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During workshops, congregational teams will learn vitality tools and be trained in planning and implementing short- and long-term innovative outreach. They will learn how to reach out to new people, becoming good neighbors and bold followers of Jesus Christ. Congregations will be equipped for sustained response to injustices, with a commitment to authentic diversity.

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Staying connected and mutually accountable

 

Completing the workshops is not a "graduation." Our hope is that each congregation has experienced transformation, and is ready to write their own chapter in the Book of Acts. But the congregation does not do this alone. Our hope is the relationships within the cohort and the wider community become mutually nurturing and sustaining.