A people energized and excited for God’s work!

Visioning Update, 2015

By Pastor Paul Nelson

Thank you to all of the 369 people who filled out the Congregational Assessment Tool (CAT) this past month. The CAT gives us a picture of where our congregation is regarding our strengths, the satisfaction and energy of our members and ministries, and the ministry people have passion for as we move forward. It is clear from the feedback from the CAT that we have much to celebrate and a great many strengths on which to build, thanks be to God!

Here are some highlights the CAT revealed of how the people of Immanuel feel about their church and its mission and ministry:

• People are clearly satisfied with how things are at Immanuel, and are energized and excited about what God is doing in and through the people of Immanuel.
• Immanuel is a very high energy/high satisfaction church, especially as compared to the majority of congregations, helping people find meaning and purpose in their lives and providing inspiration and guidance for other congregations.
• Immanuel tends to be more progressive and adaptable than other congregations as well, with a positive and thoughtful approach to challenges and opportunities.

Here is how Immanuel compares to other vibrant and committed congregations regarding eight markers of congregational life:

• Immanuel is in the 64 percentile regarding HOSPITALITY, meaning that out of 100 churches, 63 rate lower. People find that Immanuel is a welcoming and genuinely caring community that helps people find meaning for their lives.
• Immanuel is in the 87 percentile regarding MORALE. There is very high excitement and satisfaction among members about the ministry of Immanuel.
• Immanuel is in the 59 percentile regarding CONFLICT MANAGEMENT. People have experienced a healthy and open approach to managing and resolving conflict. Our consultants from Kairos believe that this marker was influenced by the year-long discernment process the congregation has been through regarding same-gender marriage. Absent such a challenging issue, the score most likely would have been stronger.
• Immanuel is in the 92 percentile regarding GOVERNANCE. There is a high level of trust in and respect for the leadership of the congregation, leadership that is open and adaptive.
• Immanuel is in the 45 percentile regarding SPIRITUAL VITALITY. While people agree that Immanuel helps them to experience God in their lives and connect their faith to their daily lives in practical ways, we still have opportunity to grow in this area in relation to other congregations.
• Immanuel is in the 88 percentile regarding READINESS FOR MINISTRY. Immanuel does good work in equipping people for, and connecting them to, ministry that makes a difference in the world.
• Immanuel is in the 89 percentile regarding ENGAGEMENT IN EDUCATION. Immanuel meets the life-long learning and faith formation needs of people in every age and stage of life with passion and excellence.
• Immanuel is in the 93 percentile regarding WORSHIP AND MUSIC. People find the worship and music at Immanuel to be exceptional in quality and spiritual content.

The great energy and considerable satisfaction that members have about Immanuel, as indicated by these eight markers, provides a wonderful foundation for how we build up our ministry in the future. Our next capital campaign will not only enable us to tend to some property needs at Immanuel, but help us grow our vision of caring and serving one another and others in Jesus names. The CAT also identified three priorities clearly shared by the members of Immanuel.

Top Three priorities to expand on or improve regarding out ministry:

• Develop ministries that work toward healing those broken by life’s circumstances.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to reach new people and incorporate them into the life of the church.
• Expand outreach ministries that provide direct service to those living on the margins of society.