
What makes a vital congregation?
Characteristics of congregations committed to fully living as God’s blessing in community:
- Vital ministries are centrally related to God’s love and blessing. Each local congregation is part of the Body of Christ and called to live and act as a sign and instrument of God’s kingdom (1 Cor. 3.6).
- Vital congregations demonstrate an extraordinary sense of spiritual vitality and discipleship. These churches emphasize the study and teaching of Scripture, prayer, visionary leadership, inspirational worship, a willingness to take risks, generous hearts, and respect for all people and their differences.
- Vital congregations are creatively intentional in outreach to new people and in reaching beyond the church’s walls to missions and ministry throughout the world.
- Vital congregations have a passionate and clear sense of identity. These churches know who they are, what they believe, what they value, where they are going, and how they will get there.
- Vital churches are flexible. They realize they do not have all the answers, so they ask probing and challenging questions.
- Vital churches lead with their strengths while they
- Acknowledge their weaknesses.
- Live out the vision God has given them.
- View other congregations as partners in God’s broader mission.