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Southern Ohio District Launches Vital Ministry Journey

Photo by Stan Dueck
Vital Ministry Journey launches in Southern Ohio District.

Seventy-five people representing 23 congregations attended Southern Ohio District’s launch event of Vital Ministry Journey (VMJ) on Saturday, Aug. 10. The event was held at Happy Corner Church of the Brethren

Another district launches its Vital Ministry Journey in late September: Mid Atlantic District’s launch event is scheduled for Sept. 28 at Union Bridge Church of the Brethren in Maryland.

In Southern Ohio District, the Missional Renewal Commission is sponsoring Vital Ministry Journey, a congregational vitality process being offered through the denomination’s Congregational Life Ministries. The commission and district staff have been promoting the Vital Ministry Journey process, including planning and hosting the launch event. Every congregation in the district was invited to send leaders to hear a presentation about Vital Ministry Journey.

Photo by Stan Dueck
Members of S. Ohio District engage in small group Bible study at the launch of the Vital Ministry Journey in August.

The half-day event began with worship followed by a presentation by Stan Dueck, director of Transforming Practices for the Church of the Brethren. Then participants gathered in small groups to experience the Bible study process that is foundational to the VMJ process. The event concluded with a question and answer session so that participants could discuss the process with Dueck and district representatives. The church representatives were encouraged to return to their congregations and share their discoveries about VMJ. The Missional Renewal Commission will follow up with churches to check on their readiness to participate in this congregational vitality process.

Prior to the launch event, on Friday, Aug. 9, Dueck held a training session with resource people who have been called to serve as the district’s VMJ coaches. The coaches will work with congregations that participate in the Vital Ministry process. Dueck will continue ongoing training with the coaches by way of scheduled web events.

Find out more about Vital Ministry Journey at www.brethren.org/congregationallife/vmj .

— This report was provided by Stan Dueck, director of Transforming Practices for the Church of the Brethren, on the staff of Congregational Life Ministries.

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