Report on Core Values
Workshop (conducted September 30, 2012) by Dr. Levi Price
Fifty to sixty people were present for the Core Values
Workshop. These were divided into ten small groups for the workshop time. The atmosphere was very positive. Several folks told me they were glad we did
this and that they thought it was a very good thing.
Top Tier Concepts
1.
A Missional Church. This is the leading concept discussed during
the workshop. It was stated some
thirty-six (36) times. This included
statements about involvement in local missions/ministries efforts, local
outreach, witnessing (soul-winning), and missions support (support of missions
efforts globally). This is no surprise
because of the emphasis on hands on missions/ministries and upon outreach
(First Connections) and upon missions support (North American and State
missions offerings) that have been very evident during the time I have been
here. This was no surprise to me. I
could have told anyone that it was a part of the DNA of this church. Whether this has always been the leading
concept or not, I do not know. But it is
surely the leading concept now.
2.
Fellowship, Community, “koinonia”. This close second concept, thirty-three (33)
times, was found in each of the small groups.
It includes ideas of close relationships, family atmosphere, compassion
among members, welcoming spirit, love, unity, friendly environment, and
cross-generational fellowship. Also
included were negative thoughts such as, “We need everyone to be together in
unity,” etc. Again, this was no surprise to me. I can clearly see the fellowship is
very strong, although I am aware it has been tested in the recent past.
3.
These two concepts are far and away the
predominant concepts of the congregation at this time.
Second Tier Concepts
1.
Bible Emphasis. The importance of emphasis on the Bible is
stressed twenty (20) times. This
includes biblical preaching and teaching, with Sunday School mentioned four (4)
times. I have included Sunday School here.
If we take it out, then the biblical emphasis would have been mentioned
sixteen (16) times.
2.
Worship.
Emphasis on worship is stated sixteen (16) times. This is enough to get it into this tier of
concepts important to the people of this congregation. A potential problem exists here because about
two-thirds of the comments are tilted toward traditional worship style, while
one-third is a desire for contemporary style worship. Generally, the statements are positive about
our worship now.
Third Tier Concepts
1.
Youth and Children Programs. These
programs were discussed ten (10) times, which shows the importance of these
programs to the congregation.
2.
Discipleship
(All Ages). Eight (8) times. Basically, the thought is that the
congregation should be doing more in this area.
3.
Organization (Need for). Eight (8) times. The feeling that the church needs to be
better organized, have precise guidelines and policies for a better functioning
church congregation.
4.
Desire for Pastoral leadership.
Eight (8) times. As stated, the
idea that the church needs a person with a Pastor’s heart, rather than just a
preacher, etc. This is very interesting and needs to be kept in our thoughts. Someone said the church needs a “young Levi”
(I am not sure how to take that!). There
was another comment that Ben and Laura should be pastor. This surely shows a
love and respect for Ben and Laura. All
else beside, this idea of pastoral leadership must be kept in mind.
5.
Servant Attitude. Seven (7) times. The idea that we should serve each other in
the fellowship, and that we should be servants to those outside the
congregation.
6.
Small Groups. Six (6) times. That many of the congregation have had their
lives affected and transformed by the small groups is obvious.
Honorable Mention
1.
More Openness. Five (5) times. I am not quite sure what this means, but a
desire that the congregation be more open.
2.
Need for more information/communication. Four (4) times.
3.
Emphasis on Baptist Faith. Three (3) times.
4.
Family Orientation. Three (3) times. That the church’s total ministries should be
family oriented.
5.
Deacon Questions. Three (3) times. Who are the deacons? What should the deacons do? Etc.
6.
Prayer.
Three (3) times.
7.
Women in Ministry. Three (3) times. Women should be included more in the
leadership of the church.
8.
Diversity. Two (2) times.
Mentioned Once
1.
Tradition.
2.
Communion.
Communion services should take the entire service and not be “tacked on”
the end of the service.
3.
Authenticity.
This came primarily from one group, but is stated very strongly.
4.
Men’s Ministry.
5.
Midweek Something.
6.
Desire for Full-time Staff.
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