On Sunday, February 20,
2010, the whole congregation was invited to participate in Vision
Sunday. It was a chance to share with one another what we believe God
is calling us to do as a church. For more than a month we have been
praying about three things:
1) What are the
strengths of our church?
2) What are the needs
of the community around us?
3) What is God’s dream
for Aldersgate?
We began our time
together by writing down the answers that God had given us to those
questions. There were over 100 responses as people from all generations
in the church participated in the process. Thank you to Holly Hall and
Cathy Sheffield for recording all those great ideas.
Next, everyone was
asked to vote on the two areas (from over 100) that they believed should
be a priority for the church in the year 2010. This was a very tough
task as there were so many God-centered ideas to choose from.
Nevertheless, some areas got a lot more votes than others. This helped
us see where our passions really lie.
As the voting continued
we also took a break for dinner. John Hall, Randy Sheffield, and Randy
Gordon were instrumental in providing chili, baked potatoes, and salad
for everyone who came. Thanks guys!!!
After dinner we looked
at the results of the voting. 12 priorities emerged. Everyone was
then asked to join a small group based on the
priority they wanted to work on the most. Two of the priorities did not
materialize into small groups. One of the biggest vote-getters was
“Additional Parking.” We decided to take this one off the board because
the Building Committee is already working on a plan that should be
brought to the church soon for approval. Lowry Caudill explained the
process that was already under way. The second area that did not form a
small group was another large vote-getter called, “Exemplifying the
Kingdom of God on Earth.” Our particular process made it difficult to
come up with a tangible plan for this area; although as Nathan
Arledge pointed out at the conclusion of our
time together, “It is good to see this area listed on top for if we work
hard in all the other priorities listed below it we will certainly be
exemplifying the kingdom of God on earth.”
Here are the 10 goals
that our small groups came up with for 2010, in no particular order.
Each group brainstormed possible strategies for meeting their goals. I
wish I had the space to elaborate on all of the plans. However, the Ad
Board will be following up with each of these groups to work toward the
implementation of these goals.
1)
Mentoring New Members
The goal this group
came up with was to help new members live out the vows they take when
they join. To help get them involved.
2)
Transportation
To purchase two 30
passenger handicap accessible shuttle buses.
3)
Missions
The goal is to have a
strategic plan for raising awareness of missional
needs; and creating opportunities for personal involvement,
transformation, and relationships.
4)
Racial Diversity
To partner with a more
racially diverse church during the year to do shared planned
activities.
5)
Living the Great Commission
The stated goal is to
reach 40 new families in 2010.
6)
Youth
The goal for the youth
group is to grow in size and cohesiveness; and to improve
communication.
7)
Identifying and Sharing Gifts
The goal is to create
an information repository for people’s talents and gifts, passions and
skills, encompassing all church members, including youth and children.
8)
Good stewards of God’s resources
Three goals were set
out by this group. One was to do a spiritual gifts
assessment for church members. Another was to stay within the budget.
And finally, to educate and encourage people to
tithe.
9)
Reaching Out to Young Adults, Youth, and
College Students
The goal for 2010 is to
create a Young Adult community within Aldersgate
with at least two activities/events this year.
10)
Building a Larger Sanctuary
For 2010, the goal is
to have the architectural plans submitted and approved by the
congregation for the construction of a 450+ capacity sanctuary.
