The following article provides a brief look into restructuring for Vital Change and Our Shared Values. It is designed to be shared in church newsletters, websites, in bulletins, or in any way that's helpful. Download a PDF of the article.

Our Values Define Us

A church’s values define it, but sometimes unintentional values speak louder than the things we say we value. How are church leaders or visitors treated? What is money spent on? How do members spend their time outside the sanctuary? How much risk is taken in ministry? How well do you know your neighbors and what do they think of you? Where do you see God’s presence in the church? Our real or unintended values are demonstrated in the answers to these types of questions.

Vital Change encompasses refocusing on being the hands and feet of Christ in the community, reconnecting to our values, and restructuring to support our ministries and values. The goal of Vital Change is vitality – that 100% of our faith communities become 100% focused on deepening discipleship, seeing and valuing all the people, living and loving like Jesus, and multiplying the impact of missions. 

Our shared values are:
     • Love in Action
     • Strength through Connection
     • Unity within Diversity
     • Partnering with Purpose
     • Freedom to Try 

As we embark on Vital Change we need to assess how the values are expressed in our church life and how they might be strengthened in our ministries and missions.  

You are invited to think about our ministries and missions:

• How outward-facing are our ministries and missions?
• To what extent are the values embodied in our ministries and missions?
• Are there ways to increase the impact of our ministries and missions by ensuring that all our values are strongly reflected in our ministries and missions? 

Our values strengthen, inspire, and define us as we seek to grow vitality and live in the fullness of God. In this season, you are invited to explore our shared values and how they shape your life and ministry.

Note: This first appeared as a part of a resource for incorporating values.