Yesterday we looked at questions around the theme of worship. Today let’s look at the theme of the mission of your congregation. Because I believe that the future for healthy congregations is going to lead towards a more conscious focus on the spiritual calling of congregations, I’m going to focus my questions in that direction. However, as you shape your particular project, you can choose to shape it in a different format.
Begin with asking people to reflect on the strength of the mission of the church. “What would you say are the two or three programs of mission outreach, that you feel best about in your congregation?”
On a scale of 1-10 (10 being the highest) how would you rate your (or your family’s support) for the mission of your local church? What is one thing that the church might do that would invite more support?
“Based on your understanding of Scripture and the way that God has called congregations to be a “light unto the world,” what is one concern or area of need in the larger community that you believe your congregation either needs to continue or begin to address at least in some small way?”
Since no congregation can do everything, given your understanding of the nature of your congregation, what might be a special niche that you think the congregation might emphasize in its attempt to be faithful to God’s call for your congregation?”
Since several congregations are participating in this survey, can you think of a type of mission that you would like to see these congregations doing together? How might you support the exploration of such a possibility?”
As I mentioned yesterday, these questions are not intended to be totally neutral. They are leading questions that not only provide you information but hopefully educate the congregation at the same time. Clearly you could take a different approach if that would be your desire.
