Pathways Forward Transitional Ministry Consulting

Vancouver First Churchof the Nazarene

Transitional AssessmentPresentation

February 22, 2015

What will be presented . . . What will be presented . . .

Part I - A Brief History of Vancouver First Church of the Nazarene Part II – Assessment Research Who were we? - some additional information

“Who are we now?” “What is our context?” “Basic Level of Church Health”Part III – Strengths to Celebrate & Key Result AreasPart IV - Next Steps

Transition - The Big IdeaTransition - The Big Idea

Seasons of transition can be windows of Seasons of transition can be windows of opportunity for churches to experience opportunity for churches to experience spiritual renewal, increased health, focused spiritual renewal, increased health, focused vision and renewed mission vision and renewed mission prior toprior to engaging engaging in the pastoral search.in the pastoral search.

Major Goals for Churches in TransitionMajor Goals for Churches in Transition

• To help churches thrive through transition byTo help churches thrive through transition by providing leadership, resources and support. providing leadership, resources and support.

(Ministry Track)(Ministry Track)

• To help churches engage a Lead Pastor To help churches engage a Lead Pastor from a posture of health with clarity of vision from a posture of health with clarity of vision and mission. and mission.

(Transitional Track)(Transitional Track)

The Ultimate ObjectiveThe Ultimate Objective

To welcome a new Lead Pastor . . . .To welcome a new Lead Pastor . . . .

to a healthy church that is growing into a healthy church that is growing in renewal - spiritually, relationally, renewal - spiritually, relationally, organizationally and operationally. organizationally and operationally. who has been hired through a thoughtful, who has been hired through a thoughtful, collaborative search process in collaborative search process in dependence on the Holy Spirit’s guidancedependence on the Holy Spirit’s guidance..

Major Phases of TransitionMajor Phases of Transition

• Healthy closure with the past - in process• Regaining Stability ►Assessment of Church Health • Developing a Transitional Plan • Preparing for the Pastoral Search • Conducting the Pastoral Search • Hiring a Lead Pastor • Evaluation of the process

Intent and LimitationsIntent and Limitations . . . . . .

• For the purposes of the Transitional process For the purposes of the Transitional process • Identifies Strengths and Key Result Areas (KRAs)Identifies Strengths and Key Result Areas (KRAs)• Based on the principles of “appreciative inquiry”Based on the principles of “appreciative inquiry”• Not intended to be a 360Not intended to be a 3600 ministry review

Assessment ObjectivesAssessment Objectives

• To present a realistic picture of VFCNTo present a realistic picture of VFCN

• To explore how this information affects usTo explore how this information affects us

• To develop a plan toward greater healthTo develop a plan toward greater health

• To encourage prayer for wisdom and guidanceTo encourage prayer for wisdom and guidance

• A vital step in preparation for the Pastoral SearchA vital step in preparation for the Pastoral Search

Before we beginBefore we begin . . . . . .

• We are starting from different places todayWe are starting from different places today

• We may need to check our emotions at the doorWe may need to check our emotions at the door

• We recognize that God is in all of thisWe recognize that God is in all of this

Vancouver First Church Vancouver First Church of the Nazarene of the Nazarene

Transitional AssessmentTransitional Assessment

Part I - History DocumentPart I - History Document““A Brief History of Vancouver A Brief History of Vancouver First Church of the Nazarene”First Church of the Nazarene”

Vancouver First Church Vancouver First Church of the Nazarene of the Nazarene

Transitional AssessmentTransitional Assessment

Part IIPart IIWho Were We? - more dWho Were We? - more detailsetails

Who Are We Now?Who Are We Now?What is our Context?What is our Context?

Basic Level of Church HealthBasic Level of Church Health

Who Were We?Who Were We?

A few more detailsA few more details

0

50

100

150

200

250

300Membership Patterns over the Membership Patterns over the DecadesDecades

1938 1948 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2014

243

110

11

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

200 Attendance Patterns 1980 - Present

1980 1986 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015

191

90 96

$0

$50,000

$100,000

$150,000

$200,000

$250,000

Total giving and Missions giving - 1980 - 2014

1980 1990 2000 2010 2014

Missions giving Total giving

Pastoral Leadership at VFCN

18 - Total number of Lead Pastors 1937 - 2014

4 - Total number of Associate Pastors

7 - Total number of Youth Ministers

1 - Children’s pastor

Mission and Vision Statements 1991

To become a Body of Believers that:

• Worships God with sincerity• Equips believers to use their spiritual gifts with maturity• Evangelizes the lost with consistency• Ministers to human needs with integrity

Mission and Vision Statements 2000

Mission StatementTo make disciples of Christ of everyone who comes into contact with the people of Vancouver First Nazarene through the provision of various ministries, according to God’s Word so that all may have eternal life.

VisionTo be 500 strong and have a growing churchmembership with successful supportiveministries by 2008.

Mission and Vision Statements - Present

Mission StatementTo make Christlike disciples among the nations.

Vision Discipleship Goals• Responding to the Voice of Jesus Christ the Son• Living in the Fullness of God the Spirit• Participating in the Mission of God• Experiencing the Hospitality of God the Father

Ministry Partnerships at VFCN• Japanese Language Ministry• Chinese Congregation• Spanish Congregation• Eritrean Congregation• Korean Congregation • Mission Possible• Nazarene Missions International• Ambrose University College• Parent Support Group• Parent and Tot Program• Immanuel Vancouver Anglican Church• Grace Presbyterian Church• Servants Anonymous• Heal the Kids

Observations – Who were we - PatternsObservations – Who were we - Patterns

• A long term persistent ministry to children and youth

• Ability to retain young people as they grew up

• Meaningful worship services, rich music and preaching

• A vibrant sense of family - even trips to Disneyland!

• Some “untimely” pastoral changes

• Sacrifice and commitment to location and facility

• Five decades of numerical and ministry growth 1937 - 1997

• A more recent season of numerical decline and plateau

Q & AQ & AWho Where We? Who Where We?

Who Are We Now?Who Are We Now?

Ministries Opportunities at VFCN

• Bible Study Host• Bible Study Leader• Board Member• Bruce House Maintenance• Building Grounds Care• Building Maintenance• Bulletin preparation• Children’s Church• Church Treasurer• Coffee Time set up• Coffee Time food provider• Conversation Club

Ministries Opportunities at VFCN

• Counters• Decorations• ESL Classes• Greeter• Heal the Kids• Heating Plant• Kitchen worker• Library committee• Nazarene Missions International - committee• Nursery• Pastoral Care• Photography

Ministries Opportunities at VFCN

• Prayer ministry• Scouts program• Scripture readers• Search committee• Security• Servants Anonymous• Sound Room• Special Events• Sunday School • Worship team - instrumental and vocal• Youth Ministry

Volunteerism and Ministries at VFCN

42 - Total number of ministry areas

142 - Total number of volunteer positions filled

51 - Total number of volunteers serving

Of these 51 volunteers 19 people (37%)

are filling 77 (66%) of these volunteer positions

9%

8%

11%

16%

14%

17%

10%

9%6%

Demographics of congregation - based on most recent church directory

0 - 10

Teens

20s

30s40s

50s

60s

70s

80splus

may not reflect demographics of Sunday worship

Where do we live as a church family?

• Abbotsford 2• Burnaby 26• Delta 1• Ladner 1• Maple Ridge 6• New Westminster 2• North Vancouver 8• Richmond 15• Surrey 19• Vancouver 92• White Rock 4

VFCN Congregational Map

Kensington - Cedar Cottage

VFCN attendees who live in the Kensington - Cedar Cottage community

• 13 of the 92 home listed in the most recent VFCNchurch directory

VFCN

Kensington - Cedar Cottage

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

Age 0- 19 20- 39 40 - 65 65 plus

Age range comparison - church to community

VFCN

Kensington - Cedar Cottage

17%

22%

27%

32%

39%34%

20%

13%

Kensington - Cedar Cottage Data

• Population 47,471• Average household income pre-tax $62,210

• Low income households comprise 27%• The most culturally diverse in Vancouver

Major First languages• Chinese 38%• English 33%• Tagalog 6%• Vietnamese 5%• Punjabi 3%

Basic Level of Church Health Survey

• What you told us about your church

• How the congregation perceives and experiences VFCN currently

• Helps identify strengths and growth areas

• Includes summary of written comments

Official Member Regular Attender Casual Attender Casual Attenderof VFCN but not a member and a member not a member

50 Responses to the Assessment

1 year or less

2 – 4 years

5 – 10 years

10 – 20 years

20 – 30 years

30 years plus

How long have you attended VFCN?

Teen

20s

30s

40s

50s

60s

70s

80s plus

Ages of those who participated

I grew up at VFCN

I came to VFCNfrom another church I attendedregularly

I came to VFCNfrom another church I attendedoccasionally

I came to VFCNwith no previouschurch background

Church backgrounds of responders

When I came to VFCN I had already made a commitment to follow Christ

I made a commitmentto follow Christ while attending VFCN

I am exploring whether or not to follow Christthrough the ministry of VFCN

Relationship with Jesus

Our Sunday Services are meaningful and relevant in the lives of people in our congregation

Strongly disagree

Mildly disagree

Agree

Strongly agree

Comments - 10

• Services are good, but we could improve• Appreciate the work of those who plan and lead us

Strongly disagree

Mildly disagree

Agree

Strongly agree

We have an effective strategy to impact ourcommunity for Christ

Comments - 15

• 13 of 15 written comments don’t know what the strategy is

Strongly disagree

Mildly disagree

Agree

Strongly agree

We have a strong sense of connection withone another in our church family

Comments - 13

• Appreciate the sense of family• We could go deeper together than we do

Strongly disagree

Mildly disagree

Agree

Strongly agree

Spiritual growth of believers is intentionaland effective

Comments - 7

• A desire for more spiritual growth

Strongly disagree

Mildly disagree

Agree

Strongly agree

As a church community we are being trained and equipped for ministry and service

Comments - 6

• Let’s keep doing this

Strongly disagree

Mildly disagree

Agree

Strongly agree

Our church has a clear vision of its uniquepurpose and mission in our community

Comments - 11

• Not sure what it is• Let’s be sure to address this while in the transition process

Strongly disagree

Mildly disagree

Agree

Strongly agree

Our church develops plans that enable positivemovement towards clear goals and objectives

Comments - 11

• Not sure what they are• We did previously • Yes, in the short term - transition process

Strongly disagree

Mildly disagree

Agree

Strongly agree

Our church has an effective structure that isorganized to accomplish our mission

Comments - 11

• Not exactly sure what our structure is

Strongly disagree

Mildly disagree

Agree

Strongly agree

Our church provides many opportunitiesto be involved in ministry

Comments - 10

• Yes! • How to get involved could be clearer

Strongly disagree

Mildly disagree

Agree

Strongly agree

Our church has an effective prayer emphasis that positively impacts our ministry

Comments - 8

• Yes, but we can always grow in this

Strongly disagree

Mildly disagree

Agree

Strongly agree

Our facilities are adequate to meet our currentand future ministry needs

Comments - 14

• They are adequate for now but need updating

Not important

Mildly important

Important

Very important

Importance of VFCN’s relationship with theChurch of the Nazarene denomination

Comments - 13

• A few not sure• For most, this is an important relationship

Observations - Strengths to Celebrate

• A history of “overcoming adversity”

• A clear pattern of “pastor led” success

• A history of persistence & hardiness

• Effective ministry commitment to children & youth over the decades

Observations - Strengths to Celebrate

• Sacrifice and commitment the norm

• A practice of fellowship and care

• A past experience of vision achieved

• Willingness to change and invest for future ministry impact

• Ongoing commitment to missions

Observations - Strengths to Celebrate

• A sense of calling to a location - place

• A passion for worship and the Word

• Growth in cultural/neighbour awareness

• Recent efforts to re-vision

• Overall financial stability

Q & Q & AAWho Are We Now?Who Are We Now?

Key Result Areas - Four Categories

• Mission and Vision

• Internal Health

• Future Lead Pastor Considerations

• To be addressed with the new Lead Pastor

Key Result Areas - Vision and Mission

KRA #1

Explore a deliberate decision to embrace a shift in identity from a named Denominational area church to a named Community Church

Key Result Areas - Mission and Vision

KRA #2

A decision to embrace a congregational core value to intentionally seek to collaborate with the 7 other churches that are within a 6block radius of VFCN

There are 37 churches in Kensington - Cedar Cottage

This value will impact the type of Lead Pastor you seek

Key Result Areas - Mission and Vision

KRA #3

A re-visioning process in order to clearlyanswer the question of external vision “Why does the church exist in this community at this time in its journey?”

• Known as the Church Unique factor

“What are the good works God has prepared in advance for us to do?” Eph. 2:10

• Build on previous re-visioning work Explore the “ownership” question

Key Result Areas - Mission and Vision

KRA #4

Defining and agreeing on a church widedefinition of ministry effectiveness

• numerical growth?• financial stability?• Nazarene distinctives?• new faces?• conversion growth?• others?

Key Result Areas - Internal Health

KRA # 5A Renewal of Board Practises and Operations

• Role of Lead Pastor with Board• Complete review of Bylaws• Limited tenure for Board members• Quality of community/spiritual life • Clarity of role and tenure of officers of the Board• An understudy process for new members

Key Result Areas - Internal Health

KRA #6Addressing the “aging factor” at VFCN

• Congregational demographic• Leadership and core volunteers• Facility

Key Result Areas - Internal Health

KRA #7A consistent strategy to communicate moreeffectively with the congregation

• Mission/Vision• Board decisions and directives• Ministry initiatives and updates• Community Life

Key Result Areas - Internal Health

KRA #8

Implementation of a consistent “all ministryleaders” gathering guided by the Interim Pastor and/or the Transitional Coach (eventually the Lead Pastor) for the purpose of prayer, encouragement, equipping and peer support

Key Result Areas - Internal Health

KRA #9

Clarity about the appointment and role of layministry leaders:

• organizational structure - who, when, how?• clear mandate and accountability• limitations of their roles

Key Result Areas - Internal Health

KRA #10

An intentional plan to designate one Sundaygathering per month as “Community Life Sunday”

• Worship and celebration• Sharing a meal together• Testimonies, prayer• Multi-cultural fellowship• Welcoming newcomers

Key Result Areas - Future Lead Pastor

KRA #11

Clarity about the role of the Lead Pastor increating, championing, and stewarding the church’s mission and vision

• Moses model?• Nehemiah model?• Joshua and Timothy model?

Key Result Areas - Future Lead Pastor

KRA #12

A guided congregation discussion about the merits of intentionally seeking a non-Caucasian as the next Lead Pastor of VFCN

Key Result Areas - to be addressed with the next Lead Pastor

KRA #13

Ongoing development of the Board as a company of both effective governing andspiritual leaders

Key Result Areas - to be addressed with the next Lead Pastor

KRA #14

Development and nurture of rich ministrypartnerships with the local churches andother ministry partners

Key Result Areas - to be addressed with the next Lead Pastor

KRA #15

An ongoing commitment to keep addressingthe “aging factor” at VFCN:• Congregational demographic• Leadership• Facility

Key Result Areas - to be addressed with the next Lead Pastor

KRA #16

Reaching greater clarity and definition ofa “Christlike Disciple”

• a common description and understanding of what a discipled person is

• a strategy for discipleship

Q & AQ & AKey Result AreasKey Result Areas

Part VI - Next Steps

• Present to the Congregation • Congregational Feedback • Finalize KRAs with the Board• Create a Strategic Plan to address KRAs• Present Strategic Plan to Board• Begin working on KRAs • Pray, Pray, Pray!

Thank You!

• to those who helped us with this project

• to those who have prayed

• for coming out to listen and consider

• for your input

Steady on, stay the course!

Pathways Forward Transitional Ministry Consulting

Vancouver First Churchof the Nazarene

Transitional AssessmentPresentation draft 1.0

February 16, 2015