VPA In Action
History– 2005 Call to Conversation: 16 gatherings– 2006 Workgroups develop plans: Identity,
Discipleship/Evangelism, Conflict– 2007 Phase 1: Developed Purpose, Goals &
Guiding Principles– 2008+ Phase 2: Alignment - Determine how we live
into our vision and guiding principles while making progress on goals.
How do we Align with our Purpose?
Alignment with our vision will depend on 2 things: – What we focus on– How we work together
In January 2009 Synod Council met to consider these questions.
Focus
After review current synod activities, three potential priorities emerged:– Connections (lay leaders, congregations,
conferences, ministries)– Healthy Leaders & Congregations– Faith Formation in congregations
Specific attention to each of these areas will build capacity for future efforts.
Accompaniment
Accompaniment means walking together in solidarity, characterized by mutuality and interdependence.
In this walk we share gifts, experiences, and resources, but also advice and admonition that will assist both companions for expanding and deepening the capacity for ministry.
Role Models
LocalizedLocalized CentralizedCentralized
Activities coordinated by members.
Money goes from congregations to ministries.
Activities coordinated by synod.
Money goes through synod to ministries.
Roles
LocalizedLocalized CentralizedCentralized
•No one place is better than another.•Line moves with the needs and strength of synod
Weak Relationships & Roles
LocalizedLocalized CentralizedCentralized
•Core functions not Core functions not adequately fundedadequately funded•Flavor of the day Flavor of the day fundingfunding•Synod dumping Synod dumping responsibility on responsibility on congregationscongregations•Congregations Congregations unsupporedunsuppored
•Big BrotherBig Brother•Little say in decisionsLittle say in decisions•Little accountabilityLittle accountability•Feel out of touchFeel out of touch•Vote with Vote with walletwallet
Strong Relationships & Roles
LocalizedLocalized CentralizedCentralized
•Congregations choose Congregations choose priorities & resource thempriorities & resource them•Congregations Congregations collaborate to meet collaborate to meet emerging needsemerging needs•Congregations feel Congregations feel connected and supportedconnected and supported•People feel empoweredPeople feel empowered
•Ministry support Ministry support centralized and stablecentralized and stable•Less need for ministries Less need for ministries local fundraisinglocal fundraising•Less duplication of Less duplication of effort effort •More sharing across More sharing across ministriesministries•Economies of scaleEconomies of scale•People feel supportedPeople feel supported
Next Steps
• Improve relationships within synod structure
• Strengthen conferences and clarify role of conference Deans
• Council make recommendations about changes to assembly in 2010.
• Will you accompany me?