Discerning the season of your congregation's life is a crucial step toward vitality and sustainability. It is important to look at a wide range of options and prayerfully discern the direction God is calling your congregation.
Because synod means walking together, no congregation goes on this discernment journey alone. Synod staff will walk with you as you discern and live into the option that is most faithful for your congregation. There is no right or wrong answer. Rather, the goal is to be faithful to the situation facing your congregation and the unique setting of your ministry.
The ten options fall into three categories. Each choice has benefits and challenges. As you discern, know that financial sustainability is not the same as vitality. We pray that vitality will be your congregation's primary factor as you consider the future. As with all discernment, this process should be steeped in prayer and Scripture as you continue to be focused on God's mission.
