“Lackluster mission vision” is not in the vocabulary of six Cleveland Baptist Association churches. After making no headway on NEW LIFE 2010 initiatives, these six are becoming models of transformational zeal for their region. New synergies of vision and outreach are emerging in Cleveland.

“This association entered into a process rather than going through the paces of a project or program — spiritual and relational vitality are foundational to their work together,” said Rev. Tom Johnson, National Ministries’ coordinator of New Church Planting.

The association chose a name for its work: “Vibrant Churches – Vital Ministries,” a vision that is an evolving reality. These vibrant churches are not seeking increased numbers of members, but instead, they are fully invested in discipleship that is fostered by an outward-oriented mission focus. Each one benefits from the pastor’s engagement with the process, plus three to four non-clergy church leaders getting involved.

National Ministries’ staff members have worked with church teams in three sessions held in Cleveland, Ohio, in January, March and May. Staff presentations included instruction on gaining a broader understanding of the churches’ communities through observing details about them (“exegeting” the context), in addition to analyzing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT). With such tools as these at their disposal, these churches are gaining a broader perspective.

“They’re understanding that what happens to your community happens to your church,” said Rev. Dwight Lundgren, coordinator for intercultural ministries and reconciliation for National Ministries. “My sense is that they’ve caught on. They’ve really come together as a learning community and are getting at the heart of transformation — it’s not an in-group or separate church culture.”

Viewing church and community as an inter-related system makes a program, such as the personality-based evangelism of Got Style?™, more relevant and valuable in a given context.

“It’s a more holistic and systemic approach to helping revitalize churches,” observed Cleveland Baptist Association’s interim executive minister, Rev. Jim Oldham. “Participating churches have come to know and bond with each other more than through anything we’ve done recently.” Oldham expects Vibrant Churches – Vital Ministries to have a major, overall effect on the lives of involved congregations.

Between whole-group sessions, including all six church teams, the pastors meet with Rev. Kirk Jones, author of Rest in the Storm: Self-Care Strategies for Clergy and Other Caregivers. Jones knows first-hand how caregivers tend to push themselves to the brink of survival, while putting the care of would-be beneficiaries at risk, even as the caregiver’s boat is sinking.

Jones and the pastors spend a few hours together when they meet, sharing struggles, victories and ideas, and learning from Jones’ hard-won perspective on keeping spiritually vital while facing ministry stressors. They also maintain momentum for the work of the whole group by solidifying connections and internalizing the new concept of transformative ministry.

Lay leaders from the churches have had assignments after whole-group sessions. This keeps their learning fresh and gives them opportunities to apply the principles they’re learning. Each lay leader enlisted the help of two prayer partners for the entire process, which helps the leader sustain spiritual and relational focuses.

“Churches hunger for the type of help and resources this process has provided them. They are equipped to be transformational through being transformed,” said Rev. Yvonne Carter, National Ministries’ national Christian Education coordinator and church member within Cleveland Baptist Association. Carter expects another wave will ensue, of similar efforts to what the learning community has so far engaged.

When the last session is held in November, a fitting benediction to these six churches is: “Grow in the direction you are headed, that the greatness of your God may grow in the eyes of all who observe your vibrant life together.”

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