Pastors of small churches feel disconnected, disenfranchised, dislocated and discouraged. Since the pastor is strategic in the welfare of the local congregation we must start with him. Value is the starting point of revitalization. We will unapologetically target pastors of small churches and will utilize every means to positively
Initiate dialog about missional ideas. Change our focus from the results of what we do, which are in God’s Hands, to what we actually do. Collect and disseminate stories that demonstrate pastors on mission. Encourage creativity, adventure and risk in order to recapture the missionary spirit.
A valued pastor on mission will bring vitality to his congregation. Understanding the importance of the mission of the church, even a small church, will highlight the fact that small churches are vital and necessary to the cause of Christ in the earth. The Church of God needs small churches to become mission
PASTOR, TAKE YOUR PLACE
PARTICIPATE
You are the focus of this ministry. Show up! Your response is crucial. There will be numerous gatherings for inspiration and information in your area, make it a high priority to attend. Our goal is 100% participation
PROMOTE
Share the ideals of The VITAL Initiative with other pastors and your local church and anyone else you talk to. Keep the conversation going and build movement momentum
PRAY
Ask God to use The VITAL Initiative and pastors of small churches to positively impact the world for Jesus Christ in the 21st Century.
WHAT MAKES THE VITAL INITIATIVE DIFFERENT?
MISSION
The mission of The VITAL Initiative is to help the Church of God realize and utilize the place and power of small churches in 21st century Kingdom work by revaluing pastors, reclaiming mission and revitalizing small churches.
A New Ethos
Ethos is the underlying sentiment that informs the beliefs, customs, or practices of our denomination. The VITAL Initiative places high priority on the importance of small churches as necessary for Kingdom work in the 21st century
TARGETED EFFORT
The VITAL Initiative unapologetically targets pastors of smaller churches. We are a denomination of small churches. Eighty percent (80%) of our churches have less than 100 in Sunday worship: that is 5,260 churches in the USA and Canada alone!
GENERATIVE
As this initiative moves throughout the Church of God, interaction will occur that will create excitement and anticipation and will start to restore a movement mentality among pastors. This momentum will generate new ideas and opportunities.
GATHERING
The concept of coming together in small and large gatherings will be heavily utilized as effectively and efficiently as possible. Appreciation gatherings with pastor and spouse will help express to these servants
AFFIRMING
Value is the starting point of revitalization! Pastors in small places must know that they are valued. If we want them to reclaim mission and see small churches revitalized, it must start with them.
STORIES
Stories from the margins will be solicited and will become the fuel for the movement among small church pastors. Currently, all that is employed to understand the small church is attendance figures