Church tools and resources
Resources for Congregational Transformation8
New free resources for your congregation
Besides the links to PDFs on the right, you can now request "The Journey," a DVD that provides an overview of congregational transformation. It includes an introduction by Sharon Watkins, Disciples General Minister and President. It provides information that can be used by a local congregation to begin its discussion on transformation.
Also available is a CD with a 21 week Bible study, written and developed by Rev. Norma Roberts, "Continuing the Journey." The congregation can use this Bible study as a companion on its transformation journey.
To request your DVD and/or CD, contact Lois Robinson at (888) 346-2631. Meanwhile, download a copy of our new Directory of Resources.
What is Congregational Transformation?
Transformation is the intentional spiritual journey that a congregation undertakes systemically in order to realize what God has called it to be as church and to do in mission in today’s world.
This journey is spiritual because transformation is the work of God. It is about listening to God, deepening our relationship with God, and acting upon what we discern is God’s will.
It is systemic because it is about everything a congregation is and does, not just one aspect of its program. It is connected denominationally and to the whole church.
This is a strategic journey because it addresses change in an intentional process of action steps.
Since communities of faith are an integral part of the entire web of God’s ecology, the transformation of congregations is a piece of God’s transformation of all creation, addressing the pressing needs for stewardship of the world.
Transformation is a continuous process. One cannot point to a finally transformed congregation, but we can all be on the way.
The journey is our home.
Significant Churches DVD
This DVD contains interviews with pastors of five churches. They were compiled by Don and Cindy Tharp while on Sabbatical in 2005. The interviews are in their edited form and run from 15 to 30 minutes each. The churches highlighted range from new church starts to 6,000+ in worship. The goal of this project was to seek out churches that have experienced significant growth during the past several years. We wanted to find out if there were any common denominators that had attributed to that growth. The DVD can be used with local church leaders, small groups and beyond. A workshop format also is available. Send an e-mail request to first-christian@sbcglobal.net.
The creation of the DVD is our gift to the church but we would appreciate a donation ($5) to help defray postage and expenses. Mail checks to: First Christian Church; 2105 N. Ben Jordan; Victoria, TX 77904; (361) 575-2971
Home Mission Advocate resource
Download the Home Mission Advocate Congregational Transformation centerfold. (2.3 Mb PDF)
Review the latest Home Mission Advocate.
More to come
Check back often as we are posting DHM resources as they become available.