Next Steps
Take a step back in recent Lenape Valley history to March 2020. In that moment, it
looked like Lenape Valley hit a wall. Doors closed. Worship barely happening through an
iPad on Facebook Live. No plan. No understanding of the challenges ahead. A nation
swirling with questions. A world ravaged by a pandemic. Next steps seemed illusive. But
our God had already gone before us into that moment, providing a team of courageous
leaders who trusted that God already had a plan and a purpose even for that time.
Each Sunday, worship happened with more joy and confidence. Technology improved our connections. Our Deacons found new ways to care for our people. The economic crisis we expected at church was met by your generosity, not just to keep the ministry going, but even more to care for our hurting neighbors. Our mission exploded in outreach beyond anything we had ever dreamed of or done before. The wall we thought we hit became the opportunity that God created.
I could not have imagined in March of 2020 that the Pandemic would be an instrument of God’s blessing that would shape the Lenape Valley we now know. Many of the changes in our ministry came through necessity- quick decisions made to allow ministry to continue. They have served us well over the past few years as we have come back from a Pandemic experience. But now is the time to begin to evaluate where we are and look ahead to God’s next call. To help us in that work, the Session has engaged a consulting firm- the Centerbased in neighboring Dublin- to conduct a Church Health Assessment. This quick snapshot in time gives us a chance to see our strengths and challenges, so that we can begin to consider the next steps in ministry. Almost 250 of you participated in the assessment through interviews and an online survey. Thank you for adding your voice! What we learned will be important as we listen for God’s next call.
Here are some of the highlights from the assessment:
I am excited about God’s next steps… God always writes a better story, and God has only just begun to write that story in us!
With you in anticipation,
Anita
PS… Remember to invite a friend to our Kick-Off Picnic on September 7th and the Concert on September 21st. Each one… Bring one… or maybe more!
Each Sunday, worship happened with more joy and confidence. Technology improved our connections. Our Deacons found new ways to care for our people. The economic crisis we expected at church was met by your generosity, not just to keep the ministry going, but even more to care for our hurting neighbors. Our mission exploded in outreach beyond anything we had ever dreamed of or done before. The wall we thought we hit became the opportunity that God created.
I could not have imagined in March of 2020 that the Pandemic would be an instrument of God’s blessing that would shape the Lenape Valley we now know. Many of the changes in our ministry came through necessity- quick decisions made to allow ministry to continue. They have served us well over the past few years as we have come back from a Pandemic experience. But now is the time to begin to evaluate where we are and look ahead to God’s next call. To help us in that work, the Session has engaged a consulting firm- the Centerbased in neighboring Dublin- to conduct a Church Health Assessment. This quick snapshot in time gives us a chance to see our strengths and challenges, so that we can begin to consider the next steps in ministry. Almost 250 of you participated in the assessment through interviews and an online survey. Thank you for adding your voice! What we learned will be important as we listen for God’s next call.
Here are some of the highlights from the assessment:
- Lenape Valley is a healthy church.
- Financially strong
- Family culture that is welcoming and graceful
- Passionate commitment to mission
- Participation in most areas back to pre-pandemic levels
- Strength and trust in the care-giving ministry
- Strong teaching o Growing in faith
- The strength in the ministry positions us to be able to tackle the next challenges. The Center’s assessment has identified several areas for us to consider.
- We must grow Younger! 70% of you identified this urgent call as the most important priority for our church. Reaching the younger generations is the challenge facing the American church today! We are losing our children to the world. They say: “Christianity is always one generation from extinction.” Now is the time to act, not just for the sake of our church, but for the salvation of our children. This call to reach the emerging generations must become the passion of our church. We will need to consider all areas of our ministry to find new ways to engage young families, youth and young adults.
- We need to reach Men. Our demographics show that our church has a strong outreach to women that brings more women. But our outreach to men needs to grow. Focus in this area will bless the whole of our faith community and bring more men into Christian fellowship.
- We need to remain focused on the Mission field. Mission is the heart of our ministry. Mission draws new members. Mission defines our fellowship. Mission blesses our neighbors. God has called us to be the mission of Jesus Christ to the world God so loves. We must never lose focus on why God has placed us on the corner of Ute and Butler- to be His instrument of grace to our community.
- Next Steps:
- Take a moment to thank God for all that God has already done in and through our faith community in these past few years. God has blessed us so that we can be a blessing!
- Join together on Sunday, September 28th for a Pray and Plan event. After worship, enjoy a continental brunch and share in an opportunity to allow God’s good ideas to ‘Bubble Up’ through YOU. It will be a lively morning! Childcare will be provided.
I am excited about God’s next steps… God always writes a better story, and God has only just begun to write that story in us!
With you in anticipation,
Anita
PS… Remember to invite a friend to our Kick-Off Picnic on September 7th and the Concert on September 21st. Each one… Bring one… or maybe more!
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1 Comment
Men’s ministry can be both very easy and very hard at the same time. Our collective DNA as Presbyterians are when we approach any need or perceived need we first form a committee to study. Then build out programming and structure and staff it. Either paid employees or volunteer and role out expecting people will consume our product. About six or so months ago I attended a men’s breakfast at LVC. All well planned well designed and well staffed. I even filled out a form. Very Presbyterian where I said I would be willing to lead and provide leadership to any men’s ministry at LVC. Time passed. Crickets. All sort of went nowhere. No follow up no call back. I can take a hint.
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nI run lead two men’s ministry outreach locally that touches about 300 men a month. One in connection to a veterans group I am part of. Iraq Afghan vets of American and a veterans motor cycle club. We meet once a month at a local diner or coffee place. 5 minutes of scripture and prayer. But then spend hours talking
nWhat men talk about. Relationships intimacy family kids marriages life stress etc. it’s sort of anti programming programming. Last month we met at a local ax throwing place and threw axes. Another we met at a local gun range prayed read the Bible then spent hours firing off sub marching guns. Glorious.
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n Now most of these men would never attend an established church and have intent too. Most have had very negative experiences in church and feel the established church irrelevant to their lives. I get it. If I ever brought them to LVC they would find the community old static weak woke and feminists centric. They would not feel welcome in their leather and tatoos and piercings. Their warts harder edges their beliefs and values. Men the church would tell we don’t serve your kind here. I get that.
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nSo who in your programs and ministries are you trying to reach out? Who do you really want to come to your church? Who do you really want walking in your door? I think at the end of the day. Folks just like you. That look behave and feel things just like you. That will just blend it and not rock the boat or challenge your assumptions. Fill your Sunday schools and drop money in your offering plates. Much like 1955. Good luck. But you need to ask yourself if you choose to open your doors to the public. The public is messy diverse and don’t look or feel like you. And will challenge you. You really want that? Sometimes be careful what you wish for.
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