NWRCC - Congregational Transformation

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Congregational Transformation

*From our Regional Mission Plan...* The Northwest Regional Christian Church, committed to God's leading, seeks transformation in our life together. We have called this formal regional transformation process RISE. We commit ourselves to a shared ministry as a community of communities, grace-filled, forward thinking, and open to new possibilities. We foster intentional relationships grounded in the love of Christ in all aspects of Regional life: between individuals, congregations, ecumenical and interfaith partners. Through our life together we support our congregations in the development and celebration of a faith-filled, collective life through holistic faith formation … facilitate sharing of resources between congregations; encourage habits and practices that lead to congregational transformation; develop innovative leadership; and nurture vital clergy. In light of our oneness in Christ, we commit to be open, receptive and inclusive of all people, recognizing that we as individuals and together as a regional church will be transformed by our relationships with one another. Challenged by the Word of God to live into God's purpose and promise... In our life together we desire to nurture and celebrate a culture of openness to new patterns of behavior and thinking as we support existing congregations and nurture new congregations for ministry into the evolving future of God's church

	Transformation Team Goals
• To hold before each other and the Region God's call for all of creation to be continually transforming. To help identify possible transformative paths for congregations by helping them evaluate their present situation and context. To help congregations reframe the need for transformation without feeling they are to blame for the current state of their church. To help congregations and God's people hear one another's stories as they move through a transformation process so they know their feelings and concerns are being acknowledged and considered in the process. To help congregational leaders understand the challenges of leading a transforming congregation and support them through the learning process. • To hold one another, our region, and our congregations in prayer, inviting such prayer throughout the region, recognizing that it is God who brings about transformation in us and through us.
	Upcoming Events
Joint Meeting May 3, 2013 The Transformation Team and the New Church Team will meet. Location TBA.
	Transformation Team
Marvin Eckfeldt- First Christian Church, Kent - Acting Chairperson Bill and Connie Robey - First Christian Church, Puyallup (on hiatus) David Carringer - First Christian Church, Clarkston Ron Naff - First Christian Church, Longview Jennifer Prekeges - Lake City Christian Church, Seattle Sue Scott - Englewood Christian Church, Yakima Amy Walters- First Christian Church, Olympia Sandy Messick: Regional Minister-President, Northwest Regional Christian Church
	Transformation Grants
As the NWRCC implements the RISE Mission Plan, the Executive Board announces the availability of Transformation Grants of up to $1,000 for congregations that are seeking to follow God's direction in new and exciting ways. The Mission Plan states: "We celebrate that God is always doing a new thing" and "Our faithful response is to continually be open to new ways of being church together". The Region is responding by offering this financial assistance as well as other coaching assistance to congregations that want to intentionally step out in new directions or approach ministry in new ways. Funding for the grants comes from a pool of money specifically set aside for congregational transformation. This pool of funds originated from the faithfulness of several congregations that, after closing their doors and selling their property, directed that a portion of the funds generated from the sale be used for new church starts and/or congregational transformation in the Region. Additional funds have come from the specific bequeaths of faithful individuals in our Region. A number of Regional congregations already have been involved in intentional transformation work for several years. Exciting and unique results have begun to surface from their efforts. These transformation grants are being offered to encourage other congregations to seek how God may be calling them to new forms of ministry in the immediate future.
	Documents & Resources
• Congregational Transformation Grant Application • Transformation Team Introduction Folder • From the National Office: The Intersection

© NWRCC | Revised 3/8/13 | PO Box 23819, Federal Way, WA 98093 | P: 253-893-7202 | F: 253-656-5715