STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE
DRAFT VISION

 
Conceptual Framework

  • Committee began work in March
  • Worked with consultant Paul Nickerson
  • Solicited input from ministerial staff
  • Provided updates via emails, Cornerstone articles, coffee hour, church meetings
  • Now ready to provide draft vision for congregational input

What We Have Learned So Far

  • 80% of churches (of all denominations) are experiencing declining membership and attendance.
  • 87% of people who join a church, do so because they were invited by friends or family members.
  • 125,000 churches have closed in the last 20 years.
  • Less than 18% of Americans attend church on a regular basis. New Englanders are even less likely to go to church, with less than 10% saying they attend on a regular basis.
  • Many people are "seeking" but are leery of "organized religion"
  • People want to be part of something that is both meaningful and can be accomplished in a short period of time
  • People want to be "invited"

Who is First Church?

  • As a UCC church we "Welcome all of God's people"
  • Strong commitment to mission
  • Diverse in age, religious background, theology
  • Participating in Strategic Planning from a position of strength
  • Challenges
    -        Don't have a clear vision
    -        Financial stability
    -        Declining membership
    -        Hard to staff boards and committees

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SIMSBURY
DRAFT VISION

Rooted in Faith and Growing in Spirit
We Invite All of God's People to Gather in Joy, and
Reach Out to the Community Near and Far

 

Vision Statement
To gather together, in worship and learning
To care for one another, as Jesus would want us to care for the world
To live as disciples, according to Christ's teachings
To grow and change together, in the life of faith
To serve God, by serving others and by using our gifts.

We strive to foster an inviting, loving, and welcoming community.
We strive to expand spiritual growth for all ages.
We strive to create a culture of discipleship.
We strive to be joyful!!"

 

Six Pillars of First Church
1)  To emphasize active and growing discipleship, instead of passive membership
        "How can we foster spiritual growth?"

2)  To renew our sense of mission and outreach.
        "Can I make a difference by extending my talent and treasure?"

3)  To develop a new governance model that frees up talent and energy so we can more actively grow our ministry.
        "Can I develop and grow my faith, rather than maintain an institution?" 

4)  To connect with our community through fellowship, outreach, and leadership.
       "Do I want to be a fortress on a hill, or join God's faithful in the fields?"

5)  To be a ministry by the people and for the people.
       "How can I make things better?"

6)  To staff for growth and outreach.
       "How should we allocate our resources?"

 

Suggested Changes

  • We embrace a commitment for First Church to tithe to support our mission and outreach.
  • We need a permission-giving, team-based model of governance.
  • We need a customized system of pledging.
  • This is a time for renewal and celebration, let's keep moving First Church forward.
  • We must commit to a sustainable budget and secure future.
  • Yes, these changes will feel different, yes the transition may feel uncomfortable, but we need to change in order to keep growing.
  • Working together, we can move First Church into a bright future