Understanding the Importance of Core Values in Parish Life
Exploring the significance of core values in parish communities, this content delves into how these values shape beliefs, practices, and decision-making processes. From defining core values to linking personal convictions with those of the parish, it highlights the essential role of consistent, passionate, and Scriptural values in guiding a life rooted in Christ.
Download Presentation
Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author. Download presentation by click this link. If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.
E N D
Presentation Transcript
T odays T opic T oday s T opic D iscovering P arish C ore V alues Foundation for Living a Life in Christ D iscovering P arish C ore V alues J oseph K ormos, M oderator J oseph K ormos, M oderator F r. J onathan Ivanoff F r. J onathan Ivanoff
Registrant Profile Parish Council 33% Clergy 28% Parish Size 30 27 25 Interested layperson 39% 20 13 15 10 8 10 Roles of Attendees 3 5 0 1 to 50 51 to 100 101 to 150151 to 200 > 200 Yes 32% Specific Renewal Effort? Don't Know 31% Yes 9 Planning Stage 11 Ongoing Informal 18 Don't Know 9 No 15 No 37% 0 5 10 15 20 Written Mission Statement?
Discovering Parish Values: Foundation for Living a Life in Christ Thursday, January 27, 2011 Diocese of the Midwest
Objectives What are/not core values ? Why they are important Determining parish s core values Scriptural models: Acts 2 Relating personal core values to parish core values
Outside and Inside A lot has been written lately about the church and culture; most of it, however, refers to the culture around a church. Just as important is the culture within a church, the shared attitudes, values, and beliefs that define a church and shape its practices. Angie Ward, Christianity Today
Defining Core Values Core values are consistent, passionate, Scriptural, distinctive convictions that determine our priorities, influence our decisions, drive our ministry and are demonstrated by our behavior
Core Values Are: Consistent Passionate Scriptural Distinctive
Core Values Do: Determine priorities Influence decisions Drive ministry Clearly shown by parish s behavior
Core Values Are NOT . . . Statements of faith/belief/theology Scriptural purpose statement Favorite programs Strategies
Why are Values Important? Provide foundation Well-defined target Aid in averting conflict Provides spiritual authority Answers why we do what we do Provide the courage for risk taking
Core Values & Ministry Success Encourage commitment, enthusiasm, and effort Provide incentive Promote innovation, risk-taking Facilitate better communication, decision-making and evaluation
What is the Most Accurate Indicator of Your Values? Your ! How you & !
What is the Most Accurate Indicator of Your Values? Your behavior ! How you spend your & spend your
More Key Questions to Determine Your Core Values What stirs you to action? What do you want your church to be known for? What are you passionate about?
What about Competing Values? Step 1: Get members together Step 2: Articulate personal values Step 3: Achieve consensus on core values to improve unity and progress of parish Result: Shared Values!
Qualities of Shared Values Strong feelings of personal effectiveness High levels of loyalty Consensus about key goals Ethical behavior Reduce levels of stress and tension In sum: Clarity, Consensus, Intensity
Scriptural Modeling Personalmodels abound; what about corporate ones? Look up: Acts 2:42-47
Behavior Value
Behavior Value Devoted to Apostles teaching Apostolic teaching fellowship and, fellowship breaking of bread Sacramental life The prayers Liturgical life Ate together More fellowship!!! Sold and gave Concern for poor
I.D. Core Values in your Parish Step 1: Involve everyone! Pooled wisdom = trustworthy results Decisions in importance, participation of parishioners participation, support and buy-in
I.D. CVs in your Parish Step 2: No theory! Real life! Actual core values (those we actually use), not theoretical or aspirational (those we say we use) Look for CVs that have guided the church through her history Exception: new church plant/mission
Earthlinks CVs Thoughtful Decision-Making. We make informed decisions and align ourselves around successful implementation. We collect data, analyze facts, and consider options before making decisions. Then we focus on execution and measuring results to ensure our actions remain rooted in sound judgment. Innovation. The best way to have one great idea is to start with a lot of ideas. So we make a habit of asking, Is there a better way? Good business people challenge conventional thinking and offer new ideas. Respect for People. We believe that individuals who are treated with respect and given responsibility respond by giving their best. We treat others as we want to be treated and value a positive work/life balance.
One churchs CVs Togetherness: We believe that life is done best when experienced together, learning, growing, celebrating, and spending time with one another. Love Wins: Our motivation for serving God and His church is love. We don't serve out of guilt or obligation. Love drives us to passionately serve God. Others: We must become passionate about reaching people through relationships...We believe this is best done through relationships with the un-churched. We look for every opportunity to get involved and be a presence in the community. Welcoming: We realize that everyone is at a different place in their spiritual journey. God has not called us to judge others, but accept them and welcome them. Jesus modeled this during his earthly ministry. Transformation: God is not just interested in our conversion, but in our transformation. We believe we were created to live deeply with one another, to carry each other s burdens and share our possessions, to pray for and confess our sins to each other, to suffer and celebrate together. Transformation happens best in community. Shaped To Serve: God deliberately shaped and formed you to serve him in a way that makes your ministry unique. God expects every believer to get involved in ministry and find an area to serve. This builds the local church as well as those who serve. Investing In the Next Generation: We believe that we have a responsibility to invest in the lives of both kids and youth. They are the future leaders of the church.
CVs Evaluation As an Orthodox Christian community, we are committed to: Live a life of worship and prayer rooted in the sacramental and liturgical tradition of the Church Nurturing the faithful through teaching, preaching and study Raising our children and youth to love and serve Christ Striving to live according to the moral vision of the Church Encouraging and enabling one another in discipleship and commitment to Christ and His Church through small groups Providing pastoral care and guidance at all stages of spiritual life Sharing our faith through witness, service, evangelism and mission Glorifying God through faithful stewardship Welcoming all people into our community life
I.D. CVs in your Parish Step 3: 1st Meeting: learn, discuss! Facilitator teaches first Divide into groups record/write Brainstorm, complete statements: We are committed to We value
I.D. CVs in your Parish Step 4: 2nd Meeting: compare, act! Groups meet, compare notes Consensus on top 10 12 points Develop CV Statement Present to parish for approval, include on web, bulletin, new members kit, etc.
Action Point: Acts 2:42-45 Spend time post-webinar prayerfully determining to values for your church Culture takes a long time to create, even longer to change
Questions to Ask Why why why Current statements valid? Leadership structure and authority? Are personal values overwhelming? History? Sacred cows? Show me the money! What is God saying to me to us
Thank You! Questions?
