© 2008 Evangelical Covenant Church In It T ogether “We are missional pietists, in it together to see more disciples among more populations in a more caring

© 2008 Evangelical Covenant Church

In It In It TTogetherogether

“We are missional pietists, in it together to see more disciples among more populations in a more caring and just world.”

Gary Walter


Covenant Church 1985 - 2010

1985 (85 Base) 2010 %

Churches 602 (477) 819 +36%

Attendees 84,233 (83,431) 176,000 +109%

Ethnic

Churches 43 (30) 201 +367%

Foreign Partnerships 7 (7) 38 +443%


V I M

Vim is a derivative from the Latin term “vis” meaning direction, strength, force, vigor, power, energy, or virtue; and sometimes meaning sense, import, nature, or essence. Spiritual formation in Christ likeness is all of this to human existence. It is the path by which we can truly, as Paul told the Ephesians, “be empowered in the Lord and in the energy of his might” (Ephesians 6:10) and “become mighty with his energy through his Spirit entering into the inward person” (3:16).


V I M

If we are to be spiritually formed in Christ, we must have and must implement the appropriate vision, intention, and means. Not just any path we take will do. If this VIM pattern is not put in place properly and held there, Christ simply will not be formed in us.

Dallas Willard

Renovation of the Heart



VIM: Vision

• The picture of a preferable future – God’s future

• Vision gets people in the game

• Vision gives people a target

• Vision helps dreams become bigger than memories


Focus on One Thing


Where is what we are looking at


VIM: Our Vision

Write out a vision statement(s)Write out a vision statement(s)for _____________ Covenant Churchfor _____________ Covenant Church

Post on WallPost on Wall

Add Stickers


VIM: Intention

• The resolve to move forward.• The will to live. • “With God’s help we will do this.”• The willingness to count the cost and

pay the price.• The willingness to ask the significant

questions and take the significant steps.


Two Fallacies

1)We Can GrowWithout Change

2) We Can Change Without Pain


Holmes on Homes


VIM: Intention

• Vitality takes longer than planned,

• Is messier than expected,

• Costs more than originally figured

• Requires greater determination than once thought.

• Is and endless effort

© 2008 Evangelical Covenant Church© 2009 Department of Church Growth and Evangelism

INTENTION: Are We ...

... willing to come before God with a sense of brokenness and desperation?

... willing to count the cost?

... wiling to take an honest look at ourselves?

... willing to take responsibility for our own vitality?

... willing to follow the Spirit wherever the Spirit leads?

... willing to experience the fulfillment, joy and exhilaration of becoming a healthy missional church?

... willing to persevere through the growing pains of becoming a healthy missional church?


1 - 10

• On a scale of 1-10 rate the collective will of ______

Covenant Church


VIM: Means

• The available resources to accomplish the vision and follow through on our intentions.

Asset – based thinking vs

Deficit - thinking

Mark 8:1-9

© 2008 Evangelical Covenant Church© 2009 Department of Church Growth and Evangelism

MEANS: What is...

... Our asset base in terms of people resources?

... Our asset base in terms of spiritual resources?

... Our asset base in terms of financial resources?

... Our asset base in terms of community resources?

... Our asset base in terms of conference resources?

... Our asset base in terms of denominational resources?

In combination do we believe these provide a sufficient platform for moving forward?


VIM: Means

Action steps ...• Write on Post-it notes two significant assets

of your church

• Post on Wall

• Group in categories

• Adds dots

• Discuss meaning

Documents

© 2008 Evangelical Covenant Church In It T ogether “We are missional pietists, in it together to see more disciples among more populations in a more caring