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New Beginnings:Update & Next Steps

First Presbyterian ChurchGrapevine, TXApril 19, 2015

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Agenda

• Opening Prayer• Timeline of program• Benefits• Ideas Matrix• Motions Adopted• Q&A

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Timeline: Late 2013 / Early 2014

Decided to use the New Beginnings framework:• FPC Grapevine receives New Beginnings (NB)

information from Grace Presbytery• Staff discussions about NB life-cycle, our

position in the life-cycle, benefits, and issues• Staff discussed an approach and suggested

buy-in from the Session and Deaconate• Session approved

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Timeline: Summer/Fall 2014

Started the process:• Assessment visit• Assessment meeting• Sought small group leaders• Leadership training

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Timeline: Early 2015

Executed the program:• 14 small group leaders• 9 small groups• 110+ total participants from

congregation (approx. 1/3 of worshipping congregation)

• Weekly meetings for 6 weeks (approx. 1,000 people hours plus prep time)

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Timeline: Early 2015

Made recommendations:• Group leaders collected all recommendations• Spent 2-3 weeks analyzing outputs• Presented findings to joint meeting of

Session and Deaconate– Matrix of all ideas and suggestions– Areas of consensus, patterns + themes

• Put forward 6 motions, which were approved by both bodies

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Benefits (so far!)

• Small groups formed close bonds, spirits soared• Several key areas of consensus across groups• Participation of significant portion of our

congregation (100+)• We have a list of ideas already for how we can

better serve each other and our community• Deaconate and Session have adopted 5 key

areas of focus that will shape our ministry (Motion #3)

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IDEAS MATRIX

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MOTIONS ADOPTED

Joint meeting of Session & DeaconateMarch 17, 2015

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1: We will celebrate

We will celebrate that through the intentional process of New Beginnings 100+ people came together for six weeks, prayed together and reflected together about our church’s purpose and mission. Through this, relationships were born and /or deepened. Deeping our relationships is a valuable investment in our shared ministry and resources. A celebration will take place in April 2015 and the results of these motions will be shared.

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2: No mission redefinition

We accept that the majority of small groups voiced that this is not the time for a “Mission Redefinition” of our congregation as it has been defined in the New Beginnings process.

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3: Commit to changesBecause we, as a congregation, do not want to “do nothing,” the Session and the Board of Deacons recommit ourselves to smaller changes, especially those that will make better use of our resources (people, time, building, money) for the sharing of God’s love within and beyond this congregation.

Moving forward we as a church will intentionally focus on:• Seeking God’s mission for our church through prayer together• Spiritual formation of this congregation and building disciples• Training and development of lay leaders• Building connectedness within the congregation• Reviewing all new and existing programs for their

sustainability, our passion and energy for them, and alignment with the goals above.

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4: Ministries will act & report

The ideas recorded in the New Beginnings process are to be divided among the ministries (as presented in the attached matrix) for further prayer and discernment. Each ministry shall report back to the congregation in August 2015 and February 2016 concerning action or inaction on them. These reports will be publicized and available to any and all.

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5+6: Bringing Big Ideas to fruition

• An idea will become a “Big idea” (a possible new initiative) when seven congregational participants come forward and commit their own time, passion and energy to its sustainability.

AND • We commit to giving “Big Ideas” prime time on the

agendas of appropriate ministries or boards for consideration. It is appropriate for boards and ministries to be about blessing, funding, praying for and clearing the way so that Big Ideas can come to fruition through the power of the Holy Spirit and the work of the people.

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QUESTIONS?

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THANK YOU!