Renewal

That is the path a small congregation in Battle Creek Michigan has embarked upon – getting back to basics, reminding herself again of just what it means to be the church of Jesus Christ, in these times, in this place.

Several years ago, Washington Heights United Methodist Church was a thriving congregation with more than 125 active members.  It was a pillar in her community.  They had, as an expression of their compassion for their surrounding community, formed a community ministry non-profit to deliver mostly direct service care for their changing neighborhood.

Over a long period during which the community changed to become predominantly African American, the congregation dwindled in size and energy to the point where viability had be a concern.  Presently, some 25 – 30 faithful, mainly African American members gather Sundays to sing the Lord’s praises.  Also along the way, through changing pastoral leadership and the addition of ‘outside’ directors, the community ministry nonprofit lost contact with the congregation.  Due to poor financial practices, the ministry of the nonprofit was recently suspended.

But with a sense of place, albeit diminished in numbers and a continued sense of God’s calling to be a blessing, the congregational leaders decided, rather than to close their doors, to embark upon the effort of renewal.

This past spring, the church partnered with Volunteers In Service, a West Michigan nonprofit experienced in equipping churches who wish to more deeply engage their local community.  A process of Congregational Discovery was initiated to recover a deeper sense of just who God had made the current members to be:  What are there joys, what gifts do they have, what are their dreams as a congregation?  The result has become a portrait of a congregation gifted and passionate about youth, inclusive and non-judgmental, and yearning for a new opportunity for making their local neighborhood a better place.

A couple of weeks ago, training was held to kick off the Community Discovery process.  Congregational members were trained in how to listen to their local neighbors to understand their desires for a better community, what they liked and didn’t like about the neighborhood, and what they might themselves do with others of a like mind to improve the community.  Maps were marked up as to the specific streets around the church building where this listening would happen.  Planning for ‘asset mapping walks’ was done to gain a better awareness of what the neighborhood already has in the way of structures, business, green space and parks.

This work of developing a better understanding of how the congregation’s gifts for ministry and the assets and dreams of the community match is nearing completion.  This fall, new and ‘renewed’ ministries in and with the community are anticipated – ministries based on a prayerful, clear-headed awareness of the ministry future for which they and community have been prepared.

Renewal is hard work.  Facing reality often is.  Approaching that task with a clear sense of your gifts and calling can produce a confident witness, one the community will notice and appreciate.

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