by Dana Allin, 

Synod Executive

On the first night of our 2016 national gathering, Rich Kannwischer, Lead Pastor at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, gave a great message that encouraged us to live into a new reality.  One of the things I really appreciated about his message was an example he used from his church.  He said it only took three days after their move to ECO for bickering to start among congregation members regarding fairly minor issues.  
Rich named a reality that is true for many of us. 

Often times the energy that our congregations exert in the discernment process can quickly turn inward once we have found our home in ECO.  Fortunately for St. Andrew's, Rich, the staff, and the elders quickly helped their congregation envision a future in which they could redirect their energy and passion.

However, I do talk to and hear about churches and leaders whose congregations seem to be stuck after they have made their transition to ECO. 

Sometimes they are stagnant or exhausted for an inordinate amount of time, or things that were buried beneath the surface during the dismissal process bubble up and cause internal conflict.  

I thought, therefore, that it might be helpful for me to identify three characteristics that I have observed in churches that have used their transition to ECO as a catalyst for flourishing. These characteristics are not generally true for other churches that have stayed more stagnant.  (Keep in mind, these are general observations and trends rather than hard and fast rules.)

Churches that have transitioned well are in healthy and active Mission Affinity Groups (MAGs). 

MAGs certainly differ depending upon the dynamics of the churches involved. As Rich said in his message, the point is not to become legalistic about the groups.  Rather, the point is to ensure that we have open and honest relationships with those in other churches.  Authenticity helps us grow in our ministry effectiveness as well as provides guidance in times of transition. 

Conversely, if a church calls me and says that their congregation is experiencing major internal conflict, I will then ask if they are in a Mission Affinity Group.  Often they are not.  For whatever reason, these churches have missed the wisdom of colleagues who may have been able to help curtail conflict in advance.  Perhaps they have not pursued connecting or understood how to connect with other churches in a MAG. (If this is the case with your congregation, please contact Anna Kent and she would be glad to help you in any way!)

Churches that have transitioned well have an exciting vision for the future. 

Let me explain the way I use the word vision.  I see vision as the extension of the mission of the church in its particular context; and whether or not that mission is known and understood by the congregation. 

So for example, if a church has a mission to "make disciples who make disciples", that is a great mission statement, but the real question is, do they have an understanding or a picture of what that mission will look like practically in the next 5-10 years? 

Clear visions include statements like these, for example:

• 20% of our people will be actively discipling others
•  We will begin a new church plant in the next 3 years
• 50% of our people will be in small groups
• We will start 3 missional communities in the next 2 years

 The point is that a clear picture that is at least understood by the congregation but preferably owned by the congregation will help the church move forward once it has found its home in  ECO.

Churches that have transitioned well have clear next steps to achieve those purposes. 

Each of our keynote speakers at the national gathering offer opportunities for continued growth in their particular area of expertise.  Some of these opportunities include cohorts, events, coaching, or learning opportunities.  Congregations that have a clear vision for the future understand that they need to take next (or first!) steps toward that vision.  So if a church says, "We want to start three new missional communities," then they may want to be involved in the cohort that is offered through Soma or Dandelion. 

If a church wants to grow in discipleship, then they want to take advantage of the opportunities offered through Tim Fearer's discipleship initiative.  If a church wants to plant a church, then it is wise to have Matt Lee come in and help them develop a vision and pathway for church planting.   Some churches have seen that their next step is to create vision and so they invite in an outside group or engage in the ELI process. 

I would encourage you to evaluate the life of your own congregation.  If you have transitioned into ECO (and especially if you have been in ECO longer than 6 months), ask yourself if these three statements are true of your congregation.  If they are, then I would say you are likely on the path to greater health and a flourishing church.  If these statements are not true, then I encourage you to take steps to make them a reality.  We want to equip you as much as possible as we continue to strive for the Kingdom of God together!