| Three of the initiatives are
targeted at specific area within the church for special attention.
Create an Emergent Worship Service
What we believe
The worship service is the primary means for the congregation to corporately
offer its praise to God. To be a church that is intergenerational, we
require worship services that appeal to a wide range of ages. There is
a growing desire,
especially among people in the 20’s/30’s age group, for a worship
experience that is different from the services that FPC currently offers.
Where we are now
FPC offers three worship services: two traditional (8:00, 9:30) and
one contemporary (11:00). Currently, FPC spends approximately 10 years
(age
12-22) orienting our youth towards a certain style of worship service
through Fishy,
Club and UCF. This style tends to deviate from traditional and systematic
methods, and rather employs a variety of techniques, including individual
testimony, a less “time-oriented” service, drama, and spirit-led
singing.
After graduating through the UCF program, young worshippers are expected
to make a significant change to a more traditional style of worship.
Consequently, FPC is seeing our college students, volunteers and
interns in its youth ministry,
and others in the 20’s to 30’s age group going elsewhere for a
worship service. We believe they are primarily seeking what is called an “emergent
worship” experience. An emergent worship service can be described as
being communal, interactive, and in various forms, all for the glory of God.
Characteristics of this service might include a change in environment from
our typical service offerings; a looser, less repetitive structure; greater
freedom of expression; and the use of various forms of media.
Where we should go from here
Explore the various forms of emergent worship and make it a priority
to create a new emergent worship service at FPC. Gather specific
information from various demographics that desire this type of
worship service,
both inside
and outside the church. For implementation, a committee directed
by the Session is recommended, comprised of FPC Staff representatives,
as
well
as additional
voices on the committee as suggested by those staff members. From
this committee, a permanent team can be comprised. We need to recognize
that this service
will be different from our current offerings, but be purposeful
in keeping this service an integral part of FPC.
Ministry Master Plan Goals:
- Session establish a task force to develop a recommendation for
implementation of an Emergent Worship Service with the
goal of having services begin
in early 2005.
- Session appoint a search committee to identify
and hire a person to be the main architect, primary preacher, and
spiritual shepherd
for the
service
and the 20-30 something ministry that will grow out of
it.
- The implementation of an Emergent Worship Service
should clearly reflect other Strategic Initiatives: Increasing
our external focus through outreach;
deepen and broaden the feeling of community; increase
passion and grow resources; minister to 20’s and 30’s
age group; be singles sensitive; try new ways of communicating;
establish
and track measures of success.
Revitalize Our Ministry to the 20’s-30’s Age Group
What we believe
To be a vital congregation, we need to draw and nurture adult members
from all age groups, from the 20’s to the 80’s and beyond. The
future of our church depends upon having a ministry that attracts and retains
young adults in their 20’s and 30’s. Otherwise, an age group
hole will likely develop in our membership and continue to grow, eventually
impacting the long term health of the church.
Where we are now
The current demographics of Boulder, especially within a 2-mile radius
of FPC and the proximity to the University of Colorado, make this age
group a fertile ground for ministry. Young adults in the 20’s - 30’s
age group may have a connection with FPC through participation in the University
Ministry, volunteering with the middle school and high school ministries
or as a part of the Walk ministry. This age group is often identified with
a particular style of worship, sense of community, and model of service.
However, FPC does not currently offer any direct opportunities for
worship, discipleship, fellowship, evangelism and leadership that are
appealing to
this age group as a whole. Also, there is not a large pool of 20’s
and 30’s within the church membership to draw on for youth ministry
volunteers. This leads to a very heavy reliance on University students to
fulfill that role. We don’t have a staff person designated to shepherd
this age group.
Furthermore, without a thriving community of believers in this age
group, we have little hope of effectively reaching out to the thousands
of young
singles in Boulder County, offering them an engaging, welcoming community
where they can make friends, find meaning and significance, and eventually
come to know Jesus Christ.
Where we should go from here
Develop and implement a strategy that reaches out to and incorporates
young adults – seekers and believers – into the life and ministry
of FPC.
Consult current Staff and the Walk ministry, as well as outside sources,
to discover and define the characteristics of an effective young adult
ministry. Some needs already identified are a different (“emergent”) style
of worship service; strong teaching and discipleship; a variety of opportunities
to interact and build community; an evangelistic focus; strong small group
ministry; and strong leadership.
Create a leadership position for someone to lead, resource, and provide
continuity for the 20’s and 30’s young adult ministry. Both
internal and external candidates should be considered. It is likely that
this position would also have responsibility for leading the emergent worship
service.
Provide opportunities for leadership in the congregation for young
adults by actively seeking representation on committees and leadership
from this
age group.
Ministry Master Plan Goals:
- As a follow-on to the Emergent Worship Service initiative, we recommend
that Session establish a task force to develop a recommendation
for revitalizing our ministry to the 20’s and 30’s (2005-2006).
The Emergent Worship Service would lay the groundwork for this.
Increase Our Awareness of and Sensitivity to Singles
of All Ages
What we believe
The opportunity to share the message of Jesus Christ to a large un-churched
population of multigenerational singles is right at our doorstep. Demographics
of communities served by FPC have a high percentage of adults that
are classified as non-family units or single parent head of household.
Within a two-mile
radius of FPC it is estimated that 4,000-5,000 singles in the 30+ age
group reside. Our Student & Family and Children’s ministries include
many children and youth from single parent homes that could be incorporated
into the life of the church through the appropriate fellowship and programs.
New members and Alpha classes should have many singles as participants.
With the baby boomer generation approaching retirement and the divorce rate
at a 50% level, opportunities will continue to increase. Our missional focus
must include singles of all age groups. Where we are now
Interviews with ministry areas and focus groups in FPC reflected a
desire to minister to single parents in particular. Multigenerational
singles are
an active part of our members and regular attendees. Some singles have
integrated into the main activities of FPC, and a few are in leadership
positions.
However, there is not a general feeling that FPC is a place where singles
are intentionally welcomed and included, and where there are a variety
of ways for them to find a place of belonging and service. Singles who
are
potential new members, visitors, or seeking to know more about a relationship
with Jesus Christ may not feel there is a place at FPC to become involved.
We are considered a “family” congregation that does not represent
the area demographics. This situation is not unique to FPC. Where we should go from here
An environment needs to be created at FPC where singles of all ages
and circumstances feel welcome and comfortable. Never married, divorced
and
widowed should all feel there is a place for them. This need not necessarily
take the form of “singles ministries.” It more likely means
that all ministries of the church cultivate a sensitivity to singles that
is appropriate for that ministry area, for example, children’s and
youth ministries being sensitive to single parents and the Tapestry ministry
being sensitive to older single adults. The strategic initiatives for “Revitalizing
our Ministry to 20’s and 30’s Age Group” as well as “Deepen
and Broaden the Feeling of Community within the Church” both relate
very well to this initiative.
Ministry Master Plan Goals:
- Identify three ministry areas willing to identify and implement
a way to increase their sensitivity to singles during the next
year
(2004-2005).
- Identify three additional ministry areas the following
year (2005-2006).
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