Rev. Gary Alan Shockley, Director of Equipping Vital Congregations
The unrelenting waves of change that have come to our churches this year have forced us to rethink how we function as a congregation and what our new roles will be in a world gripped by a pandemic. Everything is different now. Some of the old tools we used to strengthen our ministries just don’t work very well right now. Some of the new tools we need are being developed. While our mission and message hasn’t changed, the way we communicate it and live it out certainly has. We want to help you!
The Office of Equipping Vital Congregations is passionate about supporting you and your congregation in such a challenging time. In addition to the more “standard” effective resources we offer (in partnership with the offices of Grow and Connect) like: Small Church Check-up, Simplified Structure, Fresh Expressions, Multi-site, New Church Starts, Visioning and Strategic Planning; we have several new resources available for your church.
Readiness 360
An online tool used by your congregation to help you determine your readiness to do something new- new worship venue, Fresh Expression, Discipleship, Mission Project and etc. Easy to take and helpful to gauge your church’s readiness and give you tips about how you can become better prepared for new things!
Coaching
Trained coaches who will help to resource your congregation and walk alongside you as you journey toward greater missional vitality and effectiveness in ministry. Coaches may suggest some of our best-practice resources that will assist you.
Video Training Modules:
(Contact evcoffice@susumc.org for links!)
- Online Children and Youth Initiatives
- Effective Online Ministries Beyond Worship: discipleship, mission, community engagement and more!
- Hope: An Advent Journey worship resources and support (Under the “Ministries” tab at susumc.org)
- The Financial Challenge: Finish Well in 2020 and Start Strong in 2021
- Prayer Walking Your Community practical steps to building relationships with your neighbors
- Managing Loss and Transitions in the life of your congregation
- In a Moment Spiritual Retreat for Church Leaders
- 5 Behavioral Characteristics of Thriving Post-Covid 19 Churches
- Anti-Racism Resources to foster and strengthen beloved community
The Equipping Vital Congregations web pages at susumc.org are being redesigned and we hope to have them completed soon! Thanks for your patience! Please contact evcoffice@susumc.org for assistance!
