What it is –
Taken from the June Newsletter:
Convergence has partnered with congregations of all sizes, as well as denominations across the country to help all of us do ministry better.
From their website: At Convergence (formerly the Center for Progressive Renewal), we are transforming how faith communities engage with the world. As congregational consultants, we guide congregations through strategic planning, fostering renewal that reflects forward-thinking faith and social justice values. Our vision is rooted in inclusivity, collaboration, and innovation—helping congregations shift from “organized” to “organizing” spiritual communitie
A leadership group will help shepherd the process (Helen Crandall, Laura Hotelling (chair), and Vicky Rigney) in partnership with our coach from Convergence, Gregg Carlson. Our contract calls for some online coaching, community education, data retrieval and analysis, and vision/goal setting.
Where we are in the process –
Sunday we celebrated Epiphany with a Potluck and an overview of progress so far in the church’s Convergence project. Pastor Greg presented the results of interviews performed by the team members and laid out the Convergence timeline. In February, we will have additional trainings with the consulting team about interpreting our results, which will then be used to recommend actions for our congregation. If all goes well, we hope to complete the recommendations around Easter.
The committee has undertaken interviews with people in our community and the following is the purpose, questions and answers from those interviews.
Convergence Interview Purpose:
| To get to know community leaders and make them aware that the church wants to work for the common good of our local community. | |
| To learn about the issues facing our local community. | |
| To develop opportunities for partnerships with organizations seeking to solve the community issues. |
Convergence Interview Questions:
| 1. How did you come to be in our community (or church)? What keeps you here? | |
| 2. In your work or life outside of work, what are you passionately pursuing? | |
| 3. What do you believe are the most important issues facing our local community now and in the future? | |
| 4. What is a dream you have for our local community? | |
| 5. What role do you think a spiritual community like my church could play in addressing those issues and/or making those dreams a reality? | |
| 6. What other entities, organizations and/or individuals would be helpful for us to cultivate as potential partners in addressing those issues and/or fulfilling the dreams you mention? | |
| 7. Who else in the community would you recommend that we speak with? Can you share their information with us so that we may contact them? Would you be willing to connect us to them? |
