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Church Revitalization
These are pictures from the April 9, 2011 Fonda Reformed Healthy Communication In the Church and for Daily Life Workshop.
 
Revitalization in Albany Synod classes and congregations is:
- Helping healthy churches become healthier
- An on-going activity in the life of a congregation.
- Re-imagining mission and ministry.
- Engaging the gifts of congregational members.
- Nurturing, encouraging and empowering both ordained and non-ordained leadership in the church.
Revitalization Tools for Churches
Contact Phyllis Palsma, synod coordinator for revitalization, to learn how your congregation can be engaged in revitalization. Some of the resources and tools include:
- Natural Church Development
- Appreciative Inquiry
- Mediation and Reconciliation
Natural Church Development
Every church has potential to grow in mission, ministry and members. Within every church there are resources to nurture that growth. A survey, taken by 30 members of a church, measures the health of a congregation in eight areas (quality characteristics). A trained NCD coach works with a church health team as they focus on one of those characteristics for a period of time and discover the potential impact that one area has on other areas of church life.
Appreciative Inquiry
This process uses carefully framed questions to assess congregational strengths and values. The entire congregation is invited to participate in this process of re-visioning a church’s mission and ministry.
Ministry of Mediation and Reconciliation
Conflict is a normal part of life. It happens at home, at work, at school and in the church. How we respond to conflict impacts community life. The apostle Paul frequently offered counsel to first century church members who needed to practice “speaking the truth in love” as they learned to respond to difficult issues in healthy, Christ-like ways. Using biblical principles for addressing conflict and teaching healthy communication skills, trained mediators are available in every classis to work with a church.
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