Strengthening Churches
Rev. Bill Krizner, Canon for Congregations
Glorifying God. The privilege of being called into God’s Church allows us to know and glorify the God who both created us and loves us. 1 Peter 2:9 reminds us that we are indeed a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that we may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness and into His marvelous light!
Discipling Believers. By living intimately in and through the life of the Church, we have the great privilege of being discipled and formed so that we may grow closer to Him and enjoy the fullness of such love. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 3:18 that we who contemplate God’s glory are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory which comes from the Lord!.
Evangelizing The World. And, through knowing the amazing gift of His grace, we are then compelled to share the Good News of The Gospel with the world around us so that our communities may come to know the power of the Cross. We become a living embodiment of Christ’s directive to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything He has commanded.
To best lead each of our churches into the loving image of Christ, the Gulf Atlantic Diocese believes that we have been called to pursue the six marks of a flourishing church. As a Diocesan team, we seek to partner with each of our churches to best resource and collaborate together in strengthening the work of the faithful in each of these areas. Each such mark is presented below and includes some of the critical elements that comprise the work found within the pursuit of such marks:
1. Inspiring Worship
Worship is essential in a flourishing church because it fosters a deep connection with God, unites the congregation in faith, and strengthens the community’s spiritual growth and mission.
Preaching communicates the human condition and our need for God and the Good News of Jesus Christ. Churches should have systems in place to raise up quality preachers and provide regular feedback for those who preach.
Prayer cultivates a deeper reliance on God, strengthens every aspect of spiritual life within the congregation, and fosters continual intercession for both the church and the world.
Music should be led by skilled musicians who care pastorally for their team and congregation, employing songs that appropriately support the liturgy and encourage enthusiastic congregational participation.
2. Healthy Community
Welcome/Assimilation ministry is crucial because it creates an inclusive environment that helps newcomers feel valued, allows them to connect in fellowship, and serves to foster longer term spiritual growth and commitment.
Community/Fellowship/Groups allow for people to find Christ through deepening relationships; offering mutual support, accountability, and spiritual growth to those who participate; and collectively and collaboratively inviting those outside the Church to become part.
Proactive & pastoral member care provides spiritual counsel, emotional support, practical guidance, and help to allow for individuals to thrive in their faith and navigate life’s greatest challenges.
3. Intergenerational Discipleship
Spiritual discipleship/mentorship/direction/pathways offerings work to help individuals deepen their relationship with God, discern His will for their lives, and grow in spiritual maturity through personalized guidance and prayerful reflection.
Teaching centered in the Bible sets forth a crucial foundation for spiritual growth, sound doctrine, and faithful living to guide believers to live in accordance with God’s will.
Children/family ministry nurtures the faith of young believers in laying a strong biblical foundation that shapes their spiritual growth and involvement in the church and in their communities for years to come.
Youth/family ministry uplifts teens and their families to help them navigate the challenges of adolescence while offering a supportive environment where they can explore their faith, build meaningful relationships with other Christians, and seek to boldly share Jesus with others.
College and career ministry offers young adults a vital space to grow in their faith, to form a healthy community, and to navigate the personal challenges of transition that often accompany this season of entering into adulthood.
Catechism is critical because it provides foundational teaching about our faith that deepens understanding, nurtures spiritual maturity, and equips believers to live out such belief with both clarity and conviction.
4. Equipping Leaders
Rector vision casting inspires unity, clarity, and purpose to best guide the congregation toward shared goals in participating within and growing God’s Kingdom.
Leadership and apprenticeship pipelines allow a church to ensure a continuous flow of equipped and spiritually mature lay leaders who can effectively guide the congregation in pursuing the church’s mission.
Service within the church community serves to foster spiritual growth, bring forth deeper fellowship, and empower individuals to use their God-given gifts for building up the body of Christ.
The Ordination pipeline of the Diocese will ideally be receiving qualified candidates from thriving congregations.
Diocesan involvement via participation in retreats, camps, clergy small groups, and deanery meetings brings God’s Church together to collaborate and pursue ministry that cannot be done alone.
5. Evangelistic Mission
Ongoing missional/outreach programs actively engage believers in spreading the Gospel through serving others and demonstrating Christ’s love in tangible ways, aligned with the Great Commission.
Support for Global and Local Missions
Evangelism is God’s call to every believer and it is through sharing the Gospel that people are introduced to the saving grace of Christ, fulfilling Jesus’ command to make disciples of all nations.
Baptisms are a reflection of God’s work in and through His Church as people come to new life through their identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection as they are initiated into the community of faith.
Diversity within the church reflects the inclusive nature of God’s kingdom, serves to foster a richer community, and strengthens the church’s witness to the world around us.
Vocational leadership pipeline & planting serves to raise up future clergy and churches by identifying and forming leaders within the local churches to foster a legacy of leadership that can guide and nurture future generations.
6. Wise Stewardship
Fiscal Management is critical because it ensures responsible stewardship of resources, enables sustainable ministry, and empowers the church to effectively support its mission and evangelistic outreach.
Stewardship Campaigns foster a culture of Biblical generosity, ensures financial sustainability, and empowers the church to fulfill its mission to serve the community effectively.
Committed and trained vestries provide effective leadership, ensure sound decision-making, and help align the church’s resources and vision with its mission and values.
Succession plans for rector/key roles allow the church to ensure its continuity of leadership, minimizes disruption during transitions, and helps maintain the church’s mission and vision during times of change.
Safeguarding God’s people ensures that vulnerable individuals are protected, brings about a safe and respectful environment, and upholds the integrity and trust of the community of the Lord.
Staff care