As far as congregations go:
Vital > Viable > Inviable
I would much rather lead and be part of a vital congregation than one that is simply viable.
I would much rather lead and be part of a viable congregation than one that is inviable and has not yet closed.
I believe that one of my roles as a United Methodist clergy person is to help congregations move from one to the next.
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I think you’re right. I might would say that my job as a United Methodist Clergy person is to help people be open to the Spirit so that God can move them from one stage to the next. We’ll burn ourselves out if we try to move people. Thanks for the post and thoughts.
Jacob – I like the idea of stewarding from one stage to the next. People have to be willing and interested in moving on their own. Creating the environment for movement is key.