The VCI coaches are careful not to impose a particular vision. Rather, they work with congregations to develop their own unique vision for a “robust esprit de corps,” or “spirit of the body.” Congregations focus on their internal spiritual life and dynamic missional engagement with the world.

In a culture many describe as frantic, manic and high-velocity, how can congregations discern the future that God has for them?

Church leaders, both lay and clergy, know that transformation is no easy venture. Many congregations desire real transformation but lack the knowledge to begin. Debbie Rundlett, executive of Muskingham Valley Presbytery (Ohio), understands: “If congregations knew what to do [to achieve transformation] they would do it.”

How can congregations experience deep change and convey the Good News of Jesus Christ in a vital and dynamic way to the next generation?

That challenge rose in the heart of the Dr. E. Stanley Ott during his 18-year tenure as pastor of Pleasant Hills Community Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh. Ott founded the Vital Churches Institute (VCI), and out of that initial question came The Acts 16:5 Initiative. The apostles’ description of the early Church became their motto: “So the churches were strengthened in the faith and increased in numbers daily.” Acts 16:5 (NRSV)

Ott writes about the Initiative: “We long to see our congregations grow in their spiritual vitality and in missional engagement within their communities and world.”

The Vital Churches Institute’s vision is to help congregations and regional governing bodies experience the transformation that comes from a Christ-engaging way of life. Since the inception of the Initiative, more than 600 congregations in almost 30 presbyteries have worked with VCI in an intentional process of transformation.

The Initiative’s positive focus on regional governing bodies is unique among approaches to transformation. Again, Ott: “Our conviction is that no structure or body is more strategically positioned to shape and to encourage congregations for transformation and missional engagement than a presbytery.” (emphasis original) This conviction is demonstrated in the broad appeal of the Initiative.

The Acts 16:5 Initiative, says Ott, “has drawn congregations from across the theological spectrum.” In each regional governing body, congregations who might differ, sometimes passionately, on hot-button issues, find common ground and benefit from the focus of Acts 16:5.

Those who expect a boilerplate, one-size-fits-all program imposed from the outside are often pleasantly surprised. The VCI team coaches congregations through a three-year intentional process, beginning with a solid foundation rooted in the believer’s baptismal identity. Ott believes that transformation does not begin with programming, but with a revitalized lifestyle as God’s people…

“The Acts 16:5 Initiative,” says Rundlett, “is grounded in our identity in Christ. It’s an intentional process born out of our relationship with God and Christ. It begins in relationship with a Kingdom vision.”

Read More: http://www.layman.org/News.aspx?article=28174

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