The New Visions Initiative at St The New Visions Initiative at St. Clement’s, Inkster Diocese of Michigan Subtitle: a story of transformation in a Black Church. Presenters: The Rev. Ellis Clifton Miss Amber Barnes

The New Visions Initiative What is it? It is a biblically based, ministry oriented initiative for congregational renewal and vitality, that is, communities of faith becoming centers for Mission.

What is needed at the Parish? New Visions Team of Clergy and Laity Support From Diocesan Bishop Congregation Buy-in New Visions Prayer to be said at worship Lay Chair and Co-Chair (s) Regular Meetings Invite Participation from ALL Parishioners Be Intentional about Open Communication

GUIDING PRINCIPLES Baptismal Covenant The Great Commandment The Great Commission The Great Statement of Mission Prayer Bible Study

MAJOR AREAS OF CONCENTRATION STEWARDSHIP RADICAL INVITATION, WELCOME AND HOSPITALITY CHILDREN, YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS MISSION PROJECTS CHRISTIAN FORMATION SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT

Major Areas of Concentration (cont’d) Evangelism Dynamic Worship Leadership Development Prayer and Meditation on the Word

Congregational Life Cycle BIRTH DEATH Congregational Life Cycle

One of Two Things Follows Stability BIRTH GROWTH STABILITY REDEFINITION DECLINE Redefinition of the Ministry Leads to a new growth cycle Decline

The Congregational Life Cycle BIRTH GROWTH STABILITY REDEFINITION REDEVELOPMENT REBIRTH DEATH DECLINE

A Testimony Of Congregational Transformation Chaos: The Assessment Secular Stewardship Concept, Inward Focus, Spiritual Malaise, Stagnant and Close-Minded Leadership, Un- Inspiring Worship, Debilitating Conflict. The Redefinition/Redevelopment The reality that Death of the Congregation was Imminent - Dec.2013 Intentional Leadership Change Intentional Conversation about a New Direction, example – New Visions Prayer The Indaba/New Visions Experience – Atlanta

Testimony Continued… Creation of New Visions Coordinating Committee Intentional Re-Connection with the Community – Currency of Relationship: National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence- Greater Detroit Area, Prince Hall Masons of Michigan, Brothers and Sisters United *, National Action Network *, National Kidney Foundation, I-CAN *, Top Ladies of Distinction, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority – Zeta Nu Zeta Chapter *, Living Water Ministries *, D’Abreu & Associates, Boy Scouts of America *. RISE Initiative – The mission project of New Visions

The Rebirth We are known by the Community as a Center for Mission. Community/Diocesan Leadership is a vital part of parish life. Bible/Prayer integral to every aspect of ministry. The growing edge involves ministry with the unchurched and not internal conflict. Biblical understanding of Stewardship is developing. We now see LIFE and not death.