© 2008 Evangelical Covenant Church In It T ogether “We are missional pietists, in it together to see more disciples among more populations in a more caring and just world.” Gary Walter

© 2008 Evangelical Covenant Church Covenant Church (85 Base)2010% Churches 602 (477) % Attendees 84,233 (83,431)176, % Ethnic Churches 43(30) % Foreign Partnerships 7(7) %

© 2008 Evangelical Covenant Church V I M Vim is a derivative from the Latin term “vis” meaning direction, strength, force, vigor, power, energy, or virtue; and sometimes meaning sense, import, nature, or essence. Spiritual formation in Christ likeness is all of this to human existence. It is the path by which we can truly, as Paul told the Ephesians, “be empowered in the Lord and in the energy of his might” (Ephesians 6:10) and “become mighty with his energy through his Spirit entering into the inward person” (3:16).

© 2008 Evangelical Covenant Church V I M If we are to be spiritually formed in Christ, we must have and must implement the appropriate vision, intention, and means. Not just any path we take will do. If this VIM pattern is not put in place properly and held there, Christ simply will not be formed in us. Dallas Willard Renovation of the Heart

© 2008 Evangelical Covenant Church

V IM: Vision The picture of a preferable future – God’s future Vision gets people in the game Vision gives people a target Vision helps dreams become bigger than memories

© 2008 Evangelical Covenant Church Focus on One Thing

© 2008 Evangelical Covenant Church Where is what we are looking at

© 2008 Evangelical Covenant Church V IM: Our Vision Write out a vision statement(s) for _____________ Covenant Church Post on Wall Add Stickers

© 2008 Evangelical Covenant Church V I M: Intention The resolve to move forward. The will to live. “With God’s help we will do this.” The willingness to count the cost and pay the price. The willingness to ask the significant questions and take the significant steps.

© 2008 Evangelical Covenant Church Two Fallacies 1)We Can Grow Without Change 2) We Can Change Without Pain

© 2008 Evangelical Covenant Church Holmes on Homes

© 2008 Evangelical Covenant Church V I M: Intention Vitality takes longer than planned, Is messier than expected, Costs more than originally figured Requires greater determination than once thought. Is and endless effort

© 2008 Evangelical Covenant Church © 2009 Department of Church Growth and Evangelism INTENTION: Are We willing to come before God with a sense of brokenness and desperation?... willing to count the cost?... wiling to take an honest look at ourselves?... willing to take responsibility for our own vitality?... willing to follow the Spirit wherever the Spirit leads?... willing to experience the fulfillment, joy and exhilaration of becoming a healthy missional church?... willing to persevere through the growing pains of becoming a healthy missional church?

© 2008 Evangelical Covenant Church On a scale of 1-10 rate the collective will of ______ Covenant Church

© 2008 Evangelical Covenant Church VI M : Means The available resources to accomplish the vision and follow through on our intentions. Asset – based thinking vs Deficit - thinking Mark 8:1-9

© 2008 Evangelical Covenant Church © 2009 Department of Church Growth and Evangelism MEANS: What is Our asset base in terms of people resources?... Our asset base in terms of spiritual resources?... Our asset base in terms of financial resources?... Our asset base in terms of community resources?... Our asset base in terms of conference resources?... Our asset base in terms of denominational resources? In combination do we believe these provide a sufficient platform for moving forward?

© 2008 Evangelical Covenant Church VI M : Means Action steps... Write on Post-it notes two significant assets of your church Post on Wall Group in categories Adds dots Discuss meaning