1. 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

2. 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.

3. 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

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

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

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

7. Congregational Life Cycle
BIRTH
DEATH
Congregational Life Cycle

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

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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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.