Vitality + Transitional Discernment

Faith communities everywhere are in a time of transition. In many ways, the pandemic has accelerated and exacerbated challenges we faced previously. Now is the time for courageous and candid examinations of who we’ve been, who we are, and who God is calling us to be.

For some congregations, this means pausing to clarify and re-envision identity and purpose. For others, this means significant transformation. Others still are in a unique season of their institutional life, and would benefit from some external guidance.

Depending on your goals, hopes, and expectations, this work can happen in a single or multi-day retreat/gathering or over the course of weeks and months for more in-depth processes. My engagement with your congregation can conclude with something like “raw data” for you to interpret and implement, or I can work with you to synthesize outcomes and plan and facilitate next steps.

Vitality + Transitional Discernment consulting can be helpful when your church is:

  • Discerning capacity for change + transformation

  • Planning “next steps” in your congregation’s journey

  • Preparing for capital campaigns

  • Preparing for pastoral transitions

  • Crafting or revising mission + vision statements

  • Discerning overall congregational health + sustainability

  • Discerning possible future paths including merger/consolidation, building sale, nesting, yoking, transplant, and Legacy (closure + dissolution).

Legacy

The decision to conclude the active ministry life of a congregation is a courageous act of faithful stewardship that requires an intentional process. From early exploratory conversations to “last one out,” I will work with leadership and the whole congregation to discern steps along your journey that respond to the needs of your context.

I can also join you for stages of your journey, including but not limited to:

  • Information Sessions + Preparation for Congregational Votes

  • Coordinating with other contracted professionals (legal, financial), denominational entities, and community partners

  • Discerning, researching, and distributing remaining assets (financial assets, tangible goods, sacred items) to appropriate recipients

  • Coaching + guidance for clergy

  • Exploring “soft landing places” for members who wish to seek out a new faith community

  • Crafting closing worship celebrations

Read an article about my work with a Legacy Church in Arlington, VA:

UCC News: "Virginia Church Closing Creates Reparative Gift to Historically Black Churches"

Invested Faith: “Legacy Gift from Bethel United Church of Christ”

New Initiatives + Misc. DIY

Have an idea for a special project? Need some guidance and an outside perspective? Well, let’s talk and find out what’s possible! I love trying to figure out new stuff.

How about stuff like this:

  • Coaching lay preachers to supplement a sabbatical, pastoral leave, pastoral gap, or regularly scheduled member-led worships

  • Celebrating + commemorating anniversaries + milestones

  • Connecting with potential community partners and/or municipal agencies

  • Processing challenging or controversial events in your church’s history (Such as connections to slavery, acts of racism or other discrimination)

  • Welcome + hospitality vibe check (Secret-shopper-style or otherwise)

  • Low budget, user-friendly A/V + streaming systems (I’m a gadget fanatic)