Envisioning the future of Christ Church

At last Tuesday's Administrative Board meeting Rev. Waters called the proceedings to order with a worksheet following the Appreciate Inquiry model. After each member completed the exercises individually, the Ad Board shared together in small group discussion. The last exercise on the worksheet produced some exciting responses, which we would like to share with the Christ Church congregation:

"Make three wishes for the future of the church."

1. No room in the pews
2. Missions that continue to make a difference
3. Financial stability
4. Increased worship attendance
5. New choir members/continued growth of music program/music staff
6. Outreach to the immediate local community (10-20 block radius)
7. Member and financial growth
8. More young people
9. 57% increase in membership!
10. Corresponding increase in giving of gifts and service
11. Continued solid programming
12. Membership growth
13. Involvement of all members
14. Spiritual growth of members
15. Good Christian role model to the community
16. Financial health
17. Having to worry about how to use all our resources instead of worrying about where resources will come from
18. Unification of Methodists to a more inclusive doctrine
19. Continued growth of youth involvement
20. Continue to offer exciting, meaningful worship and new programs for children and adults
21. Ability to weather disagreements without division
22. Greater attendance and participation
23. More programming
24. More opportunities for participation in education, social action, fellowship, and spiritual growth
25. To grow—with open and committed people
26. To be an alternative voice for the "traditional" church
27. To remodel and take care of an aging building
28. Continue making connections with each other
29. Continue diversity—becoming open to gay marriage
30. More educational growth

WOW! 3 wishes times 10 Ad Board members equals 30 wishes. What are some of YOUR wishes for the future of Christ Church?