WHY are we entering into a strategic envisioning process?

We've come through significant changes in recent years. Changes in leadership, ministry and economic stability, have been navigated by God's grace. Still Abiding Savior must not simply SURVIVE, but THRIVE in the midst of change. Over the past year, our leadership has recognized a growing sense of urgency to elevate our calling and maximize the impact of our ministry for the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ. We see God opening a door of opportunity for a purpose that He has yet to reveal. And so in faith we are formalizing the process of defining God's plan and leading this congregation through that open door. In preparation for God's plan and purpose, we believe our congregation will be called upon to:

          - Increase their involvement in the ministry of Abiding Savior
          - Grow our spiritual maturity both personally and corporately
          - Renew our commitment to Kingdom-building endeavors

Obedience to God and the leading of the Holy Spirit in this matter is vital. We must be equipped to navigate our changing times in such manner that we do not simply SURVIVE, but THRIVE. We believe that biblical Vision Casting and Implementation, under the canopy of God's grace and wisdom, will REVIVE our church, and enable us to
fully realize God's purpose and potential.

HOW will the strategic envisioning process be done?

A Strategic Leadership Team (SLT) will be formed representing a cross-section of our congregation.

Beginning on July 29th, the SLT will be guided through a series of seven 2-day meetings by The Malphurs Group, a Christ-centered Biblically-based consulting firm led by by Aubrey Malphurs of Dallas Theological Seminary.

The meetings as well as their activities and outcomes are known as Strategic Envisioning. Meetings will be approximately 4 weeks apart with goals and objectives that must be accomplished by the SLT between each meeting. The entire process will take 6-7 months.

Members of the SLT will form various types of Implementation Teams made of up of leadership, staff and congregation members. The Implementation Teams will take the strategic plans determined by the SLT and put them into action.

Strategic Envisioning (planning) is a spiritual exercise that is supported by Scripture. It is NOT something that will be done TO our congregation, but rather WITH our congregation's participation and approval. The Strategic Envisioning process WILL continue after the meetings are completed and The Malphurs Group has completed their work.

WHAT do we expect to receive as a result of the process?

1) A congregation that is mobilized and actively working toward a specific vision.
2) Vision, mission and value statements that are Holy Spirit inspired and unique to us.
3) A written, strategic plan for achieving the vision.
4) A process for making disciples - increasing our spiritual maturity
5) Revitalization of growth, passion and commitment to our ministry
6) A method for evaluating our success in achieving the vision
7) The blessing and favor of God and the giving of glory to our Lord Jesus Christ

Click Here to see a sample from a church that has completed the Strategic Evisioning Process.