The Michigan Conference Division of Congregational Vibrancy can help your local church discover and live out God’s mission that is created uniquely for you. Learn more about the various initiatives and tools their trained coaches can offer you.
REV. JIM NOGGLE
Convener, Division of Congregational Vibrancy
Many years ago, a neighbor church to the one I served found it was time to close. Once a thriving community of faith, it had dwindled to just a handful of people. The church I served was involved with a local outreach that provided food, clothing, and financial support to many in need in the community. So, the neighbor church decided they wanted to give their building to that outreach to serve the community in a much greater way. The community of churches gathered to celebrate the many years of faithful ministry at that church and dedicate the future mission. One of the leaders of the now-closed church said to me, “We never saw this coming! We always assumed this church would last forever.” I responded, “You are allowing this church to last forever with this change.”
In the Church, we know the concept of life cycles and recognize the inevitable changes we all experience, but we rarely apply this to the local church. We simply go through our faith life, assuming the local church will be here forever. Only when the unavoidable hits us square in our reality do we see what has been in sight all the time: the end of the life cycle!
In our Christian faith, we share a very different perspective, one of eternity. Yes, it is unfortunate when a church must close its doors, but it is fortunate when the Mighty One resurrects or redesigns a church for continued ministry. Undoubtedly, steps could have been taken to save the pain of closure, but we know a Sovereign God will bless whatever the outcome.
In the Michigan Conference of The United Methodist Church, we have a division dedicated to the fulfillment of the local church, regardless of the outcome. Our Conference Vision clearly states the conference’s role in equipping and connecting through Christ-centered, vibrant congregations.
This is our mandate as the Division of Congregational Vibrancy, a vital expression of the vision our Eternal Creator has provided. Our Church Vibrancy initiatives help churches discover the future God has planned and implement the steps needed to thrive in the mission field. Yes, it’s not about surviving; it’s about thriving in the way God has planned for the local church!
Trained Church Vibrancy leaders work with congregations who want to grow by reaching out to the communities around them. The division has certified facilitators and coaches who can help your church discover and live out the full potential for mission that God has for you. Each of our initiatives is designed to meet the unique needs of congregations seeking to be good stewards of the mission and ministry God has provided. And this is true for churches of every size and background.
Take a few minutes to read through the Church Vibrancy initiatives and examples of churches that have utilized them. Then, reach out to us, and let us help you navigate the best tools to explore for your church’s current situation. Then email me at jnoggle@macharcc.com to set up a consultation.
Local Church Self-Assessment (LCSA) is a process that helps a church paint a clear picture of the past and the present. Trained facilitators, either from Church Vibrancy or on a district team, guide the congregation by examining what makes the church what it is today. This results in recommendations for using other initiatives to help the church set a new path for the future.
Hersey UMC, a small-member church in Osceola County, found great value in this initiative. The church completed a self-assessment in 2021 with the help of a trained facilitator. The primary recommendation was first to address conflict in the church, which is more common than one would believe. As a result, the church completed The Rule of Christ as a step in addressing the nature of communication amid conflict. Then, with the help of Lombard Mennonite Peace Center’s conflict resolution process, another facilitator helped the church manage and overcome the conflict.
The LCSA also recommended that Hersey UMC clarify its vision, which led the congregation to begin a year-long Church Unique Vision Framing Process. Through this, the church discovered its Mission, Values, Strategy, and Measures. Hersey UMC listened to God and captured a God-sized vision for their congregation that was systematic (in five-year, three-year, one-year, and 90-day time frames), leading to a more dynamic presence in their community.
The Discover Your Relevancy initiative is a more targeted assessment process. This guided process studies the church’s potential to assist in ministry growth. With the help of a trained coach, congregations determine their energy and momentum to be and grow disciples. One such church is Centreville UMC in St. Joseph County.
Centreville UMC is a small congregation with a large heart for the community. They have made significant progress due to their desire to grow and expand their ministry. Their pastor, Rev. Drew Weseman, made the process of relevancy/revitalization a priority, which resulted in an expansive vision, and they are now beginning to see fruit for their labor. After nearly a year’s worth of work defining a new mission, a new vision, and new core values that would guide the next steps for growth, in the last several months, the church has been working on specific goals and strategies that are now in place and being acted upon.
Regarding efficient and effective church administration, our division offers the Simplified Accountable Structure (SAS) outlined in Mission Possible by Kay Kotan and Blake Bradford. Often called single-board governance, this structure streamlines congregational leadership for increased growth and vitality. The structural shift prioritizes mission, eliminating the need for multiple administrative meetings. Congregations can begin this process at any time of the year!
As with all Church Vibrancy initiatives, certified coaches are available to help your church implement the SAS, with the input and oversight of your district superintendent, according to ¶247.2 Modified Organizational Plan. You can accomplish this structural shift better with a certified SAS coach. Conference experience shows a success rate exceeding 80% when a congregation utilizes the services of a coach. Want to learn more about SAS? Attend the 30-minute lunch and learn on April 30, 3025, at 11:15 am CT / 12:15 pm ET. Click to register.
Cadillac UMC is currently in the first year of implementing SAS. The leadership board has been completely trained and has flourished in this process. So, too, has the nomination and leader development team, as it is a vital part of establishing this new paradigm shift. As a result of this refined approach to church administration, the Cadillac church is becoming more efficient in completing the work of governance, freeing up more time to do mission and ministry. Less than a year into the shift, the leadership board realized they were so far ahead of their responsibilities they were able to cancel a regularly scheduled meeting. Like Hersey UMC, Cadillac UMC is now working through Church Unique Vision Framing to establish a God-sized vision for the church.
All these initiatives are enhanced by our most versatile initiative, MissionInsite. This demographic tool is perhaps the most accurate source of information on the mission field in which your church has been planted. If we were to list churches that have benefited, the list would be long. Suffice it to say that every church that experiences using Church Vibrancy initiatives will also benefit from MissionInsite.
Lastly, there is a Church Vibrancy toolbox filled with reading resources and other helpful tools you and your church will find. For example, if your congregation is blessed with mostly senior citizens, you may find this resource by Rev. Dr. Ray Francis, one of our coaches/facilitators, helpful: Grandparenting in Faith: Winning the Spiritual Battle for Our Next Generation of Christians. This engaging process also encourages grandparents to embrace their role as spiritual mentors, cultivating deep relationships with their grandchildren centered on faith.
These are but a few of the churches in the Michigan Conference that have taken advantage of Church Vibrancy initiatives offered by our division. And they are churches of every size! Yes, there are expenses, but our trained and certified coach/facilitators can help your church obtain financial grants and other funding resources. Do not let funding stop you! This is the bottom line: The Church Vibrancy division is passionately dedicated to helping the local church with opportunities to fulfill the mission, vision, and values God has given them.
For more information or to schedule a consultation with a team member, email me at jnoggle@macharcc.com. We look forward to helping your congregation thrive in ministry!
Last Updated on April 2, 2025