It's Time to Apply for SCI

In January, the Center for Evangelism and Church Growth introduced the Small Church Initiative to the Central Texas Conference. Applications for the next round of the Small Church Initiative are currently being accepted through Oct. 26.
 
Feedback about this proven process of transformation for small churches has been very positive. “We have really enjoyed the group interaction and discussion,” one participant said. “The material is very action-focused rather than just theoretical.” Another reported, “This process has been a little more ‘challenging’ than I expected. But that’s a good thing!”
 
The Small Church Initiative (SCI) is a component of the Healthy Church Initiative (HCI) designed with the specific needs of churches with an average worship attendance of 80 or less each week. Through a combination of continuous learning, coaching and consultation, this process helps congregations more effectively join God in God’s mission. You can read more about SCI here.
 
Three criteria to be considered for the Small Church Initiative include:
  1. A desire by the congregation and the pastor to see their church grow;
  2. A sense of urgency to make changes that will enable growth;
  3. A willingness of laity equaling 10 percent of the average worship attendance to participate with the pastor in six monthly workshops.
Led by HCI-trained facilitators, the SCI Workshops will run January through May 2013. Each workshop includes a group of church pastors and laity from several churches in the SCI process. During the course of the SCI Workshops, participants will be encouraged to involve the rest of their congregation in the learning they undertake. In the later workshops, participants will learn more about the SCI Consultation phase and how their church can choose to take part in that.
 
Applications will be accepted through Oct 26 and are available here, by clicking the button above or from your District Office.
 
There is no registration fee and each participant receives a copy of the SCI Workshop curriculum. The Center for Evangelism and Church Growth will pay for the facilitator expenses. There are three recommended books for reading during the course of the Workshops which participants will be expected to purchase (approximately $45 new).
 
If you have any questions about SCI, contact Gary Lindley, Ed George or Jeff Jones at the Central Texas Conference Service Center.

 

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