A Vision for FUMC

from

“Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations”

by Robert Schnase © 2007.

Pastor Bill recently gave out several copies of a book, “Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations” by Robert Schnase, to members of the Church Council.  The author is a Bishop of the Missouri Conference of the United Methodist church. He puts forth five principles which, taken together, form the core practices of vibrant, fruitful congregations. The “five practices” described by the book are:
  • Radical Hospitality
  • Passionate Worship
  • Intentional Faith Development
  • Risk-Taking Mission and Service
  • Extravagant Generosity
In his introduction, Robert Schanse makes this statement:  Effective congregations change, improve, learn and adapt to fulfill their mission, and these words push us to rethink our basic congregational culture, organization, and practice.  As I read the book, I felt that the Lord pointed out some statements to me.  I presented some points on the Practice of Passionate Worship and on Excellence and Fruitfulness to the Church Council.  Since then I have created a document containing a more extensive list of points covering all five practices.  The document is far too long to publish in its entirety in Windows.  I have placed a copy in the Worship Suggestions folder in the church office. It is also available in PDF form (Adobe reader required) by clicking on the following link:

Five_Practices.pdf

All bullet points are quotes taken verbatim from the book.  

Perhaps, through this, we can get a glimpse of the church the Lord wants us to be.  As you read this, be in prayer for how the Lord might be leading you and our church to grow and improve our relationship with the Lord, with each other and with others. 

In His service,
Phil Boswell
FUMC Webmaster
First Church Windows Editor

Click here to go back to First Church Windows Online.
Click here to return to our main page.

Last updated 03/09/08.