Minute for Mission: Congregational Vitality

Have you ever played with Legos — those colorful building blocks that can transform into anything your imagination desires? You can follow detailed instructions to build a skyscraper or a race car, or let your creativity run wild, crafting something unique and beautiful. This freedom to build resembles the journey of faith and community within the church.

“Upon this rock, I will build my church,” said Jesus, emphasizing the importance of a strong foundation. Just as Legos need a sturdy base to support the structures built upon them, so too does a church need a solid foundation to thrive — one built on faith, love and the teachings of Jesus Christ.

First Presbyterian Church, Jeffersonville, Ind. (Marla Edwards)

In the heart of a small town in Indiana stands a church with approximately 150 members. The congregation’s major demographic is beyond retirement age, yet they are vibrant and full of life. Actively seeking spiritual guidance and direction, they remain deeply engaged in missional activities, demonstrating remarkable congregational vitality through their diverse and impactful initiatives.

The Green Team’s commitment to environmental stewardship, the transparent budget and finance team’s efforts to maintain financial clarity, and the Quilters’ creative contributions of prayer blanks for those in need all play vital roles. Special groups for men and women focus on mission work, fostering a sense of community and purpose. Additionally, the congregation's dedication to supporting organizations through initiatives like the Hope Chest, which collects essential items such as school supplies and diapers, showcases a deep commitment to helping others. These activities not only strengthen the bonds within the congregations but also extend the church’s positive influence on the broader community.

This church understands that while the message of Jesus remains unchanged, the methods of delivering that message can evolve. Traditional congregations like this one and many others have their place in the ever-evolving tapestry of faith.

The seven marks of congregational vitality serve as building blocks for a thriving church community: lifelong discipleship formation, intentional authentic evangelism, outward incarnational focus, empowering servant leadership, spirit-inspired worship, caring relationships, and ecclesial health. By embracing these principles, the church builds a robust and dynamic community that can withstand the test of time.

As the members of First Presbyterian Church in Jeffersonville, Indiana, continue to build their community, they are reminded that Jesus remains the same yesterday, today, and forevermore. His teachings are the cornerstone upon which they construct their faith, much like the foundational blocks of a Lego creation.

Marla D. Edwards, Mission Specialist, Interim Unified Agency

Let us join in prayer for:

• Caralee Jones, Program Associate, Presbyterian Foundation
• Debra Jones,  Risk Management Assistant, Administrative Services Group (A Corp) 

Let us pray:

Lord, help us build our faith and community on the unshakable foundation of your love and teachings. Guide our efforts as we seek to serve others, grow in faith, and spread your message of hope and compassion. Amen.