The Journey of the People of God guides a faith community of people to discern and participate in God’s mission afresh. As a dynamic process, the outcome of their discernment and participation varies with each unique circumstance.  The focus of a journey is twofold: at the center of their life together, they spend time together, opening their minds and hearts—and imaginations—to the movement of the Holy Spirit through prayer and worship, Bible study and conversation. At the same time, they engage in learning about and engaging their missional context, asking “Why does the world need the church, and why does our community need our church in particular?”  As together they discern God’s mission and discern the challenges of their place in the world, the congregation shapes its life and ministry in a manner that is faithful to God’s vision and call.  In the Journey of the People of God congregations are inspired and empowered by the Spirit to focus their future in faithful life and fruitful ministry utilizing the rich variety of their gifts.

A particular focus will be to explore strategies for middle governing bodies who seek to support congregational transformation toward a missional church.

Participants in this seminar come from many contexts, including –

• Leaders and pastors in a consultative role with churches, seeking tested models and approaches to supporting congregational renewal.
• Curious lurkers seeking to discover some of the “what” and “why” of transformation.
• Leaders who want to rub shoulders in a learning community with those on a missional journey.
• Middle governing body leader looking to develop strategies of support for congregations within their geographic region.
• Coaches, pastors, and lay leaders currently engaged in the Journey of the People of God process.

What past participants have said:

• I learned about the journey process. Very helpful and clear presentation. A banquet of helpful tools.  Good balance of whole group/small group, different presenters, content/reflection.  Bishop Gordon Scruton, Diocese of Western Massachusetts
• I gained greater understanding of the process of entering into this journey.  Wonderful to connect with other individuals across denominations.  Loved the Lincoln Park setting.
• Learned the “what to’s” and “how to’s” of leading a congregation through a process of renewal.
• Notebook and handouts very helpful.  Good involvement in smaller table groups interjected between presentations.  I came to discover how we can become a discerning church, and I’ve learned a flexible approach to discernment, and have a good feel for the CPD approach to transformation.  Pastor Ed Carlson, Clyde Christian Church, Ohio.
• I feel I now have a beginning understanding and overview.  Now I need to experience the process in action.  I found the variety of learning experiences helpful.  I feel spiritually nourished by the Bible study we did each day.  The idea of a place of retreat like this in Chicago is incredible.  Barbara Witt, Presbytery of Wabash Valley, Indiana.