FAQ -Acts 16:5 Initiative

Acts 16:5

Day by day the congregations became stronger in faith and larger in size.

The Acts 16:5 Initiative is a long-term, structured process for church transformation.

Transformation means shifting from where you are toward the future our Lord intends for you and your congregation. 

Transformational ministry is about God changing lives—not change for its own sake or change just in outward appearance but change in the inner experience of growing disciples.  Stan Ott 

Acts 16:5 is not a program but a lifestyle—for the individuals and for their church.    This is not a new initiative in our church but a continuation of all the progress we have been making since 2004 when we began our first strategic plan.   

Acts 16:5 Initiative was developed by Stan Ott.  E. Stanley Ott is President of the Vital Churches Institute and Vital Faith Resources. He is senior pastor of the Pleasant Hills Community Presbyterian Church, Pittsburgh, PA.  Stan has Indiana roots, having been pastor to the Presbyterian Church in Lafayette, IN. There are 10 churches participating in our presbytery. 

Pastor Joy Goehring and the Visioning Team participated in two two-day and two one-day training events during the two year period of direct involvement with Vital Churches Institute.  Pastor Joy also leads a cluster group of pastors of other churches in our area involved in Acts 16:5, thus increasing our collective strength and growth in the knowledge of Christ and abilities to make Him known.

 Between training events, the congregation led by the Visioning Team has discerned where God is calling us to ministry and set a focus to get us there. Workbook modules provide information and guidance for discussion on topics pertinent to the 21^st century church.  Churches are encouraged to assess their development and subsequent progress against the suggestions in the workbooks.  Topics include:

            Transforming Mission to each of us being called to gather and sent to scatter.

            Transforming Fellowship to a community of small care groups.

   Designing worship responsive to the needs of the congregation and the community being reached.

            Growing disciples who are spiritually filled and equipped for ministry.

            Developing individuals as leaders 

Expected Outcomes here at Whitelick Presbyterian Church:

ü  Selection of a Defining Vision of how God is calling the church to be faithful ministers as the church of Jesus Christ.

ü  Proactive integration of this Defining Vision into all functioning units of the church who will set their strategies for attainment.

ü  Alignment of efforts of all church ministry teams around a common focus which will enable better use of the church facility; budgeted funds; management of time; and human resources.

ü  Better capacity to measure progress and maintain accountability.