Are you excited about the possibility of shaping a vision for your congregation? Has your congregation ever had difficulty discovering or articulating your vision? Are you uncertain what a congregational vision is? Are you interested in learning about how other congregations are discovering their visions?

We invite you to explore the Congregational Resource Guide’s Vision and the Church learning pathway.

Vision and the Church helps you and your congregation think creatively and contextually about different aspects of vision. Discovering a congregational vision is a process—articulated and shaped through seven pathway segments. Each segment includes an overview of a vision topic, a series of exercises and discussion starters, and a place to record and share insights. Articles, book annotations, inspirational writings, scriptural references, logistical "how-to's," and exercises are available along the way.

Here is what Vision and the Church will enable you to do:

• Explore the idea of vision and where it comes from;
  
• Identify your congregation’s current vision;
  
• Reflect on God’s vision for creation;
  
• Construct a history of your congregation;
  
• Reflect on the blessings in your congregation;
  
• Consider how perspective shapes vision;
  
• Celebrate your congregational life together.

Vision and the Church tracks your congregation’s vision as it emerges. Information you record serves as a reference point and helps keep the discovery process on track. For broader perspective and support, you can compare your insights and ideas with those of other congregations.

You may use the pathway as best suits your congregation. Designed to facilitate team discussion and response, it may also be used by individuals. It can be completed directly online, or, some of the work can be done offline and recorded in the computer later. The seven segments can be completed over a series of weeks or months, all-at-once at a day-long workshop or overnight retreat, or through some combination of settings.

However you choose to use it, enjoy the journey!

Getting Started

Click here to read some "start-up notes" before you begin the pathway (also available in a "print-ready" version through the free download, Adobe Acrobat).

Click here to log on to the Vision and the Church learning pathway. (The pathway is free, but requires registration.)

If you decide to complete this learning pathway, we'd love to know your thoughts about how you plan to use Vision and the Church in your congregation. Click here to complete our questionnaire and share your thoughts with us.

If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to contact us at crg@alban.org.