Annual Meeting Presentation
Hello! It’s been five months since Maria and I arrived at beautiful Sedona. I had two goals for these five months: 1) getting to know you and 2) offer a level of excellence in worship that would motivate you to return and invite your friends to worship with us.
A new year is ahead, full of challenges, frustration and excitement. As we look ahead we must ask the vision question: What’s my vision? What’s our vision?
At the end of the last century, theologian and Duke University professor, Dr. Craig Dykstra, coined the term, Pastoral Imagination, referring to the vision a pastor may develop regarding his/her ministry. Pastoral Imagination is the way of seeing and interpreting the needs of the church and of the surrounding community. This term is actively used in conversations regarding church renewal, and as your pastor I am leaning on my Pastoral Imagination for a vision I want to share with you.
I see a bright future for Church of the Red Rocks.
I see Church of the Red Rocks becoming a thriving church in the next 3 to 5 years.
Pastoral Imagination is important. I have to see it, in order to make it happen. However, this imagination must work in tandem with yours, the Congregation’s Imagination. Together we must actively imagine a future for this church. Can you see CRR becoming a thriving church?
I think you do.
Many of us agree that this vision of growth must become a priority. We need new people to become the next generation of leaders. The question is how do we get there?
There is a word I want you to think about, “Accessibility.”
How do we make the church accessible? How do we make the church accessible to a new generation, to people who are not accustomed to church? How do we get people to access the very good programs that are being offered here?
We have a very good product here at CRR and more people should know about it. We need to make this church accessible to the broader community.
Making church more accessible might mean that we have to make a few changes, and get creative with the type of programs we offer.
When people speak with me about growing the church, I sense that many are pessimistic about our ability to do that. It’s almost as if there is a negative assumption that the people are not there, and there aren’t any young people in the area.
But I see them. And the US Census Bureau sees them too.
Town Name | Population | # of households | People/household | % working people age 16+ |
Sedona | 9,684 | 5,039 | 1.94 | 52.4% |
VOC | 6,147 | 3,468 | 1.8 | 40.5% |
Cottonwood | 13,124 | 6,488 | 1.9 | 48.7% |
Average | 9,651 | 4,998 | 1.88 | 47.2% |
In the first five months of my time with you I had two. For this coming year I have three.
Goal #1 is to strengthen the church. We have to build on what we have and who is here. Consequently, it’s important that our bonds and our relationships be strengthened. Expect to see more opportunities that gather and stimulate conversation. Expect to receive more invitations to be part of an activity that will strengthen our church family.
Goal #2 is to strengthen the existing systems of the church. We can’t expand our programing, and we can’t offer a level of excellence if the church infrastructure is lopsided. And I use the word lopsided on purpose. Certain ministries are doing very well, others are lacking.
There are several ministries in dire need of attention and re-structuring. This will require a new way of doing things. We must strengthen what we have in a proactive and strategic manner. The last thing we want to be is reactive. So, when Gary Wagner and I approach you to participate in the life of the church, and when we ask you to donate monetarily to the operating budget of the church, it’s because we’re trying to strengthen the existing systems of our church.
Goal #3 is to attract visitors and nurture these visitors into membership.
For this to happen, I need a strong and focused team. Our new Congregational Growth and Hospitality will have membership as their primary goal, but it also needs to become the goal of every ministry, program, conversation, and gathering. We all must own it and work it.
So how do I see my role in this coming year? What is going to be my modus operandi?
I am the great activator and catalyst. I don’t want to be the repressor and the wet blanket. I want to give you permission to find your passion and share it with others here at the church.
So, when Margaret approached me and said that she wanted to create an Arts n Craft group in the church, I said yes. Do it.
When Kathryn Ross approached me and said that she wanted to create a program that would teach art to children, I said yes. Do it.
When our Unitarian friends approached me and said they want to partner with us on several educational programs, I said yes, let’s do it.
When Gene Moore approached me and said he wants to find a way to help refugee migrants who might be in danger of getting deported, I said yes. Let’s do it.
But what’s the criteria? What is the requirement for all these things and the ones that are to follow. First, that none of them be done in isolation. There must be a core group of people, a minimum of 6, who are willing to be the team. Second, that they work within the existing structure of the church. Third, that they assist with the previously mentioned goals of the church, by either strengthening the church or attracting new visitors.
Lastly, every activity, program and ministry has to contribute toward our faith development and faith practice. We’re not here to be a social club, or a Political Action Committee. We are here to deepen and practice our Christian faith. We live in times that will try our faith. Church needs to be the place where people find and express their faith in a Creator God that loves all.
Friends, I look forward to 2025. It’s going to be a very exciting year, full of opportunities for us to do God’s work. Let’s get busy.