Congregational Stories

Information to Transformation

jane — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:26:16 GMT

This is the story of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Carmel. After attending Flourishing Congregations, leaders from St. Peter’s tailored the World Café to meet the needs of their congregation.

Marketing and Communications

jane — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:24:24 GMT

Congregations take an introspective look, as they explore marketing and communications.

Spiritual Growth Efforts Bring Energy, Understanding, Action

jane — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 14:53:06 GMT

Many Indianapolis-area congregations are looking for different ways and following varied paths to help members grow in their faith. At Whitelick Presbyterian Church near Avon, discipleship is the main goal, while leaders at Congregation Beth-El Zedeck in Indianapolis are working to help members learn about and better understand their Jewish faith. A program on centering prayer helps members at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Carmel deepen their faith.

Size Transitions

brainstorm2 — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 14:49:08 GMT

Whether trying to get a handle on a growing congregation, working to break through an attendance "glass ceiling," devising a plan to better organize their ministries or leading members into a deeper spiritual life, congregational leaders of five area churches were all looking for better ways to welcome new members and improve the spiritual lives of their congregations.

Congregational Passages

brainstorm2 — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 14:48:02 GMT

Standing at the pulpit on "Celebration Sunday," Bill Casteel remembered when a fellow church member asked him a question: "Is there really any hope for this congregation?" This piece tells the stories of several central Indiana congregations who participated in the congregational transformation process, led by George W. Bullard Jr., director of the Hollifield Leadership Center and Lake Hickory Learning Communities.

Fund Drives: More Than Money

brainstorm2 — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 14:47:15 GMT

Capital fundraising campaigns are about more than just monetary figures, budgets, and bottom lines. Meeting a financial goal is a fabulous accomplishment - but as the stories of these four central Indiana congregations show, there are benefits far more rewarding than the money itself.

Energy Audit

brainstorm2 — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 14:46:30 GMT

Four central Indiana congregations participated in the energy audit funded by grants from the Indianapolis Center for Congregations. The audit was led by Andy Rudin, an energy management consultant from Philadelphia's Interfaith Coalition on Energy.

Build It and They will Congregate

brainstorm2 — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 14:46:01 GMT

Congregations move forward with their building and planning projects, with help from the Indianapolis Center for Congregations.

Youth Space: Creating a space for kids

brainstorm2 — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 14:45:26 GMT

Once relegated to the basement, youth ministry is moving upstairs. Indianapolis area congregations are making a concerted effort to reach out to their children and teens to create excitement about ministry.

Congregations Connect with Technology

brainstorm2 — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 14:44:53 GMT

As society becomes more and more technologically savvy, congregations are finding ways to use computers, internet and multi-media to complement their ministries.

In Your Own Backyard: Congregations Reach Out to Neighbors

brainstorm2 — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 14:44:17 GMT

Many Indianapolis congregations are practicing their faith by reaching outside their doors to meet the emotional, spiritual and often basic needs of food, clothing, and shelter in their communities. Read the stories of five Indianapolis-area congregations and their uplifting outreach efforts.