Cedar Hill Town Meeting - Renewal Lab

CEDAR HILL CHURCH

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The “Why” of Renewal

o A deep desire for God’s glory

o A deep desire to unleash the Gospel’s power (saving souls / transforming lives)

o A deep desire for our church to reach its full redemptive potential

o A deep desire to be on the mission of God

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INTRODUCTION

“The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever.” Deuteronomy 29:29

o Reveal Survey – History & Process

o Past Cedar Hill Survey

o Why Survey Now?

o Review by Renewal Team & Council

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DEMOGRAPHICS

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Age 19 - 29

Age 30 - 50

Age 50 +

Diversity (% non-white)

Children at home

Married

Income under $30K

Income $30K - $75K

Income over $75K

Education (% college )

24 %

75 %

25 %

75 %

78 %

29 %

67 %

5 %

2 %

2 %

TENURE & RESPONSE

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Less than one year

One to five years

Six to ten years

More than ten years

Response Rate

2 %

8 %

4 %

86 %

20 %

SPIRITUAL VITALITY INDEX

63

PERSONAL SPIRITUAL PRACTICES

FAITH IN ACTION CHURCH’S ROLE

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CHURCH ARCHETYPE

Congregants are living out their faith

Disenchantment with the church

Declining attendance 9

WEAKER BEST PRACTICES

STRONGER BEST

PRACTICES

SPIRITUALLY WEAK

SPIRITUALLY STRONG

CHURCH “SHADOW” ARCHETYPE

Congregants are Spiritually Mature

Signs of Spiritual Stagnation

Signs of Unrest and Dissatisfaction

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SPIRITUALLY WEAK

SPIRITUALLY STRONG

WEAKER BEST PRACTICES

STRONGER BEST PRACTICES

SPIRITUAL CONTINUUM

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16 14

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Exploring Christ

Growing in Christ

Close to Christ

Christ-Centered

SPIRITUAL GROWTH CATALYSTS

Beliefs Personal Spiritual Practices Faith in Action

Database Average

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BEST PRACTICES

Get People Moving

Embed the Bible

Create Ownership

Pastor the Community

Christ-Centered Leadership

Database Average 13

OPORTUNITIES TO IMPROVE

• HELP DEVELOP ACCOUNTABILITY

• SET EXPECTATIONS OF BEING PART OF THE CHURCH

• PROVIDE PATHWAY FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

• HELP DEVELOP PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST

• EMPOWER TO IMPACT LIVES OF OTHERS

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INDIVIDUAL SPIRITUAL GROWTH

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Exploring Christ

Growing in Christ

Close to Christ

Christ-Centered

ADVANCING SPIRITUAL GROWTH

CATEGORIES

• Spiritual Beliefs and Attitudes

• Organized Church Activities

• Personal Spiritual Practices

• Spiritual Activities with Others

CHURCH ACTIVITIES

• Serve the Church

• Weekend Services

• Small Groups

• Serve Those in Need through My Church

• Adult Education Classes

• Additional Teaching Worship Service

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QUESTIONS?

“When I first heard these results, the pain was almost unbearable.

Upon reflection, I realized that the pain of not knowing could be catastrophic.”

Bill Hybels

Celebrating God’s Goodness at Cedar Hill Church

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,

whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable; if anything is

excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).

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It is our hope that sharing and listening will help us to discern, pray, and work with the Holy Spirit in this season of our congregation’s life. Our initial conversation encourages us in the following areas:

Affirming that God has been at work in many places throughout our past, even in challenging seasons of our life.

Generating our image of a future with God that is open and full of possibilities that we can realize by using the gifts and resources that God has given us now.

Collaborating with God and one another in this ongoing work of ministry.

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Reflect back on your own experience at our church:

When did you feel most engaged, alive, and motivated?

What are the most life-giving characteristics of our church?

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When are we at our best?

Describe a time in our church when you believe

that a number of people sensed that God was real and alive for the church.

What about this experience was so important to you and others?

What did it say about God’s activities in our church?

How did it feel?

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If you could make three wishes for the future of our church, what would they be?

o Church Culture

o Fellowship

o Discipleship

o Worship

o Outreach

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As we remember our past and dream of our future, we are reminded that our life and

ministry together is an ongoing journey with our faithful God. We encourage the congregation to keep these items in prayer and in ongoing conversation with our Renewal Lab team.

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