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Preparing the College Park Church for the Change in
paradigm
?
As a Church, how are we to prepare for the future change
in paradigm?
A Picture of the Population of Great Toronto Area (GTA)
By 2020 the GTA’s population will have ballooned to 6.9 millionIt is expected to reach 7,6 million by 2031Who are these people?– Young families– Seniors– Singles and newcomers to Toronto– Visible minorities will account for 47.9 to
53.4 per cent of the GTA
The National Park Worldview Analogy
(The church in the past)In a National Park….– Rules are clear– The place is safe– We know what to expect– Signs direct paths– Protection barriers for safeguards– Community, relationships,
intergenerational communication
On The Jungle Worldview(Our society today)
There are:No rulesNo clear pathsNo Community for support. You are on your ownSurrounded by danger
The Order of Values Have Also Changed
Applying the Natural Park analogy to the church of the past, church members were expected to:
– Believe
– Behave
– BelongIn that
order
In the Jungle (modern society today), people want to:
– Belong
– Believe
– BehaveIn that order
In order to be relevant, the church must provide
opportunities to
BelongBelieveBehave
Basic Needs of Today’s World Remain Constant
AcceptanceFellowshipBelongingCommunity
What will the typical person’s felt needs be?
“I still value a personal touch”“Show me an organization with a structure where people matter”“Show me that people care”
The world is changing rapidly
As a church……..It is natural to continue with the familiar ways we are accustomed toWe must take a fresh look of what God has commissioned us to doBe ready to induce changes that are needed
College Park Church will be ready for the change in
paradigm by…Changing our expectations of the pastor’s
role
Being equipped to respond to crisis
Taking advantage of any opportunity to
intentionally connect with people
Practicing the integration of new people that
will join this church in the future
Connections is a way of life for
Lifelong membersMinistries, small GroupsNew transferred membersNewly baptized individualsNew friends of the church
Connections Ministry provides the structure to connect you
with others
PEOPLE
Greeters
Elders
Hospitality
Pastoral Staff
Community Services
Family Life
Sabbath School
Visiting Ministry
What can you do to connect:
You can invite people to your home, or join another family to invite people together
You could join the team who identifies newcomers in the Church
Other level of responsibility you are seeking: Leadership rôle, supportive role
