Growing Healthier Congregations - Testimonials

This is modeling the church at its best, as a Christian community. The habits of Bible study and prayer leading into deep conversation certainly provides the grounding needed to engage in difficult and/ or important issues and topics. Our day together included plenty of time for laughter and shared concerns, which also modeled how a community can be together and experience joy along with diverse opinions.

- Pr. F. Noreen Meginness, Sierra Pacific Synod, ELCA

I take personal satisfaction in having developed relationship with people who care deeply about innovation in the church, and who devote the theological and sociological research to make innovation a reality. To me that's the strength of Church Innovations. After our success at the diocesan convention, we plan to offer Growing Healthier Congregations conversations also twice more in the spring.

- Bishop Mark MacDonald, Alaska Diocese

Two responses by learners in a one-day training workshop to the question “What 3 things have been most useful for you today?” (California):

• 1)reflecting on text when discussing challenges – seeing big picture. 2) why we have trouble discussing tough issues – being able to change. 3) facts vs. values – to reflect on strengths to find solutions for facts that will not change
• 1) team building within our group that came 2) clarification of issues around change 3) presentation of a workable model for dealing with talking about difficult issues.

A response from a Minneapolis participant in a one-day tough conversation using Growing Healthier Congregations:

Our conversation in small group sessions – it was a gift. By listening, thinking carefully and creatively we let differences – even profound ones – simply be. Sharing honestly. By hanging in there with one another.

Church Innovations Institute walked us through a process for discussing difficult issues. The Growing Healthier Congregations process works for discussing many questions…It is a discernment process, based on Scripture, prayer, listening, and conversation. The Philippians Bible study is very strong and helpful in terms of creating community and calling all into participation in the conversation. The process builds on the Bible study and leads to a public ritual for having conversation on the most difficult issues. Church Innovations Institute has enhanced our leadership resources. Our work days together have trained leaders who are then well prepared to teach the process in their congregations. The materials are user-friendly and easily accessible while of important depth.

- Bishop Gary Wollersheim, Northern Illinois Synod

Comments about using Growing Healthier Congregations at a synodical conversation day:

1) Where did you experience real conversation today?

• The small group discussion allowed everyone to speak without a feeling of being jumped on if on the other side of the conversation.
• In small group – we were open to each other. I also appreciated the opening exercise with listening to the other.
• The groups were incredible! Our conversation was very intense.
• Toward end – the floating section
• Small group was great! Listened to each other – everyone had freedom/chance to speak.
• When we discussed personal experience elements
• In the small groups – I learned we could, in fact, have this conversation!!

2) How could you use this process back home? Will you:

• It could definitely be used in a congregational setting. I’m not sure if people will be willing to re-think how they converse, but I’ll try to use it.
• Carefully! Hopefully!
• Allow the method to work
• Address this issue when my council does not want this issue addressed – leading them and some gifted laity into this conversation without fear – could and hope to use this for other sensitive situations
• I could use this process in this issue but also in other issues concerning conflict we are experiencing at this time
• To have a discussion on how to make our church building accessible
• I see use of this process in helping our congregation address a number of internal and external issues. Yes, I will.
• As a way to deliberate on the question of what’s happening in our community which must remodel/realign as a smaller rural community and what that means for us as a community of faith.

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