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Find a Church -- Identifying the Marks of a Discipling Congregation
Congregations seek to meet the spiritual and social needs of their
members by intentionally connecting them in an active relationship
with God and their members.
Here are some things to look for:
- Clear focus on Jesus Christ
- A meaningful worship experience each Sunday
- Encouragement to develop and maintain a devotional life
- Support and nurture for the living out of the faith in the
context of daily life
- Expectation for the deepening of faith through
Bible study and other forms of learning
- An opportunity to serve in some capacity in the congregation
- Encouragement to join some small face-to-face grouping
- For new members, a meaningful reception into membership
- For present members, regular (yearly) opportunities to celebrate
their affiliation with their congregation
- Opportunity for involvement in ministries of justice, compassion,
and caring
- Assistance in becoming acquainted well enough with several
persons to call them friends
- Access to the church's leadership to make ideas known
- Encouragement to share with gratitude the gifts of time, talent
and treasure in service to God, the church and the world
- A chance to understand and support the congregation's vision
and mission
- Excitement at being a key player in both shaping and living out
the mission
To find an ELCA congregation in your area, Click here
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