A new series of Fruitful Congregations Process (FCP) workshops will begin in September, 2013, hosted by the Illinois River District.
This two and a half year process is designed to bring new life and fruitfulness to congregations. The process includes five workshops, each based on one of the practices of fruitful congregations (Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations, by Bishop Robert Schnase). To participate, a congregation must send a team to each event that includes the pastor and four to seven laity. Churches that are making progress in the FCP may request on-site consultation. Each church team that attends a workshop will be coached and there will be regular learning communities for pastors.
Churches that are considering participating in the FCP are encouraged to have a team attend the Introductory Workshop scheduled on Sunday, June 30, 2:00-3:30 p.m. at Northwest United Methodist Church, 3800 W. War Memorial Dr., Peoria. There is no cost for the Introductory Workshop, but attendees are encouraged to register in advance so that enough materials are available.
The first workshop in the series will be Radical Hospitality: How to Reach More People and will be led by Mike Crawford, IGRC Coordinator of Congregational Development.
If you are interested in learning more about the Fruitful Congregations Process or would like a church covenant for participation, contact Mike Crawford, Coordinator of Congregational Development.
Here is what one lay person has said about the Fruitful Congregations Process (FCP): “I have attended the FCP sessions as part of our church team since it began 2 years ago. As a lay leader in the church, I enjoyed all the sessions and learned so very much at each and every session. These sessions provided such timely information that helped our group really take a realistic view of the state of our church and provided valid, good information to help us make sound plans to help our church flourish. We have begun to see the fruits of these sessions; how very exciting that is and I can palpably feel the difference during our worship and fellowship time.”
