Vision Team Formed
By the end of 2008, the Holy Conversation Team completed its two years of work, asking questions to determine where St. Paul’s should focus attention as a community. To carry forward the “provocative proposals” generated by the Church Council and continue communications among the entire congregation, a new group — the Vision Team — was approved by the 2008 Charge Conference.
The Vision Team members are Jim Bankston, Dottie Burge, Carole Driscoll, Brad Harmes, Bob Mahlstedt, Kelly Rainey, Diane Schenke, Jim Walzel, and Beth Wiggins. As chair of the Church Council, Vic Driscoll is an ex officio team member.
A summary of the Holy Conversation Team’s report to the Church Council follows.
Asking Questions
- Determined St. Paul’s “Biblical Story” — Salt and Light (Matthew 5: 13-16)
- Completed history grid
- Analyzed Percept Report data (census-based data about neighborhoods adjacent to St. Paul’s)
- Interviewed new members
- Delivered results from all-church survey results (with comments from extended church council session)
- Conducted “appreciative inquiries” with small groups of members
- Produced “provocative proposals”
Answering Questions
After going through the above steps, and engaging in many conversations with church members over those two years, the Holy Conversations Team answered three basic questions:
1. Who Are We?
St. Paul’s is a large worshipping community with an average Sunday morning worship attendance of more than 1,000. More than 40 percent of those in attendance have joined within the last five years. The average age is 42 years old, and 28 percent are under 15 years old. This community
- strives to be a light to the world, the salt of the earth. (sacred space)
- offers traditional worship for contemporary people
- seeks to further knowledge through ongoing education
- loves its music and singing
2. Who Are Our Neighbors?
- Hispanics, Blacks, and Asians
- Young adults and college students especially those who are unchurched. (St. Paul’s is located close to downtown Houston and near the Museum District, Medical Center and Rice University.)
- The homeless
- The interfaith community of Houston.
- The international community, including Bolivia, Russia, and Africa
3. Who Has God Called Us to Be?
- Sacred Work: St. Paul's will develop a culture of mission involvement, and all members of the church will engage in outreach activities by expanding worship experiences and services, expanding our campus to accommodate our vision, developing new churches, and training new clergy.
- Sacred Journey: All members of the church will commit to participate in small groups for the sacred journey.
- Spiritual Formation: Through re-imaging ancient Christian experiences, St. Paul’s will offer retreats, an outdoor labyrinth, and numerous small group learning experiences. Christian education is vital and important for youth and adults.
- Spiritual Commitment: As committed members, we understand that we are obligated to underwrite this vision through pledges and tithes.