Most participants in ELCA congregations imagine a future for their church that is more vital from the present. In order to pursue such a vision, additional energy needs to be invested but where to start? How does the committed pastor and church council begin?
“The State of the ELCA” by J Russell Crabtree provides an excellent introduction to many realities of congregations and what particularities are working best in vitalized ones. Exploring input from 60,000 ELCA members from congregations across the USA, Russ’ work helps leaders grasp the perspectives, experiences and aspirations that begin to shape awareness for contextualized pathways to vitality.
The Church Assessment Tool (CAT), offered to congregations by Mustard Seed Consulting, in order to gain clarity in developing a vision. The CAT 
is a great way to start gaining the perceptions, experiences and aspirations of people in your church. Contact us to learn more. Then order this book as you prepare to base plans, decisions and goals on evidence rather than pre-conceptions or anecdotal biases.
Mustard Seed Consulting 