St Lawrence Episcopal Church logo

formation

spiritual renewal

EPISCOPAL SPIRITUAL LIFE RENEWAL (ESLR)

Bill Keating's 9/16/12 Presentation to the Parish HERE

Background

Episcopal Spiritual Life Renewal was conceived when one Diocese of Chicago congregation, having identified a deficiency of spiritual engagement, took a survey - the RevealWorks Survey - which examines two key questions:

  • What is the Spiritual Health of your Church?
  • What is your Church's role in growing Disciples?

    • What it is

    RevealWorks, which was developed by Willow Creek Church in South Barrington, Illinois, generates powerful information about what members want and need from their church and has been a catalyst for significant revitalization and growth in hundreds of congregations. A summary of Episcopal beliefs and practices was articulated and the survey was customized for use in Episcopal Congregations, creating the Episcopal Spiritual Life Survey. The survey findings can help us shape decisions about how to create the best possible ministries and programs for St. Lawrence. Through considering expertly evaluated survey data, we can effectively use parishioner feedback to directly impact how we allocate resources to further our spiritual journeys.

    Where we are

    The first phase was the completion of the surveys by 134 members of St. Lawrence. The second phase has been a series of four workshops attended by 24 St. Lawrence congregants. During these workshops we have analyzed the results of the St. Lawrence survey information and crafted specific plans based on those findings, to be submitted to the Vestry to better support and catalyze the spiritual development of our congregation.

    Parishioners can expect to see more inforamtion in the coming weeks.

    Prayer for Discernment

    Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with us as we consider the renewal and mission of our congregation. Teach us in all things to seek first Your honor and glory. Guide us by Your Holy Spirit to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to pursue it, and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.