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Church Life should be considered only in terms of the "Life of the Community". The shape of the community and the vision of the church will be the primary guidelines for the development of the Life of the Church.

As in many aspects of our changing church culture, Church Life is in the process of being redefined. It would appear that this process will involve many opportunities of trial and resulting success and errors. We need to balance traditional methods that have worked well and new approaches that are influencing a new community. The question that needs to be continually asked in Church Life planning is if the event/program is in line with the vision of the church and if it is meeting a need in the developing church community.

Possible reasons for Church Life:

1. To provide a relaxed entry for nonchurched individuals: What community are you trying to build and does it fit with your vision?

• If an ethnic community, have you connected with the culture both by language and events?
• Is your target community primarily singles, professionals, families, recovery, etc. and what events would best match their interests and lifestyles?
• Can you mix a large group activity with smaller group activities? Can you find a way to invite smaller groups or even individuals to share and talk.

2. To build church community: How do you take the starting church community and foster relationships?

• Bringing people towards the new church is important but the next step is getting them relationally involved. Involved is a critical word as it gives the participants ownership into the growing church. The Church Leadership Team needs to find interested individuals and make them part of the organization. They can be encouraged to bring friends, supply a home, bring the donuts, help with the event planning, etc.

3. To provide a godly alternative of group activity in a secular world:

• The group activities in this Church Life toolbox are only a few suggestions. As our world becomes more and more complex we as believers have an opportunity to show that we can still have fun, laughter and fellowship in a manner that pleases God.
• Again, keep in focus of the church vision. A church calendar that is filled with "light activities" begins to look like a community center.
• Many of these activities will grow out of the imaginations of the developing church community. A photographer may put a request for other photographers to join a Sat. photo outing.

4. To encourage and mentor godly character: This area will probably require the most cooperative thinking of the Leadership Team with numerous questions to be considered.

• Is there a specific dominant concern in the church community, ie. recovery, parenting?
• What is the best approach for meeting this need and other needs in the church? Small ongoing groups? One time speaker? Mentoring by example? Video Series?
• What facilities and/or resouces such as equipment, knowledgeable speakers, printed materials, small group leaders are available?
• Does the event and/or activity incorporate other values in the church such as evangelisam and discipleship?
• What feedback and evaluation can be used to determine if the activity is meeting the needs of the church?

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