Soil – Preparing the Groundwork

S, S & S Appendix

Aims: To reflect on the health of discipleship and church foundations, explore (new) connections within community relationships, and examine the local mission context.

Possible themes for local preachers:

• Matthew 13:1-9 – The Parable of the Sower "What Kind of Soil Are We?". Reflect on how individual and collective spiritual health impacts the church's mission.
• Psalm 1:1-3 – "Rooted by Streams of Water". Highlighting the importance of being grounded in Scripture and prayer.
• Jeremiah 29:7 – "Seek the Welfare of the City". Encourage churches to connect with their wider community as part of their mission.

Suggested local activities:

• Understand the ground below you: Reflect on church culture – "what we talk about most". Use Our Calling or A Methodist Way of Life to identify a common 'soil' type or conduct a church survey (see appendix in the file attached to this page for suggested starting points).
• Examine the ground around you: Hold prayer walk(s) at different times/days within your local community, asking God to reveal opportunities for connection and service. Consider surveying the wider community to identify themes and concerns (again, see appendix of the attached file for suggestions).

Focus on individual prayers:

• Create a visual map or mural of the places/communities etc where you are hoping to (re)make connections with and encourage local congregations to spend time in prayer and discernment about their role in God's mission.
• Encourage members to pray for strength and courage in the Holy Spirit as you begin to address those areas of stagnation and where resistance is found and felt.

Suggested circuit actions:

• Nurture relationships: Host listening events with congregation members and community leaders to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities. What barriers might be limiting growth? What relationships need to be rebuilt/strengthened in this post-pandemic context?

Potential Challenges and some Mitigation Strategies:

• Resistance to honest self-assessment or fear of change: Use listening sessions (and if needed 1-2-1's) combined with prayer to address fears and build trust in the process.
• Limited engagement from (wider) community members:First start with those already in front of you – i.e. those that use the buildings, or are connected in some way. Is there a community event you can go to? You can also explore digital means of connecting to the community for surveys/questionnaires (please contact the District Digital Enabler for help/training etc).