The vision of the Central Indiana Presbytery is the picture (or dream) of what we hope God will do through the Central Indiana Presbytery over the next five years. It is a dream so big that it requires God’s powerful work and our wholehearted participation.
The vision takes the four core areas of our mission and asks: “If we fulfill this mission in over the next five years what would the impact look like in these four areas – (1) regional church, (2) strengthening existing churches, (3) planting churches, (4) caring for our shepherds.
Five Year Vision (September 2010 – September 2015)
The following are five-year goals for Central Indiana Presbytery:
1. Regional Church: Central Indiana Presbytery hopes to develop an understanding in the local church of their membership in a larger church community. The Presbytery seeks to pursue this goal in the following ways:
- The local church hosts Presbytery, participates in the activities of Presbytery, and financial supports Presbytery as a priority.
- 75% of the churches in Central Indiana Presbytery know about other churches in the Presbytery, are familiar with the ministries of the presbytery, and pray regularly for them.
- The churches of Central Indiana Presbytery participate in a Presbytery-wide worship service annually.
- Presbytery’s ministry teams are full.
- 80% of presbytery’s teaching elders attend Presbytery meetings.
- Every church has ruling elder representation at Presbytery.
2. Strengthening Existing Churches:
- Presbytery offers assessments of the churches in the Presbytery on a regular basis, evaluating such things as the general spiritual health of the church, the church facilities, the worship service and preaching of the Word, and the spiritual health of the officers of the church. (I’m not sure what our final language here was)
- Every church offers a Presbytery-wide event annually.
- Presbytery maintains a list of specialized people who are available to assist other churches with their specialty, such as website design, counselors, worship consultation, etc.
- 75% of churches are giving at Presbytery recommendation.
3. Planting Churches:
- 100% of churches post new members annually.
- 10-15 new churches are planted within these five years, at least 2 of which are in new cities or towns
- (where Presbytery does not already have an existing ministry).
- 20 new men are being trained for ministry.
- 2 thriving RUF ministries.
- 100% of churches have an active diaconal mercy ministry.
- Each church in our Presbytery give 3% from their annual budget given to Presbytery.
4. Caring for Our Shepherds:
- Each presbytery meeting sets aside time for small group accountability and prayer.
- A full time pastor is hired to care for the pastors of our Presbytery.
- Regular seminars and pastors retreats are offered with 75% of Presbytery pastors attending.
- Each Presbytery meeting provides a gathering for wives of pastors and elders.