Why Church?
Neighborhood Edition
2025
"Why Church?" Neighborhood Edition is a guide designed by the RMS Congregational Ministry Committee to help your congregation discern how to minister more effectively to the people in their neighborhood through a structured, Spirit-led process of community engagement and ministry development.
Process Overview
Over three months, a church team will:
- Study scriptures related to outreach
- Read through selected portions of the “Why Church” material built on the Church Becoming material created by the Rocky Mountain Synod Congregational Ministry committee
- Research neighborhood demographics and needs
- Interview congregation members and community stakeholders
- Discern the Holy Spirit’s guidance through prayer and reflection
- Develop and implement a new ministry initiative
This resources is for you and your congregation, if you desire:
- Deeper understanding of your congregation’s strengths and identity
- Greater awareness of community needs and opportunities
- Stronger relationships with neighborhood stakeholders
- One concrete, sustainable ministry initiative aligned with both congregational gifts and community needs
- A Spirit-led process that can be repeated for future ministry discernment