Mission Study Report - Hillsboro Presbyterian Church

Hillsboro Presbyterian
Church
Mission Study Report
April 2015
Revised September 2015
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Table of Contents
Introduction
Brief History of Hillsboro Presbyterian Church
Vision and Mission Statement of 2012
Leadership Organization
Staff Profiles
Appreciative Inquiry and SWOT Summary – Congregational Input
Financial Overview 2015
Demographics
Appendices
Demographics Map
Appreciative Inquiry Exercise Explanation
SWOT Exercise Explanation
Life Cycle Exercise Explanation
Life Cycle Exercise Results
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Mission Study Report Introduction & Process
Impetus for this report was the resignation of the Rev. Michael McCall, who completed 27 years of
service as the congregation’s pastor/head of staff as of December 31, 2013. The Rev. Helen Lewis
served as the “bridge” pastor during the first five months of 2014. An Interim Pastor, the Rev. David C.
Lee began his service as of June 1, 2014 under terms of a one-year contract/covenant with the Session.
The Mission Study Committee was appointed by the Session December 18, 2014, with approval of the
following seven: Jill Appel, Sue Dever, Dana Gale, Erik Johansen, Ron Powne, Norma VanValkenburg,
Janine Wikoff. The interim pastor, David Lee, was appointed to serve as staff resource person for the
Committee. The Committee was formally convened on January 11, 2015 and met weekly for the
following three months.
Shortly after the convening of the Mission Study Committee, on January 20, 2015, the HPC Session
voted unanimously to seek the services of a Designated Pastor. As a result of that decision, the scope of
the mission study endeavor was amended; it was agreed that the “visioning” or discernment process,
ordinarily included within the design of a mission study, would be postponed and be included within the
leadership tasks assigned to the designated pastor. Accordingly, the following pages represent the
Committee’s attempt to report how the congregation’s membership currently view themselves – a “selfportrait” – taken within the broader context of the surrounding community. It does not purport to offer a
vision for the future ministries and mission of the congregation.
To gain a sense of the congregation’s current “pulse”, the Committee hosted two all-congregational
events, inviting people to participate in two exercises. The first, an “Appreciative Inquiry” session,
encouraged participants to consider the congregation’s “peak times of excellence” and core values. Then
in smaller groups, participants were invited to identify the congregation’s strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities and threats (SWOT). In a third gathering, participants were invited, individually, to
indicate (utilizing colored “dot stickers” on a poster-sized depiction) at what stage in the “Life Cycle of
a Church” they believe the Hillsboro Church resides.
In addition, the Committee consulted several resources in the course of its work: the “VisionQuest”
report, utilizing written surveys and congregational gatherings, prepared at the direction of the Session
in October 2012; MissionInsite, a web-based demographic data and analysis service; and, demographic
data and trends analysis prepared by Presbyterian Research Services, PC (U.S.A.).
The report that follows represents the Committee’s best efforts to summarize the wealth of data and
congregational feedback the process generated. As stated earlier, this report does not attempt to present
a vision for the future – discerning the direction for HPC’s future ministries and mission will be the
focus for a Designated Pastor’s initial engagement with the congregation. Nor does this report attempt
to propose a strategic plan to actualize a vision of the future – such a plan can only be developed by the
congregation’s leadership once a renewed vision has been endorsed by the congregation. It is the
Committee’s intention and its trust that this report provides a “snap shot” which describes the present
character and condition of the congregation, and expresses the core values and concerns of the present
membership.
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A Brief History of Hillsboro Presbyterian Church
Hillsboro Presbyterian Church was chartered in 1967 with 43 members by Portland Presbytery (now
called Cascade). This association of churches purchased the land and called Rev. Robert Gruwell to be
the organizing pastor.
After Rev. Gruwell, Rick Hull served as Stated Supply, the Rev. Doug McMurray was called (serving
1975-1984). During Doug's tenure he self-published two books, Bread and Food Groups which taught
the basics of the faith and helped develop HPC members as disciples.
In 1975, HPC called the Rev. Dick Morgan as Associate Pastor and honored him as Pastor Emeritus
upon his retirement in 1985. The church parsonage is named Morgan House to honor Dick and his wife
Mary. Dick died in 1999, Mary in 2006. The house is not currently in use but updates are planned in the
future.
HPC called the Rev. Michael McCall to be Pastor (1986-2013). In his 27 years, HPC has grown closer
to the Lord, closer to one another, and reached out to the Hillsboro community in service and witness.
On August 14, 1991, the church facility was destroyed by fire. Many miracles or "God things"
surrounded that event. After 2 years of services at Poynter Junior High School, HPC dedicated its new
facility to the Glory of God, April 4, 1993 (Luis Palau preaching). HPC voted to stay at its current
location to serve the local community. The congregation worked together to plan and design the new
building which is twice the size of the former facility. During construction, HPC members wrote
scriptures on the framing/walls. The building is also used for multiple meetings during the week,
providing space for both church and community functions, including a daily Montessori school.
Children’s Ministry and Youth Ministry have been a long standing focus at HPC. Our part-time
Children’s Ministry Director, Jennifer McLin, provides oversight in helping us minister to children and
families. Our church building houses a Montessori preschool, started in 1999. Rich Jones (now Pastor
of Calvary Chapel), Paul Sellman, Taun Allman, Dan Hochalter, Dan Abrahamson, Christian Guidry,
and Carly Powne are among the Youth Directors/Pastors with whom HPC has been blessed. A native of
Hillsboro and of HPC, Carly Powne served full-time igniting a passion in our young people for Jesus
and his service. After serving 8 years, Carly left HPC, called to expand her ministry to youth and
missions at Northern Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas.
HPC has a wonderful music program and numerous groups where HPCers gather each week. Our
organist provides music for hymns and our Praise Band plays more contemporary Praise music. We
have talented musicians, singers, choir, and actors providing us with a variety of venues for all ages.
Another major focus for HPC are those with developmental disabilities. Tuesday’s Treasures was started
at HPC by our own Steve Ristow and has grown to include eight (8) churches. This ministry also started
Quiet Waters Outreach and now includes two Respite houses, Martha’s Place and Selah West,
professionally staffed to provide weekend ‘get-aways’ for clients.
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We are committed to missions financially and personally. Most recently, our members have led the way
in staffing the local homeless shelter (SOS), work projects for Upward Bound and Habitat for
Humanity. Several HPC members have been called to work in Africa, Gautier Mississippi (Katrina
Relief), and Youth missions in Mexico, Washington, Idaho and Tennessee, as well as the local Food
Bank and in downtown Portland. Our building also hosts AA meetings and Kids Turn, a Family Law
Education Program in Washington County.
Within the past two years we expanded and updated our children’s play area, added a nearby Memorial
Garden with seating, and created and maintain a community garden which donated ~1000 lbs of produce
to the local Food Bank.
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Vision and Mission Statement of 2012
Hillsboro Presbyterian Church
The Vision of Hillsboro Presbyterian Church is for all to EXPERIENCE that GOD is able to do MORE
by His Spirit at work within us.
Therefore, our Mission is to continue to build A CARING, CHRIST-CENTERED COMMUNITY that
is excited to: KNOW Jesus, GROW spiritually, and SHOW God’s love…all for His glory and purpose.
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Hillsboro Presbyterian Church
Leadership Organization
Hillsboro Presbyterian Church is a member of the Presbytery of the Cascades, PC (U.S.A.) and is
governed by our local Session.
The Session consists of nine (9) members. Members are elected for a three (3) year term, with three (3)
members rotating off each year. Session meets monthly. In addition, there is a Clerk of Session, who is
elected annually, but is not an active member of session.
Each elder is responsible for a co-mission (HPC’s term for committee). The co-missions are comprised
of the elder and members of the congregation and meet monthly. The co-missions are:
Education: Responsible for the development and supervision of Christian education for all ages. Works
with the Director of Children’s Ministries, Youth Pastor, and the Pastor.
Events: Responsible for coordinating bimonthly/monthly events which provide multi-generational
opportunities to the congregation, their extended families, visitors, and the community.
Fellowship: Responsible for providing and facilitating entire church family gatherings, including after
worship, mid-week gatherings, annual meetings, and potlucks.
Groups: Responsible for facilitating opportunities for people to connect outside of Sunday services.
These include social gatherings as well as bible study ministries.
Missions: Responsible for helping HPC support and participate in missions, local, national, and
international. Communicates with the missionaries supported by HPC.
Property: Responsible for the care and maintenance of the grounds and buildings. Supervises the
custodian and grounds keeper.
Service (operations): Responsible for personnel matters and encouraging people to use their talents to
serve at HPC.
Stewardship: Responsible for asking for financial, time, and talent support from the congregation.
Maintains financial records of the church. Works with the financial secretary and office administrator.
Worship: Responsible for providing for all aspects of Sunday worship and all other special worship
events. Works with the Pastor and those who lead in worship.
The Deacons group consists of six (6) members. Members are elected for a two (2) year term, with two
(2) members rotating off each year. Deacons provide spiritual and practical support for our
congregation.
Hillsboro Presbyterian Church
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Staff Profiles
Pastor: Responsible for providing spiritual leadership, pastoral care, and administrative oversight that
includes the congregation and the community.
Youth Pastor: Responsible for coordinating a ministry to the youth and young adults of the
congregation and the surrounding community that will equip and disciple the youth with the Christian
skills, knowledge, and commitment to Christ to change their youth group into a youth ministry.
Secretary/Office Administrator: Responsible for providing secretarial and administrative services to
the pastor, other church staff, session members, and others as directed by the pastor.
Director of Children’s Ministries: Responsible for coordinating the ministry to the children of HPC
and the surrounding community. Is ultimately responsible for implementation of all children’s
programs, current and future.
Choir Director: Responsible for managing and directing the church choir (~25-30 members). Plans,
prepares and directs choral music appropriate to services of worship, including special services and/or
music, cantatas, and drama.
Choir Accompanist: Responsible for providing accompaniment for choral music of the church (this
may include Sunday services, special events, plays, etc.) Works with the Choir Director.
Church Organist: Responsible for planning, preparing, and playing at worship services and other
special services as requested.
Nursery Attendant: Responsible for providing a loving and safe environment for our youngest
disciples while parents attend Sunday school or Church service.
Faith Community Nurse: (Formerly called Parish Nurse). Responsible for giving care and helping
HPC maintain physical, spiritual, and emotional health through a ministry of service, education, and
compassion.
Custodian: Responsible for keeping the main church building clean and well maintained on the inside,
and to keep the Property Elder informed of any repairs needed on the premises.
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Appreciative Inquiry and SWOT Summary
Congregational Input
Spiritual Growth & Education:
We are a church that focuses on the teachings of Christ and which values a Sunday morning church
service that is educational and relatable at a personal level. Sunday mornings at Hillsboro Presbyterian
Church (HPC) provide additional educational opportunities for adults and children with early morning
classes for adults and classes during the service for children. During the week individuals participate in
various bible studies, including groups for men, women, and youth. Church members also attend bible
studies in the community. Despite the variety of groups, we are currently not meeting the needs of our
entire congregation and could improve by creating new small groups or encouraging existing groups to
be open to adding new members.
Children's Ministries and Youth Programs:
HPC has a strong tradition of children and youth ministry from nursery through high school. We
currently employ a full-time youth minister and a part-time children's ministry director. As of the end of
March 2015 the youth minister position is vacant. Our children's ministry extends into our local
community with our summer Vacation Bible School program. Children attend the first portion of
Sunday morning church service before heading to their classrooms. Our youth programs are well
supported financially, spiritually and practically by the congregation. Some of the youth attend Sunday
morning church service, but most attend evening youth group and bible studies. The youth are active in
both local and national missions. Currently, we struggle to attract families with young children, and our
children’s ministry is not growing. We would like to grow and improve our integration of children and
youth into the Sunday morning service.
Children’s Ministries and Youth Programs Update: As of April 1, 2015, we have modified our
Youth (Junior & Senior High) groups and they are being led by volunteers with additional parent
support. Our goal is to continue to actively support and outreach to youth not only within HPC but
within the community. Another update is that our current Children’s Ministry Director will be resigning
at the end of 2015. The Director’s plan is to continue actively supporting the children’s ministry within
the congregation (her family has four (4) children in the program) but step aside to allow others to lead.
The current Director has successfully led this ministry for the past five (5) years.
Generational Representation:
As a congregation, we value our multigenerational church community. As of April 2015, the number of
attendees by age groups are:
11 years and under - 24
12 to 19 years - 17
20 to 29 years - 13
30 to 39 years - 19
40 to 49 years - 23
50 to 59 years - 31
60 to 69 years - 50
70 plus years - 55
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The congregation is spread across age groups with higher numbers in children and youth and older
adults with fewer young adults.
As a result of the issue on same sex marriage, we have had some changes in our congregation. By Letter
of Transfer, 14+ individuals have requested new membership to other churches. Through Directory
changes and personal communication, another 20+ people have stopped attending HPC. Additionally,
unrelated to the issue, we have had 6 people join the church, and 10 people either move or die as of
September 2015.
Music, Performance and the Arts:
We value a church service and other events that include a variety of musical and performing arts. On
Sunday morning, we enjoy a mix of traditional hymns and contemporary praise music. We have a choir
with a paid choir director and accompanist, as well as a praise band. We also have many talented
musicians within our congregation that share their talents during church services and at events. Music is
an integral part of the children's ministry program and the children’s choir performs for the congregation
on a monthly basis. Like many churches blending traditional and contemporary music, we continue to
explore the balance that meets the congregation’s needs and preferences.
Fellowship:
We believe we are a welcoming church, with warm fellowship before, during and after church services
and at events. We host a variety of multigenerational events outside of Sunday morning to strengthen
our church community. These include Lenten soup dinners, talent shows, potlucks, Sunday brunch,
bible studies, book club, ladies night out, pinochle, and bunco groups. Many times the efforts required
to plan and execute these special events fall to a small group. We recognize that we sometimes struggle
after the initial welcome to engage and include newcomers in our fellowship activities. There is a gap in
fellowship events targeted to/for young adults, both married and single.
Missions and Outreach:
HPC has a long history of supporting mission work. We dedicate 10% of our undesignated income to
supporting national and international missions, including Heifer Project, prison ministries, domestic
violence research center and Village of Hope. Locally, we maintain a church garden that provides food
to the local food bank where congregants also volunteer their time. We also support Quiet Waters
Outreach (an organization providing respite care to the developmentally disabled and their families).
Individual members are also active in other local outreach programs outside the church’s sponsored
programs. Our youth are actively involved in the local food bank, clothing drives and lunch programs
for the needy. The youth have also participated in national and international mission trips including to
New Orleans, Memphis, Yakima, and Ensenada Mexico to build housing. Our youth are active in
planning, fundraising and participating in these mission trips. Our adult members are more likely to
fund missions but not participate. We recognize we have limited organized local mission programs
within the church and as a result, our visibility in the local community may be limited.
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Care and Nurture of the Congregation:
Our church offers support to those in need in the congregation. We have an active prayer chain and our
Barnabas senior group prays daily for every member of the church. Our deacons are engaged with our
members and are our conduit for support when the need arises. Many from the congregation will pitch
in to help out our church family, by providing meals during difficult times, helping to move furniture, or
providing transportation to appointments. For the size of the congregation, many members are generous
in giving of their time, talents and finances to the church. Our HPC Family email list helps us stay
connected and informed. We recognize that we could do better at reaching out to shut-ins in our
congregation.
Significant Issues to be Addressed:
We have had members leave this congregation recently because of the issue of same sex marriage within
the church. In trying to bring information about the topic out, it created a schism and some people felt
unable to reach a place where they could co-exist with others that didn’t share the same exact beliefs.
This took place right around the time the original Mission Study Report was submitted in April, 2015.
Since that time, the upheaval has calmed down and while we are not healed as a body, we are at least
maintaining. While it is not the purpose of this study to specify what the congregation wants in a pastor,
we feel it is important to point out that having a pastor that is sensitive to the divisiveness of the issue
and is wanting to work towards the healing of the current congregation is what is needed at this time.
Opportunities:
Our surrounding community has several businesses that run 24x7 creating work conflicts with Sunday
morning worship. Developing an alternative mid-week service may provide an option to those who are
unable to attend on Sunday morning.
Some of our congregation are unable to attend Sunday morning worship due to lack of transportation or
time of service. Providing a van for transportation has been suggested.
Society has shifted over the years with more distractions, outside influences and less focus on God; yet
we have not adjusted to meet these challenges. Incorporating more technology, varied formats, and
offering alternative services and educational classes were suggested to attract more members.
Our congregation does not reflect the diversity of our growing local community. Expanding our local
mission work may increase our visibility to the community and potentially attract a broader segment of
the local population to our church.
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Summary:
The strengths of Hillsboro Presbyterian Church include:
We are a church that focuses on the teachings of Christ.
We have successful children and youth education programs led by paid staff.
We are a multigenerational church community with strong and supportive relationships among
congregants and between our youth and seniors.
Our music program is led by paid staff and offers an inspiring choir and praise band.
We offer many well-attended fellowship events outside of Sunday morning.
We have a long history of financially supporting mission work locally, nationally, and internationally.
We are a congregation that cares and supports our church and one another.
Hillsboro Presbyterian Church has a well-maintained facility and grounds.
From our findings, we suggest a candidate might possess leadership abilities that will help us to:
Grow in faith and service.
Increase our membership as well as numbers of attendees.
Attract young adults and families with young children.
Make our Sunday morning service more appealing to our youth.
Prioritize our defined opportunities and lead us to implement these changes.
Bring energy and enthusiasm to the worship service.
The candidate’s gifts, skills and experiences might include:
Teaching from the Bible, as opposed to teaching from current events.
Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop an individual personal ministry
including visitations.
Strong leadership skills would include the ability to work with church leadership to problem solve,
delegate, educate and adapt to change.
Strong administrative and organizational skills.
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Hillsboro Presbyterian Church
Financial Overview 2015
Hillsboro Presbyterian Church has a strong stewardship tradition, measured by gifts of time, talent and
treasure. This was confirmed in a Session “Service Survey” showing ~50% congregational member
participation in HPC programs beyond worship & Sunday school. Focusing on financials, this is
reflected in solid financial balances and the commitment of 10% of income to missions programs
outside of HPC (local, national, and international).
The current HPC annual budget is $287,000 which includes $197,000 for staff compensation (full-time,
part-time, and hourly); $45,000 for operations and building expenses; $25,000 for missions; and $20,000
for HPC program expenses. This budget was based on prior year contributions of $283,000. These
numbers are approximated from the HPC 2014 Annual Report. Historical information is available from
the Presbytery of the Cascades.
Despite U.S. & local economic cycles of the last ten years, HPC built up reserves of almost 50% of the
total annual budget by the end of 2013. This counts only the unrestricted reserve savings, and does not
include funds designated (by giver or HPC Session) to specific uses, such as Building Fund, Youth
Group, or other ministry funds.
These financial reserves gave HPC a solid financial foundation for the departure at the end of 2013 of
our Pastor of 27+ years. Fifteen months after the departure, HPC income/contributions are down ~25%
from 2013 levels. In addition to the pastoral transition, contributions have also been impacted by the ongoing discussion / controversy regarding the acceptance of homosexuality and gay marriage in Oregon
and PC (U.S.A.). Normal changes in giving are also noted, including deaths, membership transfers, and
regular economic cycles, which can’t be separated in the final financial analysis.
The Session is making adjustments for this decreased income during the new budget planning cycle,
based on ~25% reduction in income estimates. Given the proportion of the budget allocated to staff
salaries (68%+ as detailed above), an essential part of this adjustment will be in HPC staff salaries. With
the departure of the Pastor of 27+ years and (more recently) a very experienced Youth Pastor, reduced
compensation for less experienced staff is being investigated along with reduced funding for other
programs.
In summary, HPC started this pastoral transition with excellent financial reserves, but has been impacted
by several unpredicted external factors. While still on a solid financial foundation, the Session is
reviewing contributions and program/staffing options to ensure that we are good stewards of God’s gifts
to HPC.
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Demographics of the Surrounding Community
The following demographical statistics were compiled by the MissionInsite web application for a 6 mile
radius area around the church, which contains about 90% of congregants. The 10% not within the study
area is significantly outside the range in which the church primarily serves. We have some pretty longdistance congregants, several of whom served on the Mission Study committee. Present day figures
were compiled in 2014, and projections are for 5 or 10 years into the future.
Population in the study area is expected to grow significantly over the next 10 years, from roughly 238
to 281 thousand people, about an 18% increase. Households are also expected to grow. Presently there
are 86-87 thousand households of which 69% are families, 23% are single person, and 8% are nonfamily. Family and single person household counts are each expected to grow by nearly 10% over the
next 5 years while the number of non-family households will remain largely unchanged.
Although the population is growing, it is also aging. 14 years ago the average age was 32 years old,
presently it is 35 years old and is projected to continue increasing to 38 years old in 10 years. The
current age groups as a percentage of the total population are:
0 to 4 years old – 7.5%
5 to 17 years old – 19%
18 to 24 years old – 9%
25 to 34 years old – 15%
35 to 54 years old – 29%
55 to 64 years old – 10.5%
65 years old and above – 10%
The most significantly changing age group over the next 10 years is the 65+ range, which is expected to
grow about 4.5% as a fraction of the total population. The 25 to 34 age group is expected to decrease by
about 2.7%, while other age ranges may increase or decrease by only up to about 1%.
The community around HPC is moderately diverse, and not much change is expected in the next 5 years.
The area is about 63% Caucasian, 20% Hispanic, 10.5% Asian, 2% African American, and 4.5% Other.
A projected 0.2% drop in Hispanic population is expected to be offset by growth in Asian population,
while others remain unchanged. English and Spanish are the two most prevalent languages in the area
with 71.5% of the population speaking only English and 16% speaking primarily Spanish at home.
Education level of the population is fairly high, and the 5 year trend continues in that direction. 12.5%
have a graduate degree, 23.5% bachelor’s degree, 9% associate degree, 24.5% some college but no
degree, 19.5% high school graduate or GED, and 11.5% no high school diploma. Economically
speaking, the study area appears to be relatively stable. 67% are employed, 28% are no longer in the
labor force, and 5% are unemployed. About 8.5% are below the poverty level, which is roughly 2%
lower than the state of Oregon. Average household income is anticipated to continue increasing by
about 6.5% over the next 5 years, from $78,012 to $83,054.
According to MissionInsite, the 5 largest mosaic groups in the study area are: Striving Single Scene
(10%), Fast Track Couples (7.6%), Digital Dependents (6.8%), Everyday Moderates (6.8%), and Aging
of Aquarius (6%).
Religiosity of the area is somewhat low. 36% report being a conservative evangelical Christian, 46%
indicated they consider themselves a spiritual person, and only 18% report that their faith is really
important to them.
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Demographics -Mosaic Groups:
Striving Single Scene
Young, singles in their 20s living in city centers.
Fast Track Couples
Active, young, upper middle-class suburban couples and families living upwardly-mobile lifestyles.
Digital Dependents
A mix of generation X & Y singles who live digital-driven, urban lifestyles.
Everyday Moderates
Mid-scale, multi-cultural couples and families living in mid-tier metro suburban settings.
Aging of Aquarius
Upscale boomer-aged couples living in city and close-in suburbs.
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Appendix
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Appendix
Demographics
Map of Households attending Hillsboro Presbyterian Church
Copies of the complete MissionInsite analysis and 2014 Mosaic USA Reference
Guide are available by request from the HPC office.
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Appendix
Appreciative Inquiry Exercise Explanation
The Mission Study Committee invited people to attend a meeting to help us gather information to create
this report. We spent the first hour asking people to consider the congregation’s “peak times of
excellence” and core values.
The following four questions were asked:
1. Remembering your entire experience at our congregation, when were you most excited about
your involvement?
2. One element of our congregation experience is the impact or contribution the church has on an
individual. What has the church done for you or what do you receive from the church?
3. Another key element of our congregation experience is the opportunity to give to the church our
time, talents and more. How do you give back to the church?
4. What are your dreams for the congregation?
For the second hour, the participants were split into smaller groups, to answer and discuss the questions
in the SWOT Exercise.
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Appendix
Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) Exercise Explanation
The Mission Study Committee invited people to attend a meeting to help us gather information to create
this report. The first hour was spent with everyone together, answering the questions in the Appreciative
Inquiry Exercise. The second hour, the participants were split into smaller groups, to answer and
discuss the questions in this exercise.
For this exercise, we looked at a current time frame, not the past or the future.
30 minutes were spent on these two questions, which related to inside the congregation:
Strengths: In your view, what are the strengths of our congregation?
Weaknesses: In your view, what are the weaknesses of our congregation?
The next 30 minutes were spent on these two questions, which related to things outside the congregation
that we have no control over but can respond to (in the community, e.g.):
Opportunities: What are the opportunities in the surrounding community for the congregation to
participate in and/or respond to?
Threats: What are some challenges in the community that we face as a congregation?
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Appendix
Life Cycle Exercise Explanation
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Appendix
Life Cycle Exercise Results
This was a stand-alone exercise that was done following a regular Sunday service, held on Feb. 22,
2015. The Mission Study Committee explained the exercise and then asked those attending to place a
colored dot on the chart, to indicate where they felt Hillsboro Presbyterian Church was in the Life Cycle
of a church. The dots were distributed and the colors have no meaning. The picture below is the result
from that exercise.
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