The practice of regular reviews of congregations with the Provincial Elders’ Conference (PEC) has been in place in the Southern Province for many years, we currently have a Quadrennial Review schedule so that every ministry is reviewed on a 4 year cycle. Quadrennial reviews are facilitated by the Director of Congregational Development and the PEC QR team. Joint boards are invited to reflect on their congregation’s ministry through an online survey and in a dialogue meeting with PEC representatives.
Since 2022, the current PEC has been exploring ways for the Quadrennial Reviews to expand for greater dialogue and opportunities for provincial leaders to learn how we can be more supportive of ministries in the Southern Province. Quadrennial reviews (QR) are among the favorite tasks of PEC members on the QR team because of the stories congregations shared about God’s Spirit at work in their midst and the opportunity to encourage and connection congregations with resources to further support their ministry. You can read more about the findings of the Quadrennial Reviews since 2022 and what congregations are reflecting on in their ministries.
Some highlights from QRs:
- Worship is the most consistently cited strength with many congregations citing strong sermons and music ministry as central to their practice of faith.
- There is a high commitment to service and social concerns in many congregations. Stories of long term partnerships, missional focus and desire to care for neighbors surface as congregational boards reflect on the ways congregations serve.
- There is also concern across congregations about the future of the church and excitement for that future. Congregations as curious about tools and ideas to address vision and direction for future transformation.
- While many churches score themselves low on the question, “Always ready to try something new.” Many congregations reflected a greater openness and capacity to trying new things often when they discerned needs or opportunities to serve Jesus in different ways.
- A growing edge in Faith Formation was regularly cited by congregations as they reflected on the need to develop ways to equip people to share their faith and live their faith out in daily life.
- When reflecting on provincial resources, there is low awareness of what resources are available indicating a growing edge for the province to more clearly communicate ways to access tools and support.
