Mindset Changes - page under construction

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  • focus shift summary document

    This is a two-page overview of 11 needed shifts in thinking about ministry focus, from the book "The Trellis and the Vine". The Chapel By the Sea elders read this book and believe it well expresses the general direcdtion we want to go in sharing the Christ-life together. 

  • Focus shift #1

    Start with the people, rather than the programs


    Churches have a natural tendency to institutionalize. Programs become settled and necessary. Over time, we develop a dependence upon them. What if we focused on building people, rather than increasing the complexity of the structure?

  • focus shift #2

    Opportunity - based and relationally - focused


    Often we feel a subtle pressure to increase the numbers of events to feel or look more successful. Setting up and running events can start to dominate our lives.

  • focus shift #3

    Helping people develop


    We want to go beyond using volunteers to considering how to encourage them, build them up, and train them in ministry

  • focus shift #4

    What if we started with the people God has given us?


    Which of these two questions is better?

    Who can fill this gap we have?

    What ministry could this person exercise?

  • focus shift #5

    Are our ministries reactive or proactive?


    We want to cultivate an environment where people connect regularly, know one another, and prayerfully speak the Word of God to one another as a matter of normal life together.

  • focus shift #6

    Should most ministry be "handled" by upfronters?


    What can happen if we keep ministry primarily in the hands of the "professionals"? Results may not be what you expect.

  • focus shift #7

    Forming ministry partnerships might go a long way in creating more opportunity to make disciples. We don't want to let structures get in the way of ministry.

  • focus shift #8

    This is one, long-term, ambitious goal! As we develop community life, life with mission, we'll see ministry gifts show up. We can then guide and train people with those gifts.

  • focus shift #9

    Sometimes ministry feels not much more than putting out fires. What if we changed our focus from filling slots to aiming for long-term Kingdom expansion?

  • focus shift #10

    We can get so engroseed in managing and organizing everything we lose track of why we are here! Let's change the focus of our efforts.

  • focus shift #11

    Let's be exporters and not hoarders of the ministers we train. Think bigger!

Anticipated Questions - page under construction


  • Why the name change?

    We know: you can't just retrofit a new name to what you are already doing and call it new. Re-branding doesn't equal substantive change. In some ways, it doesn't matter what name you give groups. Yet, names communicate something. Read more here or by clicking the title above.

  • why don't things look different?

    From the beginning it was not our intention to wade in with loads of data, program ideas, and a blizzard of posters and sign-up sheets. We want to meet the church where it is and the current groups where they are. Our work is cultivation, like a farmer. See it as parenting. Read more here or by clicking the title above.

  • why have life groups?

    God says we are "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession.". We were redeemed for community, not for individualistic, autonomous , Lone Ranger, "Jesus and Me" living! Read more here or by clicking the title above.

  • how do i connect with a life group?

    It's pretty easy. Probably the easiest is just to place a call to 345-4424, or email Ken Rosentrater. Read more here or by clicking the title above.

  • a life group is people, not an event. what?

    We want to be intentional about groups, with shared space, mission and relationship in mind. Your life group can be extended family. Read more here or by clicking the title above. 

  • why do you talk so much about meals?

    There is nothing wrong with Bible study groups. Life groups are broader, richer, and deeper than that. The Spirit of God is with us around the table. Read more here or by clicking the link above.