Energizing Attributes We identified three positive core values that help our church thrive: Community/ family friends Caring/ compassion/ nurturing Mission De-Energizing Attributes We agreed on these negative core values that are unhealthy and are barriers to the church’s growth: Lack of growth/ aging/ diminished energy Burning people out/ let others do it/ dropping out If you closed your eyes, and someone read you the agreed upon energizing and de-energizing values, would you nod your head and say, "Yes, that is First Presbyterian Church of Elgin." *************************************************** Our conversations have been open and honest. We also talked about the energy that our heritage, joy and laughter, purposefulness, change, and creativity bring. We talked about other hard truths – traditionalism, financial security and money-centeredness, dwelling on short-comings, and focus on what is wrong – that need to be named and dealt with. Cliques, gossip, and intolerance may sometimes contribute to dropout and recycling the same people. What do you see and experience in the behaviors and choices we make as a congregation?
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