Taking Inventory: From Survive to Thrive
In our latest episode of re:UMC, we dove deep into the critical shift from a "Survive" mentality to a "Thrive" mentality within individuals, congregations, and the UMC at large. This transformation is not just a philosophical ideal; it's a practical pathway to renewing our faith communities and our personal spiritual journeys. To complement this episode, we're offering a guide to help you, or your church, do a personal inventory on how you might be living into these mentalities.
The Importance of Reflection
Reflection is the mirror to our soul's journey, offering us a clear view of where we are and where we need to go. In times of transition or uncertainty, it's easy to fall into survival mode, focusing on getting through each day or maintaining the status quo without considering the broader impact or potential for growth. However, to fulfill our mission and live out our faith in meaningful ways, we must be willing to ask hard questions, embrace change, and envision a future defined by thriving, not just surviving.
Questions for Personal Inventory
To begin this journey of reflection, consider the following questions:
For Individuals:
• In what areas of my faith journey am I merely surviving rather than thriving? Consider if certain spiritual practices or commitments feel routine rather than fulfilling, indicating areas where growth is needed.
• How open am I to exploring new spiritual practices or expressions of faith? Assess your readiness to embrace new spiritual experiences, noting any excitement or hesitations about diversifying your faith journey.
• What fears or obstacles are holding me back from pursuing a deeper relationship with God and my community? Identify specific fears or challenges limiting your engagement, such as fear of judgment or practical barriers like time and resources.
• How do I respond to change or challenges in my faith journey? Reflect on whether you view change as an obstacle to be avoided or an opportunity for growth.
• What role does my faith play in my daily decisions and interactions? Consider whether your faith is compartmentalized to certain aspects of your life or if it informs your daily actions and choices.
• Who influences my spiritual growth and how? Think about the people in your life who impact your faith journey. Are they encouraging you to grow and thrive, or do they reinforce a survival mindset?
For Congregations:
• How does our church welcome and integrate new ideas or members? Evaluate whether your congregation is open and adaptable, creating a space for innovation and new members to flourish.
• What measures are we taking to address the spiritual needs of all age groups in our community?Reflect on whether your programs and activities are inclusive and meet the diverse needs of your community, from children to seniors.
• How do we measure the impact of our ministry and outreach efforts? Consider the metrics or feedback mechanisms you have in place to assess the effectiveness of your church's mission in the community and beyond.
A Call to Action: Moving From Survive to Thrive
This reflection is just the starting point. The journey from surviving to thriving requires action, courage, and commitment. Here are some initial steps to begin this transformative work:
• Identify Specific Areas for Growth: Based on your inventory, pinpoint specific areas where you or your congregation can move from a survival mindset to a thriving one.
• Set Concrete Goals: What does thriving look like for you or your church? Define clear, achievable goals that reflect this vision.
• Seek Resources and Support: Whether it's through spiritual direction, community workshops, congregational retreats, or accountability/covenant groups, look for resources that can support your journey towards thriving.
• Implement Small Changes: Start with small, manageable changes that can gradually lead to bigger transformations.
• Reflect, Adjust, and Do: Regularly review your progress and be willing to adjust your approach as needed. Thriving is a continuous process, not a one-time achievement.
Conclusion
As we continue to explore moving from one mentality to another in our series, remember that each step forward is a step towards a more fulfilling faith journey and a more vibrant church community. We encourage you to share your reflections, challenges, and successes with us as we all strive to thrive in our faith and our lives.
Your journey from survive to thrive begins today. Embrace it with hope, faith, and the willingness to transform.
