First Church Mission Study Report
Session has approved the 2024 Mission Study Report which is now available to the congregation.
Download the Mission Study Report PDF or read magazine style on ISSUU.
Thank you to the Mission Study Team for their diligent work planning, gathering information and creating the report that will be an integral tool for First Church during the pastor transition process.
Timeline of the Mission Study Team's work and their process to create the report:
November 2023 - Mission study commences
A Mission Study Team is appointed by Session (Elders) to lead this study; it is a process of discernment and listening to both the Holy Spirit and the congregation. The study is an assessment of where the church is presently and a conversation within the community of faith about the future of our ministry.
February 2024 - Community study, congregational survey and conversations commence
The Mission Study Team works with staff and church committees to study the congregation, engagement with the Tulsa community and the mission around the church. Congregants are asked for input to understand the strengths of the congregation’s culture, readiness for change and what may be missing.
March 2024 - Congregational survey
The Mission Study Team, along with the consult of HolyCow! Consulting, invites all church members to complete the Congregational Assessment Tool (CAT). The CAT is an online instrument that will help leaders gauge the strength, vitality, and trends in our church. The survey will launch March 4, 2024 and be available through the month for members to complete.
April 2024 - Congregational survey results compiled
The Mission Study Team awaits as HolyCow! Consulting compiles results from the Congregational Assessment Tool (CAT) and prepares to present these to the First Church Session and Congregation.
May 2024 - Congregational presentation of the CAT assessment results
The Mission Study Team and HolyCow! Consulting representative Elizabeth Hamilton share the results of the CAT first to the Session and Pastors, and then as a congregational presentation. The congregational presentation takes place on Pentecost Sunday during the 9:30 a.m. Sunday School hour in Stephenson Hall on Sunday, May 19.
June 2024 - Congregational conversations continue
The Mission Study Team conducts conversations within the community of faith about the future of our ministry. The team meets with staff and church committees to further discuss the mission the church. Congregants are invited to provide further input around topics and themes that arose during the assessment. These will occur during the 9:30 a.m. Sunday School hour every Sunday in June. This is a time to understand the strengths of the congregation’s culture and what may be missing.
July-August 2024 - Mission study concludes
The Mission Study Team compiles all findings into the 2024 Mission Study Report. This report seeks to define and project the ministry priorities and goals for the next 3-5 years for First Church. It will aid in aligning new pastoral leadership with the church ministries.
October 2024
Mission Study Report is approved by Session to be published to the congregation.