Vital Congregations

It’s not that I have already reached this goal or have already been perfected, but I pursue it, so that I may grab hold of it because Christ grabbed hold of me for just this purpose. Brothers and sisters, I myself don’t think I’ve reached it, but I do this one thing: I forget about the things behind me and reach out for the things ahead of me. The goal I pursue is the prize of God’s upward call in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:12-14 (Common English Bible)

Dear Siblings in Christ, 

I am so very excited that our presbytery is participating in the two-year journey of the Vital Congregations Initiative. This page will serve as a resource for the churches who have signed on to participate in the process. This page will also be a resource for congregations, clergy, leaders, and laity who are interested in participating in the conversation around what it means to be healthy and vital as the people of God.  

Below, you will find a SharePoint link to the Participant Materials folder for participating churches. If you are having difficulty, please reach out to Mark Sauls, msauls@atlpcusa.org. We are also thankful for the leaders who will be walking alongside you in this process. We give thanks for: 

• Katie Day (Pleasant Hill) and Ken Whitehurst (Trinity Decatur) – VCI Facilitators 

• Jane Hubbard and Joy Fisher – Staff Cohort Leaders 

• Jerry Cannon – VCI Regional Captain 

• Carlton Johnson (First Afrikan) and Marla Edwards – VCI National Staff 

No matter where you find yourself on the VCI journey, we want you to know that each of you are VITAL in God’s eyes and in God’s mission in the world. We pray that you are energized, encouraged, and engaged as we travel this road together. Please feel free to reach out to our VCI facilitators and leaders who are ready to support you along the way.  

Much love and deep peace,  

ABJ 

Rev. Aisha Brooks-Johnson, Executive Presbyter 

Updated January 19, 2022