The Vision Continues — October 24, 2026 · Montclair CoC
Striving Toward Perfection — Montclair CoC 2030
In September, Montclair Church of Christ did something powerful. Our leadership assessed where we are, our congregation spoke their hearts, and together we mapped out the 13 priorities we want to see fulfilled by 2030 — from appointing Elders & Deacons to building a thriving ministry for every generation. That clarity is the foundation. Workshop 2 is where we begin building on it.
We'll take those priorities and start turning them into action — assigning ownership, setting timelines, forming teams, and making real commitments. Whether you were at Workshop 1 or this is your first time, your voice matters in building the future of this church family. Come ready to engage.
Prior to the workshop, our leadership team conducted an independent SWOT analysis — each leader completing their own assessment before coming together. Here is a consolidated summary of the key findings that shaped our workshop agenda.
Before the workshop, members submitted heartfelt responses to five questions designed to draw out what gives them life in this ministry. The responses below are shared anonymously and reflect the genuine pulse of our congregation family.
Members described feeling purposeful, spiritually energized, and deeply grateful. Common themes included sensing that their service was genuinely helping someone — helping them grow, heal, or draw closer to God. Several described a powerful sense of being needed, valued, and placed by God exactly where they were meant to be.
Responses pointed to real, tangible moments of connection: song leading and Bible study, preparing and welcoming visitors, serving the community through events, and moments of genuine fellowship where brothers and sisters intentionally encouraged one another. The food pantry and community service efforts were remembered with particular warmth.
The gifts our members identified were rich and diverse: leadership development and community organizing; singing, preaching, and teaching; bilingual translation (Spanish/English); hospitality and welcoming; practical observation and execution; technology and web expertise; kindness and making people feel at home. Our congregation is more gifted than we may realize.
An overwhelming spirit of willingness came through. Members offered to cooperate with the church's goals and mission, participate in outreach, be present when called, promote fellowship, give, sing, translate, mentor youth and men, contribute to strategic planning, and simply continue doing what they're already doing — faithfully.
The congregation's vision was unified and inspiring. Members envision Montclair as a spiritually strong, multigenerational community filling the building with committed Christians — close-knit but not cliquish. They see thriving ministries for all ages (children, youth, young adults, men, women, seniors), a renovated upstairs events space, meaningful community partnerships, and a congregation known throughout Montclair for the love of Christ visible in how we live, teach, and serve.
The full presentation used to facilitate our Workshop 1 session — "S T P: Striving Toward Perfection" — is available for download. Review the Appreciative Inquiry framework, the SWOT overview, and the congregation voice summary presented that day.
During Workshop 1, the congregation collectively ranked what they most desire to see Montclair Church of Christ accomplish over the next five years. This is the priority map we'll be building action plans around in Workshop 2.
Establishing a formal, qualified leadership structure — appointing Elders and Deacons to provide spiritual governance, accountability, and direction for the congregation.
Developing a dedicated, structured program for children and youth — equipping the next generation with faith, community, and a sense of belonging in the body.
Building a strong, intentional men's ministry to develop male leadership, accountability, brotherhood, and spiritual growth among the brothers of the congregation.
Deepening our intentional presence in Montclair — serving the community around Nishuane Park, partnering with local businesses, and being known as a resource and beacon of Christ's love.
Creating avenues to retain college-age and young adult members — mentoring pipelines, relevant programming, and a community where young adults feel valued and engaged.
Expanding regular fellowship opportunities — events that bring the congregation and community together, foster team unity, and help us "gel" as a family beyond Sunday services.
Fully renovating our upstairs to create a comfortable, functional space for Christian events, meetings, classes, and ministry gatherings.
Formalizing and expanding ministry focused on the sisters of the congregation — spiritual growth, fellowship, and service that honors the vital role women play in the body.
Expanding our digital footprint — leveraging the website, app, Zoom, and social media platforms to reach more families and stay connected with the broader community.
Growing our congregation to fill 80% of building capacity — through authentic evangelism, welcoming outreach, and a community so cohesive that others want to be part of it.
Honoring and serving our senior members with dedicated programming, visitation, and the recognition of the wisdom they carry for the congregation.
Developing bilingual outreach and ministry capabilities to welcome and serve the Spanish-speaking members of our Montclair community.
Expanding our capacity and preparation to serve as a home for Christian weddings and the ceremonies that celebrate covenant relationships in the faith.