VITAL Initiative Making an Impact in Virginia
The VITAL Initiative is moving across the Church of God in Virginia impacting pastors and small churches in the state.
“With the conviction that a small church is not a failed large church, we believe God has a place and purpose for small churches in 21st century Kingdom work,” said founding director Michael Nations. “This year, 2016, is the year of expansion, as small churches across Virginia and throughout the Church of God come together for times of fellowship, worship, and encouragement.”
The VITAL Initiative was officially launched in Virginia in 2014. Pastor Robert Meredith was appointed as state facilitator and immediately began to make progress. In addition to being the lead pastor at the Rocky Mount Church of God, Pastor Robert has worked tirelessly to bring the message of the Vital Initiative to every small church pastor in his state.
Under the leadership of Administrative Bishop Joseph Mirkovich, the ministry has thrived. Over the last two years, roughly seventy small church pastors have participated in a Vital Initiative event. In the spring and fall of 2015, regional gatherings were held in ten different locations. A Vital Initiative board has been established for the purpose of expanding the ministry to reach every small church pastor in Virginia. The board consists of five small church pastors, who oversee the districts within the regions in which they pastor. They are tasked with the responsibility of connecting with local pastors and coordinating gatherings. Board members include: Carl Barbee (Colonial Heights), Gerald Humphrey (Hillsville), Cliff Bowman (Stevens), Tony Wudski (Stafford), and Jason Wilborne (Salem).
“Roughly 80% of Church of God Pastors in Virginia serve in churches that average less than 100 in Sunday morning worship,” Nations said. “Numbers don’t tell the whole story. These churches serve as vital mission outposts in their communities.”
Each month, Virginia features a different church in the “Ministry on the Margins” feature on the state website. This is a collection of stories of small churches making a substantial impact in their communities. These stories paint a clear picture that small is not an excuse, but part of a divine strategy God has chosen to redeem the world.
Currently, plans are underway to host district events on each district across Virginia, with the goal of revaluing every pastor.
“These meetings have produced excellent dialogue and insight into issues facing the small church pastor,” Nations concluded. “It has been said more than once in these gatherings, ‘Pastoring is the loneliest thing I’ve ever done.’ The Vital Initiative is on a mission to ensure that no pastor feels isolated or alone.”
For more information about The VITAL Initiative in Virginia, visit the website vacog.org/vital-initiative1.
