A Congregational Blessing Resource

Appendix. 2.A—Understanding the Purposes

The pastor had heard of the possibility of having such a blessing, and the leaders sat down together to consider the purpose for requesting such a blessing. They developed the following five statements:

To focus more clearly the directions in which the congregation should move in the future;
To strengthen the faith of the congregation as a com-munity of Christ through:
a. Increasing the bonds of love and commitment of each person to Christ and to one another; and
b. Reinforcing the faith of each one in a trusting relation-ship with God, regardless of personal circumstances;
To provide a safe environment for reconciliation and the healing of the spirit of each person in the congregation;
To increase the understanding of persons in the congregation about the sacrament of the evangelist blessing and to provide the opportunity for individuals to prepare and receive their personal life blessing; and
To provide an avenue for persons to grow in their personal and corporate relationship with God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

The congregational blessing is very demanding in time, energy, and personal preparation. Every creative way possible should be explored to team one or more evangelists in this ministry. It would be only on a rare occasion when it would be appropriate for a single evangelist to enter into this sacramental experience.

Appendix. 2.B—Statement of Purpose

The congregational blessing is to strengthen the faith of the congregation and:

To strengthen our mission to community
To strengthen the bonds of love and commitment of each person to Jesus Christ
To help us more clearly focus on the vision created by God
To be a time of remembrance
To move us to discover our talents and gifts
To challenge us not to be different but to live differently
To be like an Ebenezer “…hitherto has the Lord helped us”

Appendix. 2.C—Statement of Purpose

(From the Blessing Committee at Odessa, Missouri)

It is the intent and prayer that a congregational blessing will:

Promote a deeper commitment to Jesus Christ through-out the congregation
Encourage broader participation in the ministries of the church
Strengthen the sense of community and provide sacred sanctuary for all persons
Expand the vision of ministry by priesthood and member alike
Stimulate development and expansion of children and youth programs
Deepen corporate worship experiences that are inclusive of all persons (gender and age)
Provide a lasting sense of the abiding love of God for all persons