Extending Christian Discipleship | The D'ART Collective

Author: Wharton Curtis

  • New Year, Fresh Start! See Your Congregation Grow and Thrive in 2023!

    New Year, Fresh Start! See Your Congregation Grow and Thrive in 2023!

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”25px” admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

    A Special Offer and a Full Breakdown of The 6 D’ART Collective Pathways

    For a limited time, The D’ART Collective is offering a special price for the new year, giving you $140 off the original price of all 6 Pathways! Get a sneak peek of what each Pathway has to offer in the breakdown below.

    The Process

    These 6 Pathways are designed to be taken together, in order, and built upon one another to provide a complete, fully online experience for congregational groups. Curated readings, intentional podcasts, and practical exercises build 4-weeks of content for each Pathway.

    You are encouraged to meet with congregational leaders within your church as part of a Congregational Studies Innovation Learning Lab (C-SIL) to discuss further and apply the truths learned in the week’s lesson.

    As you progress through the course content, continue to meet each week with your C-SIL Lab team until the Pathway is successfully completed. At the conclusion of a Pathway, you will receive a badge recognizing your work, and at the end of all six Pathways, you will receive a certificate of completion.

    Special Features of the Pathways:

    • 30 videos answering deep questions from Christian thought leaders in the community
    • 7 video podcasts with our context experts and leaders in the community exploring topics of theology, faith, and the Church
    • 6 eBooks with doctorate-level research provided in easy-to-understand principles to help you develop a strong, thriving congregation
    • Thought-provoking group questions for optimized collaboration within your Congregational Studies Innovation Learning Lab (C-SIL) that will create a meaningful impact on your congregation
    • A reflection journal with prompts to document discoveries and thoughts and discuss with your C-SIL lab
    • A weekly quiz to measure your progress
    • A certificate upon completion

    Pathway 1: Theology

    Duration: 4 Weeks 

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” gutter_width__hover_enabled=”off|desktop” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https://dartcollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/01-Foundations-scaled.jpg” title_text=”01 Foundations” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”margin: auto;” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”25px” admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ text_font_size=”24px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”70%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” text_font_size_tablet=”24px” text_font_size_phone=”24px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

    Get back to the basics of your faith. Gain an informed understanding of the place of theology in the Church and the vital nature of its contribution to its activities.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”25px” ol_item_indent=”25px” admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

     

    Special Contributor: Rev. Dr. William H. Curtis (Senior Pastor, Mount Ararat Baptist Church) answers the question, “What is theology?”

    Lessons:

    1. The definition of the theology of the Church and its contributing elements.
    2. Theology’s application to the Church and the significance of theology in congregational life.
    3. The role of theology in Church and Congregational Life.
    4. God’s design and purpose for the Church.

    Learn more about Pathway 1 here.

    Pathway 2: Identity

    Duration: 4 Weeks

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” gutter_width__hover_enabled=”off|desktop” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https://dartcollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/02-Inspire-scaled.jpg” title_text=”02 Inspire” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”margin: auto;” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”25px” admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ text_font_size=”24px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”70%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” text_font_size_tablet=”24px” text_font_size_phone=”24px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

    Establish a system of communication among the members that teaches them how to see and project themselves to the local community and the world.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”25px” ol_item_indent=”25px” admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

     

    Special Contributor: Rev. Dr. Gina Marcia Stewart (Senior Pastor, Christ Missionary Baptist Church) explains what congregational identity means to her.

    Lessons:

    1. The elements that make a congregation, what distinguishes it from any other group, and what a congregation does and why.
    2. How congregational identity is formed, its essential elements, and how it’s anchored in a relationship with Jesus.
    3. What hinders congregational relationships with communities, how to avoid congregational disagreements, and how a biblical–based identity enables congregational expression.
    4. Why a biblically–based identity can create congregational curiosity about its community, how it can create community sensitivity and passion in a congregation, as well as community opportunities and potential influence for a congregation.

    Learn more about Pathway 2 here.

    Pathway 3: Community

    Duration: 4 Weeks

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” gutter_width__hover_enabled=”off|desktop” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https://dartcollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/03-Connect-scaled-1.jpg” title_text=”03-Connect-scaled” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”margin: auto;” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”25px” admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ text_font_size=”24px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”70%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” text_font_size_tablet=”24px” text_font_size_phone=”24px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

    Learn the importance of influence and when to adapt, adjust, and switch gears. Cultivate hope towards a bright future with a hope-focused mindset, meeting the needs of those affected in a community.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”25px” ol_item_indent=”25px” admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

     

    Special Contributor: Bishop Rudolph W. McKissick, Jr. (Senior Pastor, The Bethel Church) outlines the function the church serves in its community.

    Lessons:

    1. The function of congregations within our communities.
    2. The language and character of a leader and the skills needed to counsel within a community.
    3. Establish unifying connections, tear down all barriers, and accept your own comfort within your community.
    4. Learn to connect as Christ wants the Church body to connect, to become the living organism the Church has been called to be, and to be the light of the world.

    Learn more about Pathway 3 here.

    Pathway 4: Process

    Duration: 4 Weeks

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” gutter_width__hover_enabled=”off|desktop” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https://dartcollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/04-Energy-scaled.jpg” title_text=”04 Energy” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”margin: auto;” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”25px” admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ text_font_size=”24px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”70%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” text_font_size_tablet=”24px” text_font_size_phone=”24px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

    Learning about the administrative, executive, and management roles conducted in ministry that provide success, good discipline, and order in a church organization.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”25px” ol_item_indent=”25px” admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

     

    Special Contributor: Rev. Dr. Margaret Elaine M. Flake (Pastor, Greater Allen Cathedral) defines her understanding of leadership within the congregation.

    Lessons:

    1. How to select the right gifted leaders to serve and to recognize a formal and informal process for administrative practices.
    2. The right qualifications needed for work assignments in ministry and what it means to lead and identify resolutions in the midst of a crisis or conflict.
    3. How to lead in ministry unselfishly, walk in a spirit of humility, and how your influence impacts an entire church organization.
    4. Understand the heartbeat of ministry. Learn to capture the view of an excellent spirit in servanthood and the posture of accepting the mantle of leadership in humility.

    Learn more about Pathway 4 here.

    Pathway 5: Program

    Duration: 4 Weeks

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” gutter_width__hover_enabled=”off|desktop” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https://dartcollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/05-Fusion-scaled.jpg” title_text=”05 Fusion” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”margin: auto;” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”25px” admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ text_font_size=”24px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”70%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” text_font_size_tablet=”24px” text_font_size_phone=”24px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

    Explore the construction of community-targeted, relationship-based ministry programs and the importance of forging lasting relationships with the Church’s community. Identify unique community characteristics and reconstruct ministry programs to address needs.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”25px” ol_item_indent=”25px” admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

     

    Special Contributor: Rev. Dr. Reginald Blount (Leiffer Associate Professor of Formation, Leadership, and Church Culture, Garrett Theological Seminary) defines ministry programming.

    Lessons:

    1. Evaluate ministry programs and create a congregation profile. Recognize the intricacies of evaluating and recommending changes in ministry programs to meet congregational needs. 
    2. Learn how to approach changes in ministry programming. Identify the relationship between mission and vision statements and ministry programming. Examine the benefits of congregational participation in changes to ministries and programs. 
    3. Understand “needs–based” spiritual growth, recognize the essential elements in implementing a spiritual growth process, and learn to embrace a process of intentional spiritual growth and development. 
    4. Discover how spiritual growth results in transformational change and the value of an intentional mission and vision and investing in your community.

    Learn more about Pathway 5 here.

    Pathway 6: Implementation

    Duration: 4 Weeks

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” gutter_width__hover_enabled=”off|desktop” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https://dartcollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/06-Curate-scaled.jpg” title_text=”06 Curate” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”margin: auto;” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”25px” admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ text_font_size=”24px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”70%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” text_font_size_tablet=”24px” text_font_size_phone=”24px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

    A clear map of the work of ministry and its organizational hierarchy, ensuring the processes in place are working in sync for the betterment of all those in ministry. Leaders are empowered to lead, guide, and perform successfully.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”25px” ol_item_indent=”25px” admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

     

    Special Contributor: Bishop Walter Scott Thomas, Sr. (Senior Pastor, New Psalmist Baptist Church) discusses what thriving congregations are designed to do.

    Lessons: 

    1. Re-examine and embrace God’s divine plan for your church and understand your place as an extension of Jesus’ nature. Discover, apply, and live out God’s truths to demonstrate the reality of His divine design.
    2. Understand the purpose of God’s Word in strengthening churches and congregations, the results of anchoring church and congregational theology in God’s Word, and the relationship between theology and a congregation’s mission and vision.
    3. Discover how to live out in the open and define what the terms visible, viable, and valuable mean in the life of a church and congregation. Learn the methods of church and congregational investment.
    4. Become grounded in the relationship between the spiritual health and growth of a congregation and the prioritization of influential programs. Learn how to explain the interrelationship of mission and vision statements to a congregation’s ministry programs.

    Learn more about Pathway 6 here.

    Get the new year discount for a limited time!

    For $140 off the entire bundle*, you will receive all 6 Pathways along with codes for all 6 eBooks connected with each Pathway. You can also choose to receive $20 off an individual Pathway.

    We also offer group pricing! For more information, visit dartcollective.org/support.

    *The New Year pricing promotion is only available until January 31, 2023.

    [/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”/store” button_text=”VISIT THE D’ART COLLECTIVE STORE” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”26px” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_bg_color=”#263D85″ button_bg_enable_color=”on” button_use_icon=”off” background_layout=”dark” button_text_size_last_edited=”off|phone” sticky_enabled=”0″ button_text_size__hover_enabled=”off|desktop” button_text_size_phone=”26px” button_text_color_last_edited=”off|desktop” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_bg_color__hover=”#474747″ button_bg_enable_color__hover=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#FFFFFF”][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
  • New Courses Aim to Re-Engage Christian Church Congregations After Decades of Decline

    New Courses Aim to Re-Engage Christian Church Congregations After Decades of Decline

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

    The D’ART Collective is an online educational curriculum that teaches Christians, Pastors, and Ministry Leaders how to harness the power of technology and the appeal of the arts to reach our youth, the religiously unaffiliated, and those who have become numb and disconnected from their faith.

     

    Hampton, Virginia – October 4, 2022 – It’s an important moment in time for the Christian Church. After the new millennium saw steep declines in attendance and engagement, a new Barna study shows an uptick for the first time in over two decades, especially among younger generations. The pandemic made Sunday morning church sermons more accessible to tech-driven Millenials and Gen Z through the more widely adopted use of live-streaming, but now the question is, are pastors and church leaders equipped to keep them coming back?

     

    Another Barna study released in early 2020, just days before the pandemic took hold, shows the number of practicing Christians dropped by half since 2000. However, in the two years since, Millennials reporting weekly church attendance increased from 21 percent to 39 percent, Gen X saw an 8 percent increase to 32 percent, while the Baby Boomer generation saw a decrease from 31 percent to 25 percent. When you break down the boost from the younger populations, Barna also noticed another trend: the increase can largely be attributed to non-white Millenials. In the past year alone, weekly church attendance in this demographic has jumped from 18 percent to 45 percent with many opting to do a mix of in-person and virtual church service.

     

    “It’s encouraging data, if you know how to use it,” Rev. Dr. Debra Haggins said, and it’s why she’s made it her mission to help Christian Churches across the country reach these demographics through her new online courses called the D’ART Collective. “The goal of the D’ART Collective is to catalyze a spark of life within each participant to re-energize and restructure ministries and provide practical ways people can interact with their local church again, or for the first time,” Dr. Haggins said.

     

    She has seen first-hand the frustration among church leaders as their congregations declined and they struggled for years to find solutions. “Right now, we have this window of opportunity,” Dr. Haggins explained. “Churches need to leverage it while they can.”

     

    The D’ART Collective uniquely integrates the arts and technology to provide 21st-century answers to these timeless church questions. The creative and compelling curriculum unfolds through six unique pathways focused on what matters most in shaping an engaged congregation and community. They include:

     

    Six unique pathways

    • Theology: Laying the groundwork for the nature, purpose, and function of the church.
    • Identity: Distinguishing the characteristics, form, and role of your congregation.
    • Community: Engaging, influencing, and serving the people that surround you.
    • Process: Delving into the administration and execution of church activity.
    • Program: Constructing specific ministries and campaigns that forge relationships and foster growth.
    • Implementation: Exploring the earmarks of a thriving congregation.

     

    The D’ART Collective is now available for congregations that are ready to learn how to re-engage with their communities in this new era. “The pandemic has revealed a blind spot and it’s up to church leaders to adapt,” Dr. Haggins said. “These courses provide all the tools they need.”

     

    For questions or to coordinate an interview with Dr. Haggins, please contact our Public Relations Director at the information listed below.

     

    [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://dartcollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Brittany-Absher-signature.png” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”Brittany Absher signature” width=”40%” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” width_last_edited=”on|phone” width_tablet=”50%” width_phone=”75%”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Director of Public Relations and Marketing
    Wharton Curtis, LLC.
    412-815-7514
    brittany.absher@whartoncurtis.com

     

    To learn more or purchase the courses, please visit The Dart Collective Pathways.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
  • How Your God-Given Gifts Can Serve Your Church

    How Your God-Given Gifts Can Serve Your Church

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” _builder_version=”4.19.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” locked=”off”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.19.3″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” ul_item_indent=”25px” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    We often think of growing a church as a concern solely for pastors or ministry leaders, but you don’t need a leadership title to foster growth and serve your church’s goals. If you’re eager to be a valuable resource for your church and community, below are 7 steps to follow.

    1. Invite people to join you for worship and other events

    All churches want to grow and expand their reach. People who are willing to share their church’s message both in person and virtually are vital to its long-term impact!

     

    Additionally, sharing your church’s social media posts and engaging with their content is an easy way to help your church reach more people online.

    2. Establish a relationship with your church’s team

    The ‘church’ is composed of the people who come together to fellowship, strengthen their faith, and help one another, so the first step to investing in your church’s future is by getting to know its people! By knowing what is happening at the church, you will quickly recognize where you can be of assistance.

    3. Look for pain points and offer solutions

    Does your church often cancel events because of a lack of resources? What makes it difficult for the church’s team to do their job? Take time to fully understand the needs of your church before jumping into action.

     

    Another great way to learn about a church’s needs is to simply ask your church’s leaders and volunteers, as the people who work within the church are the best source of information. From there, you can brainstorm potential solutions and offer meaningful help.

    4. Determine what you are able and willing to offer

    What unique skill sets do you have? Do you have a job or hobby that has taught you useful information that you could share?

     

    It’s perfectly okay to have trouble coming up with ideas or to feel as if your gifts aren’t worth sharing. God sometimes brings us to moments of uncertainty for a reason, so allow yourself a chance to really think about your options and ask family and friends for insight on what your strengths are.

    5. Determine if it’s better for you to do something or teach others how to do it

    If you have valuable industry knowledge or a skill, below are some examples of how you can use it to help others.

     

    Examples of when it’s best to use your skill set to act:

    • You’re a skilled photographer, so you take photos during events that the church can share in newsletters or on social media
    • You’re handy and know how to build things, so you either volunteer to make repairs on the church’s building or construct something new, like a garden bed or a fire pit
    • You love knitting, so you create baby blankets to gift to infants who are born into the church

     

    Examples of when it’s best to use your skill set to teach others:

    • You’re a tax professional, so you help senior citizens prepare their paperwork correctly during tax season
    • You’re very creative, so you host an event teaching members how to create something together
    • You’re an avid gardener, so you teach other members about how to grow their own food

    6. Give to your church outside of monetary offerings and tithes

    Churches regularly reach out and help their community, but many are not able to execute all the ideas they have because of a lack of resources. Aside from the tithes and offerings that you give to your church, there are physical things you can donate as well. Next time you are decluttering or replacing something in your home, consider what can find a new home at your church. Some examples are:

     

    • Art supplies and costumes for Bible School or plays
    • Supplies for their kitchen (serving platters, tablecloths, etc)
    • Gently used appliances that are still in great working condition

     

    Another valuable resource you can give to your church is your time and effort. Finding an opportunity to help could be as simple as joining an existing network where you can be of assistance, like your church’s small groups and ministries. Churches also make it known when they need volunteers to prepare for an event or serve the community, so be sure to offer a helping hand when you can.

     

    Additionally, if your church sends out a survey or questionnaire, make sure you respond! Your church wants to act in their congregants’ best interests. Providing insight or suggestions impacts the decisions your church makes for its members and community.

    7. Make sure your church is working together in the right direction

    Once you’ve established yourself as a dependable part of the church, you’ll have the opportunity to suggest additional training that can improve your church’s long-term strategy and growth. Consider discussing The D’ART Collective Pathways with your church’s leadership.

     

    The D’ART Collective has created a set of training and development courses that any Christian can take. These courses, referred to as Pathways, serve as a curriculum for leaders, staff, volunteers, and congregants who are invested in their church’s success, and they yield the best results when taken as a group.

     

    These 6 Pathways teach teams how to strengthen their ministry and bring the church into a new era. You’ll have access to doctorate-level research and insight from Christian thought leaders with decades of experience. To learn more about the courses or how to get group pricing and bundle discounts, please visit The Dart Collective Pathways.

    Conclusion

    Being an active member already does so much for your church and that is not to be overlooked. As you grow and change over time, the role you play in your church may change as well. As long as you serve with good intention, your efforts will not go unnoticed.

     

    The D’ART Collective desires to help congregations thrive by strengthening their ministries to better help people deepen their relationships with God, enhance their connections with each other, and contribute to the flourishing of their communities and the world.

    To learn more or purchase the courses, please visit The Dart Collective Pathways.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
  • Hybrid Church is Here to Stay. Here are 7 Steps to Adapt and Thrive

    Hybrid Church is Here to Stay. Here are 7 Steps to Adapt and Thrive

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

    The church worship experience is in a season of change. From virtual Sunday sermons to social media prayer reels, technology continues to affect our spiritual lives in nearly every aspect.

    It’s human nature to be suspicious or afraid of change, but the Word of God has taught us better than that. No matter the obstacle, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Phil. 4:13 New King James Version).

    Effective change simply requires innovation in the Christian church. Lucky for you, you’re right where you’re supposed to be. We’ve compiled 7 easy steps to get your church ready to prosper in this new era by embracing technology and modern arts to meet people right where they are.

    1. Pray on It

    The first step when walking through a season of change in ministry is always to pray and seek God’s wisdom. I Thessalonians 5:16-18 teaches us to Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. The attitude of church leadership will dramatically affect the successful development of a church-wide technology plan. Church leadership can start by humbly and continually seeking the will of God.

    2. Reevaluate how your church defines ‘the worship experience’

    A debate exists within churches surrounding online and in-person worship. Are they the same? Hebrews 10:25 says, “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together.” This phrase has been used in some churches to mean that every time the church doors are open, you should be there. In other churches, the meaning is interpreted a bit differently where attendance at all church functions is not required. In the post Covid-19 era, some churches now believe that online streaming is equal to in-person worship. How your leadership views “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves” will impact your church’s needs and desires for online streaming services. Put differently, how your church spiritually interprets the Scriptures can significantly impact your technology needs.

    Additionally, it would be useful to review the ways other churches manage their worship experiences to gain insight into any practices that may be beneficial for your church to consider in the future.

    3. Determine what you need to thrive in this new environment

    The third step requires an honest evaluation of the church’s needs. For some churches, the need will include streaming one or two weekly services or from various places within the church. The right lighting, software, and hardware can create a seamless experience so people can participate wherever they are.

    Other churches might need a website or app with upgraded features so members can more easily interact with your church online. Your church might already have streaming, an app, and a website, but you’d like to start creating and sharing more video content throughout the rest of the week. Maybe you want to reach people through other avenues, such as social media or a strong email marketing strategy. Leadership must assess what is missing from the experience when congregants are not physically in the church and seek to replicate it virtually.

    4. Honestly evaluate the possibilities and limitations given your budget

    A church must manage its technology within its working budget. If the leadership desires to produce an interactive online experience that exceeds a realistic budget, then doing so could damage its overall ministry. Likewise, cobbling together a streaming experience that is unprofessional or unreliable is equally unacceptable. The church’s testimony could be negatively affected—and ultimately tithes and offerings—if members cannot watch a streamed service uninterrupted by technological problems. If leadership is streaming services, it should be handled in a first-class, Christ-honoring way.

    After determining what the church technology plan is, the leadership must look at the cost to make it happen. Usually, this requires a consultation with an expert to evaluate your current setup and estimate what is needed.

    5. Empower your staff and volunteers

    To maximize the productivity of your staff and volunteers, you must provide them with proper training. Empower the people most invested in your church’s future with the right tools and the ability to work effectively as a team. The D’ART Collective Pathways are a great option for this type of training. The Pathways are a set of 6 courses designed to help Christians, pastors, ministry leaders, church staff, and volunteers harness the power of technology and the appeal of the arts to draw youth, the religiously unaffiliated, and those who have become apathetic and disconnected from their faith. The experience can promote team building while helping your church identify how to evolve and prosper.

    6. Hire the right people to help you

    If you don’t already have your own talented IT and support team, it’s best to hire the right staff members or outside professionals. Bringing in additional resources will boost your church’s capabilities, especially if you need help with streaming, audio, lighting, creative elements, marketing, or the social media management your church needs to reach people effectively.

    7. Evaluate your progress regularly 

    Over time, you will learn what is and is not working through feedback from other members and by trusting their own eyes. Leadership should make a habit of regularly evaluating and making necessary updates. Sustainable success will require fluidity, feedback, and above all, faith.

    The D’ART Collective desires to help congregations thrive by strengthening their ministries to better help people deepen their relationships with God, enhance their connections with each other, and contribute to the flourishing of their communities and the world.

    To learn more or purchase the courses, please visit The Dart Collective Pathways.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]