Mission Hills UCC in San Diego set our goals for 2024 as Deeper Faith, Deeper Relationships, Greater Impact. We recognize that all the good we desired to do in the world as a congregation needs to flow through faith and relationships first – deepening both. As we began to live into these goals, the church planned a six-week initiative between Easter and Pentecost for people to gather after worship to practice skill-building and engage in one-on-one conversations. In addition, these exercises were practiced in other areas of church life – leadership meetings, retreats, youth group, and a parent’s group.

To go along with it, the church has a new philosophy for volunteer recruitment and nomination. The intent is to always be in relationship first. Before asking anyone to serve, know the person first, their story, their gifts and interests. Don’t recruit. Begin a relationship. Don’t put out a sign up sheet. Get to know people first.

The following is only the first phase – beginning in the church. The next is to engage community leaders and neighbors in relationship-building using these skills. Many will recognize this as basic community organizing adapted to deepen the life of the congregation and increase its impact in the world.

The following was developed by MHUCC member Jessica Ripper and Rev. David Bahr.