Congregational Vision and Vitality Team

The Congregational Vision and Vitality Team walks alongside leaders of congregations to help them discern and live into faithful actions through intentional spiritual practices that deepen the seven marks of vital congregations: 1) lifelong discipleship formation, 2) intentional authentic evangelism, 3) outward incarnational focus, 4) empowering servant leadership, 5) spirit-inspired worship, 6) caring relationships, 7) ecclesial health.

These practices are intended to take the congregation into deeper relationships as disciples of the Risen Christ, so that their individual lives are changed, congregations are transformed, and the congregation continues to envision life-giving ministries to share in their communities and in the world.

Members of the Congregational Vision and Vitality Team will be equipped for service through the Presbyterian Mission Agency Vital Congregations Initiative. This Team will be elected to 1-3 year terms of service by the Presbytery upon nomination of the Committee on Representation.

Team Members

Ruling Elder Brenda Welling, Moderator
First Presbyterian Church of Mattoon
bwelling@yahoo.com

Teaching Elder Stu Smith
Retired
stu@stusmith54.com

Ruling Elder John Phillips
Westminster Presbyterian Church of Decatur
jrp1949@aol.com

Teaching Elder Paul Spangler
First Presbyterian Church of Monticello
vitaminp63@gmail.com

Teaching Elder Macy Ruple
First Presbyterian Church of Danville
ruple.sm@gmail.com

Teaching Elder Sam Foskey
Murphysboro & Pinckneyville Presbyterian Churches
mboropvillepastor@gmail.com

Ruling Elder Mary Gritten
First Presbyterian Church of Champaign
maryhg3@sbcglobal.net

Ex Officio
Ruling Elder Dr. Rebecca Blair
Lead Presbyter for Transformation and Stated Clerk
statedclerk@gmail.com