What is Next Level Innovations? NLI is an investment in churches with recognized potential for reaching more people in their community and inviting them to become disciples of Jesus. These churches have healthy and coachable leadership (clergy and lay). NLI is based on similar programs in other UMC conferences, such as Missional Church Consultative Initiative (MCCI) out of West Ohio Conference and Healthy Church Initiative (HCI) from the Missouri Conference. Like the programs mentioned above, NLI has multiple components, including a foundation of prayer, monthly clergy training, two to three laity training events, an intensive weekend of church study, a detailed report and recommendation for innovations specially developed for the church, and follow up coaching for a year or more.
Innovation Weekend – November 13-14, 2021. During this weekend, an Innovations Team from the Richmond District and Conference interviewed staff, leadership, and the congregation. Throughout this year, we have compiled information about the rich history of Good Shepherd to share with the Innovations Team. On Sunday, November 14, the Innovations Team presented the Innovations Report for our church. The Innovations Report (see below) gave us innovations to help Good Shepherd go from “good to great.”
NLI February 2023 Update – click here
NLI October 2022 Update – click here
NLI Report – click here for the NLI Report and Recommendations
NLI Vote – On December 12, 2020, Good Shepherd voted to approve the NLI Recommendations.
Click here for the January 2020 letter announcing NLI at Good Shepherd.
Breakthrough Prayer – join us in praying this prayer each day at 9:15 a.m. and 9:15 p.m.
God, thank you. Call us to something new. Help us hear you. Allow us to see what you see. Show us your way. Give us courage to move. Amen