We believe that congregations of all sizes can live a full Christian life. The task is to create a fit between their size, resources and vision for ministry.

We believe that the congregation is a local expression of the Body of Christ, the People of God. The task is to build the congregation’s life and future on a deep appreciation of its distinctive qualities and strengths.

We believe that congregational development involves our striving as a community of faith, toward God. It is not primarily something we do, or create, or make happen. It is more the way in which a congregation shares in the Divine Life; enters into and reflects the unity, holiness, catholicity and apostolicity of the Church. It is living the Christian life, not simply as individuals, but as a people. The task is for the congregation to discern and act on the Spirit’s movement in its life.

We believe that there is much to learn and use from the research and experimentation of secular organizations. The task is to appropriately adapt those resources to the Church’s nature and mission.

We believe that the relationship between congregations and the diocese is important in the work of congregational development. The task is to build a higher level of trust between congregations and dioceses and to help dioceses better organize themselves to enable congregational development.

We believe that it is through the diocese that most congregations can best be resourced for their congregational development efforts; not through national programs providing expert advice. The task is to build the capacity of dioceses for this ministry; to establish a significant number of skilled leaders, consultants and strategists in the diocese who are supported by a broader network of prayer, coaching, training, research and learning.