Kristofer Roberson
Vicar & Mission Developer

When I was asked to become Vicar of Living Grace, Urbana, the ministry was just starting their
journey as a New Episcopal Community (NEC) that was joining with a previously started
Evangelical Lutheran (ELCA) church plant. I was tasked with bringing the two faith traditions
together in one worshipping community with a focus on developing and implementing ministry
within our community. None of these tasks would have been possible if not for the support of
FaithX and the coaching and data provided to me by Ken Howard. It was clear from the start
that Living Grace needed to develop ministry beyond that of the Sunday service and find
opportunities within the community to be God’s hands and feet. At the time of my arrival, it had
been numerous years since any type of community-based ministry or event sponsored by the
church had occurred. Despite being located in a fast growing and densely populated area, few
people even knew that the ministry existed.

By working with the FaithX organization, we were given community-based data, with specifics
details that enabled us to understand who our neighbors were. Additionally, the map data
provided us with key population demographics and data that allowed us to begin the process of
identifying community needs in order that we may develop a ministry to assist and address them.
With this information, we were able to determine that over half of our community is religiously
unaffiliated with almost one-third never attending a religious service of any type over. Although
not connected to a religious tradition, the data also showed that our community was
overwhelmingly generous in its contributions to charities and non-profit organizations. To this
day, we use this knowledge to help foster an understanding of giving that is rooted in our calling
as followers of Jesus Christ.

Likewise, the map data given to us by FaithX was instrumental in discovering that our
neighborhood is rich in ethnic diversity and cultural identities. Here we began to understand
who our neighbors are, and how we can craft ministries that are sensitive to the cultural and
ethnic needs and desires of people other than ourselves. Understanding our community is
formed of people from multiple cultural identities helped us to see barriers to ministry whose
design is reflective only of the predominate culture. The map data helped us to look at who we
are a faith group and begin the process of deconstructing proverbial walls, and to build ministry
that reflects the love God has for every person. It has helped us to create worship and ministry
opportunities that attempt to be as open and broad as possible, so that any one my participate
regardless of their background, culture, ethnicity, race, or expression. With this data, Living
Grace is prayerful seeking to create not only a church, but a vibrant family that extends a
welcoming and loving light to the entire community.

FaithX data was at the center of our church’s desire to formulate a new mission and vision was
an expression of Living Grace’s desire to love, care for and serve within our community. In a
day long retreat, co-sponsored by FaithX, and our denominational leaders, the people gathered to
look at the community mapping, identify areas of potential ministry opportunity, and through
prayer and discernment, create a new dream for our congregation. It is through this new vision
and mission that all we plan is implemented. At the core of who we are as a congregation, and
more importantly as a ministry that loves, cares for, and serves the community, is our vision and
mission. The development and creation of both the vision and mission would not have been
possible without the coaching and data provided by FaithX.

Over the past year and a half, Ken and I have met on numerous occasions to discuss ideas for
ministry, strategies for how to grow various ministry programs, and to plan out where we are
going as a people of God. Through the coaching I receive, I have been able to develop strong
leadership skills that allow me to implement ministry and activities that serve God’s people,
provide for community needs, and facilitate others within the church and community who take
leadership roles in ministry. Without FaithX my abilities as a missional pastor would not be as
emerging and expanding as they are today. I am so thankful for all of the information that they
have provided, but most importantly for the personal, relational support that is given to their
clients. We are a better church because of our participation with FaithX.

For more information about FaithX, click here or send an inquiry via email.