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The Expressive Church: Energetic, Uplifting, Warm and Accepting

• Fun
• Exciting
• Attentive
• Social
• Agreeable
• Amusing
• Carefree
• Animated
• Optimistic
• Easygoing
• Considerate
• Spontaneous

STRENGTHS
• Communicative with strong people skills.
• Take a sympathetic, inclusive approach with new people.

CHALLENGES
• Prefer to avoid or deny conflict as long as possible.
• Will react fiercely if a value has been trampled.

PRIMARY MINISTRIES
• Like to be where the people and the action are; right in the middle of things, involved.

MINISTRY TEMPO
• Fast-paced action; gregarious and sociable.

WHAT INSPIRES THEM
• Spontaneity, excellence, equality, harmony.

WHAT DE-MOTIVATES THEM
• Unsettled by conflict among people they care about.

UNDER STRESS
• May become uncharacteristically pessimistic, negative, or doubt themselves (though they may not show these reactions overtly).

DECISION-MAKING
• Will seek information and advice from all sources.
• Will consider the human aspect and whether all will benefit.

DESIRE
• To be open about themselves and their concerns (what you see is what you get) and encouraging others to be the same.

PRIORITY
• Create an environment where people feel valued and in on things.

CHURCH ETHOS
• Express concern for people by keeping the focus on the needs of those being served.

OUTWARD APPEARANCE
• An exciting, optimistic, and fun atmosphere.

GAIN CONFIDENCE THROUGH
• Being observant, paying attention to what is going on in their community.

FEAR
• May question their own abilities and fear exposure as incompetent in their most important ministry endeavors.

Summary Statement

Expressive Churches are characterized by an exuberant ministry style that is fun-filled, people-focused and activity-oriented. They have a tremendous love for life and know how to connect with people because they genuinely care about them. With their zeal for impacting people for good purposes, these churches will reach out to new people in an engaging and hospitable manner, always presenting their best public face. They deepen people’s interest through a variety of relationally oriented ministries that offer active participation in people’s lives in practical ways. Performing or putting on a show of some kind to connect with people comes naturally to these churches. Expressive Churches especially are attractive to socially adept people who serve with a realistic but enthusiastic energy. These churches love life and people in an energetic, down-to-earth manner.

Mission Statement
Expressive Churches are called by God to be friendly and outgoing in communicating their love for people as a means of motivating people to join in the fellowship. People in these churches like to be at the center of the action as easygoing, optimistic, and considerate people who enjoy talking, laughing, and sharing their lives with new people. They build relational bridges by becoming loyal friends and great companions with those new to the church as they express their generosity and eagerness to please through formal and informal entertainment.

Theme Verse: “We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.” 1 John 1:3