Case Study

Summer Street Church

Nantucket, MA
Vision Clarity Process
Summer Street Church
Services: Vision Clarity
A Clarity-Driven Transformation
When Pastor Derek Worthington baptized a local lifeguard on the shores of Nantucket Island, it marked more than just a spontaneous decision for Christ. It symbolized a church finding its way back to its mission. Four years earlier, Summer Street Church had entered a challenging season of pastoral transition and post-pandemic fatigue. But with clarity, collaboration, and a renewed vision, that story changed.
The Challenge
Replanting with Purpose
Summer Street Church faced a pivotal moment. The need to reframe its mission and rebuild trust among its congregation became clear. Like many churches navigating the aftershocks of global uncertainty, Summer Street needed more than just new ideas; it needed alignment, strategy, and a shared sense of direction.
The Process
Clarity First, Always
Partnering with Auxano, Summer Street Church engaged in our Vision Clarity process, a collaborative approach to organizational design and strategic planning. With vision clarity, Pastor Derek and the leadership team uncovered answers to five essential questions involving mission, values, strategy, outcomes and vision.

Together, the team created a fresh framework that wasn’t dictated from the top down; the voices and experiences of the community itself shaped it. This inclusive, Spirit-led process built alignment and trust, setting the foundation for disciple-making momentum.
Derek Worthington 250x250
"Investing in vision framing and engaging a Clarity First Navigator from Auxano accelerated our trust-building and clarity.”
Derek Worthington
Pastor of Summer Street Church
The Breakthrough
Four Tables, One Mission
One of the most tangible outcomes was the introduction of four symbolic “tables”— Communion, Quiet, Café, and Common. These became more than ministry environments; they embodied Summer Street’s renewed identity as a family devoted to following Jesus.
The Result
From Clarity to Transformation
Clarity led to impact. Leaders stepped into new levels of intentional discipleship. Volunteers reconnected with their “why.” New believers, like Nate, the lifeguard, made life-changing decisions to follow Jesus.
“It was about prioritizing the ‘why’ behind our activities, which helped everyone involved understand the motivations driving our church.”
Pastor Derek Worthington
Pastor of Summer Street Church
Why It Matters
Ready for a Similar Breakthrough?
Auxano’s Clarity First process can help you:
- Lead your team toward shared ownership of vision
- Align ministries around disciple-making outcomes
- Build a strategy rooted in your church’s unique calling
Let’s discover what clarity could look like for your church

Download & Share the Summer Street Case Study ->