Clarity Services: Vision Clarity
Summer Street Church: 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 Solution: 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.
"Investing in vision framing and engaging a Clarity First Navigator from Auxano accelerated our trust-building and clarity.” — Pastor Derek Worthington
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.
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 Impact: 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
With strategic clarity came spiritual growth. Summer Street Church now serves as a model for what happens when a church stops chasing ideas and starts following a Spirit-driven vision.
Ready for a Similar Breakthrough?
If your church is stuck, misaligned, or uncertain about what’s next, Summer Street’s story is a powerful reminder: you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Auxano’s Clarity First process can help you:
- Align leadership teams around a common mission
- Reframe ministry environments for disciple-making
- Build a strategic plan grounded in your unique calling
Let’s explore what clarity could look like for your church.