The main focus of this thesis is to create a process of transformation, inclusivity and acceptance of blended families at Glendale Community Church. The challenge is to shift the congregation’s long standing position of exclusive behavior in ministry to a more open and accepting stance. The church must find a way to remain loyal to the denomination while at the same time having the autonomy to make ministry decisions based on contextual situations. The vision for this process of change is the premise that every believer is part of a greater blended family that is comprised of people from all races, gender and socio-economic backgrounds. The adaptive challenge is changing a culture of piety, lack of acceptance and long standing sacred traditions that prohibit change and progress for ministry in the post-modern church. By creating systemic change and transformation within the church and establishing a new inclusive approach to ministry through observation, interpretation and application, the church will read its current community context and determine its focus for the future. This will be accomplished in part by creating a synergy between the heritage of the church and the new ministry approach. The plan for ministry will include the introduction of change by looking at biblical approaches to transformation as well as creating a system of leadership training and awareness. The evaluation of this project will be measured by how close GCC arrives at a real model of the Kingdom of God in all its ministry praxis to blended families.
