MATTHEWS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH - 1ST FLOOR

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1 GUIDEBOOK

2 MATTHEWS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH - 1ST FLOOR CHURCH ENTRANCE MATTHEWS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 801 S. TRADE STREET MATTHEWS, NC Phone: (704) CHOIR ROOM GATHERING AREA SANCTUARY NARTHEX, ENTRANCE TO SANCTUARY 97/ COURTYARD HALLWAY TO SANCTUARY SOUTH TRADE STREET INGUIRER S CLASSROOM CHAPEL LUGGAGE PICK-UP ROOM 104 STAIRS ELEVATOR THE COMMONS (VENDOR DISPLAYS & FOOD SERVICE AREA) GYM EVENT REGISTRATION CHURCH ENTRANCE LARGE PARKING LOT 2

3 MATTHEWS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH - 2ND FLOOR STAIRS STAIRS ELEVATOR 3

4 WELCOME This week you are gathering with hundreds of fellow Christians to learn how to create and develop disciple-making faith communities. The General Board of Discipleship, Path 1, and Global Ministries join with Western North Carolina Conference in welcoming you to this year s School of Congregational Development. Use this booklet to take notes, keep track of the schedule, and learn about key resources you can use to support your ministry. Pay special attention to the Ministry Plan that starts on page 14. During the event you will work through the material to develop a ministry plan for your congregation. CONTENTS: Schedule p. 5 Trans portation p. 9 Definition of Terms p. 11 Ministry Plan p. 14 Plenary Notes p. 24 Seminar Action Plan p. 29 Idea Mart Workshops p. 30 Path 1 p. 32 Young People s Ministries p. 35 GBOD Congregational Leaders Staff p. 36 Global Ministries p. 38 Discipleship Resources Books p. 42 Follow Up Your SCD Experience p. 43 ASSUMPTIONS FOR CONGREGATIONAL DEVELOPMENT A congregation s primary work is to reach new people for Christ, to connect them to God, and to create systems and ministries that enable them to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. The role of leadership is to listen to the community, to the congregation, and to God in order to articulate the vision of where the congregation is going in the future. Discipleship is a process through which a person makes a commitment to follow Jesus Christ, grows in his or her understanding of God, and shares his or her faith through word and deed with others in the church and community. A congregation that develops a discipleship system offers experiences and training for the purpose of enabling all followers of Jesus to discover God s call in their lives. These experiences may include small groups, fellowship/ instruction groups, worship experiences, opportunities to be in mission, and classes on the basics of the Christian faith and spiritual gifts discovery. United Methodist congregations who highlight the teachings and practices of the early Methodists such as the Means of Grace and Three Simple Rules are finding a renewed vitality as people in their congregations discover purpose and meaning for their faith journey and their connection to the United Methodist movement. A vital congregation has leaders who model Christian discipleship by encouraging one another, serving others, and living out their faith with a deep commitment to follow Jesus Christ. 4

5 2014 SCD SCHEDULE THURSDAY THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, :45 Registration Event Desk 8:00 Pre-Conference Seminars Congregational Developers Network Gym Bob Crossman Congregational Development Betsey Heavner/Nora Colmenares DS as Missional Specialist 97/99 Doug Ruffle/Joe Daniels ikids 152 Craig Kennet Miller 2:00 Opening Worship & Communion Sanctuary Bishop Larry Goodpastor The Race 3:30 Break 4:00 Seminars SM01: Beyond the Magic Wand 213/215 Sharon Washington SM02: Knowing and Reaching Your Neighbors Gym Chuck Salter/Tom Bandy SM03: Successor Strategies 152 Jim Ozier SM04: Flip This Church 97/99 Rob Weber SM05: Introduction to Social Media 219 Michael Rich SM06: Leading in New Ways 214/216 Betsey Heavner/Jodi Cataldo SM07: African-American Church Growth 158 Cheryl Walker/Telly Gadson/ Victor Cyrus-Franklin SM08: Asian-American Ministries 225 Bener Agtarap SM09: Deep and Wide 209/211 Rob Fuquay/Sharon Conley Cottingham/Sherry Elliot SM10: Cómo desarrollar grupos pequeños 94 Adrian Garcia para crecimiento (Spanish) SM11: Roadmap to Renewal/Un mapa para 208 Doug Ruffle la renovación (English and Spanish) SM12: Other is the New Majority 210/212 Jason Byassee/Luke Edwards SM13: What to Expect 204 Jason Vickers SM14: Vital Church Stewardship 202 Ken Sloane SM15: Creating a Discipleship System 220/221/222 Olu Brown/Anika Jones SM16: Launching a Multi-Site Ministry Inquirer s Classroom Ken Nash 5:30 Dinner at Church Commons 7:00 Plenary Sanctuary Olu Brown Relevant: Our Ebenezer Moment 8:15 Break for Evening 5

6 2014 SCD SCHEDULE FRIDAY FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, :30 Continental Breakfast At Church 8:00 Morning Prayer Chapel Prayer and Reflection Courtyard Prayer Stations 8:20 Break 8:30 Seminars 11:00 Plenary Sanctuary Edgardo Colon-Emeric Authentic: Anticipate Your Heaven Below: The Ministry of Ethnic and Economic Reconciliation 12:15 Lunch at church 12:30 Friday Idea Marts FIM01: How to Become a Coach? 94 Phil Maynard FIM02: Getting the Young Leaders You Want 158 Chris Wilterdink FIM03: Overcoming Obstacles 220/212/222 Kim Shockley FIM04: Interested in Church Planting? 97/99 Candace Lewis FIM05: The Hispanic Population in My 209/211 Sonia Ely Brum Community is Growing FIM06: Community Development 210/212 Nora Colmenares FIM07: 3 Things Every Church Leader Needs to 213/215 Rebekah Simon-Peter Know about Human Behavior FIM08: Covenant Discipleship 152 Steve Manskar FIM09: Technology Resources for Churches 219 Chris Quinn FIM10: Love. Period. 214/216 Rudy Rasmus 1:15 Break 1:45 Ministry Tracks MT01: Starting New Churches in your District 97/99 Phil D. Schroeder/ Sharma D. Lewis MT02: Innovations in Annual Conference 220/221/222 Bishop Larry Goodpaster Church Vitality VENDORS AT SCD 2014 Be sure to visit our Vendors in The Commons the first 100 people to get their Vendor Card Stamped will received a copy of ikids: Parenting in the Digital Age. COKESBURY BOOKSTORE (Room 95) This year s Cokesbury store has all the resources you need to train and equip your leaders. ONE-ON-ONES SESSIONS (Gathering Area) Individual consultations with a staff person from Global Ministries or GBOD can be scheduled during SCD See the schedule and sign up for a 30 minute session at a display table in the Gathering Area. 6

7 2014 SCD SCHEDULE FRIDAY (CONT.) MT03: Leadership Reproduced 218 Brian Zehr MT04: Innovations in Church Planting 213/214 Paul Nixon MT05: Cómo levantar una congregación 208 Patricia Gandarilla/ Hispana/Latina desde el Comienzo Sonia Ely Brum MT06: Large Membership Church Making Disciples 202 Ken Lyon MT07: Preaching to Build a Multicultural 209/211 Valerie Bridgeman Congregation MT08: REAL Transformation 158 Christie Latona/Joe Daniels MT09: Young Pastors in Historic Churches 219 Chris Campbell/ Donna Claycomb Sokol MT10: Thriving Rural Churches 214/216 Brad Thie/Lynda Ferguson MT11: Connexion 225 Daniel R. Wilson MT12: Missional Communities 152 Elaine Heath/Larry Duggins MT13: Inside Out and Outside In 210/212 Dawn Chesser/Heather Lear MT14: Reaching Second Generation Americans 204 Craig Kennet Miller/Dottie Escobedo Frank/Paul Moon MT15: Developing a Vibrant Children s Ministry 217 Melanie C. Gordon MT16: Spiritual Kaizen 94 Bishop Grant Hagiya 3:00 Break (refreshments provided at church) 3:30 Ministry Tracks (continued) 5:00 Dinner on your own/free time to explore the Charlotte Area MEALS PROVIDED BY THE EVENT: Thursday Dinner, Friday Lunch, and Saturday Lunch will be provided at the church in the Commons. After you pick up your meal you may sit in the GYM (or other first floor rooms if needed for overflow) on Thursday evening. If you are attending a Friday or Saturday Idea Mart, please get your box lunch and take it to your meeting room to eat. If your session is on the second floor, please go to Room 217 to get your box lunch and then go to your session with your food. Refreshments will also be provided during breaks in the Commons. Drinks will be available on the second floor in Room 217. SATURDAY SATELLITE EXPERIENCE AUGUST 16TH You are welcome to invite people back home to participate in the Saturday Satellite Experience right from their own computer. REAL Transformation with Joe Daniels and Christie Latona will be the featured topic. The 5 1/2 hour experience includes live and taped presentations along with a question and answer session. The Saturday Experience is also being hosted at ten churches across the country. To find out more information and to register go to 7

8 SATURDAY, AUGUST 16, SCD SCHEDULE SATURDAY 6:30 Continental Breakfast At Hotels 8:00 Morning Prayer Chapel Prayer and Reflection Sanctuary Meditative Movement 8:20 Break 8:30 Ministry Tracks (continued from Friday) 11:00 Plenary Sanctuary Elaine Heath Christ-Centered: Gospel Bearing in the Manner of Jesus 12:15 Lunch At Church 12:30 Saturday Lunch Marts SM01: How Do I Find A Coach? 94 Phil Maynard SM02: 5 Reasons Millennials Stay in Church 158 Chris Wilterdink SM03: Using Vision for Motivation 220/221/222 Kim Shockley SM04: Innovative Leadership Project 97/99 Craig Kennet Miller SM05: Community Development 209/211 Nora Colmenares SM06: The Hispanic Population in My 210/212 Sonia Ely Brum Community is Growing SM07: Mixed Messages about Money 213/215 Rebekah Simon-Peter SM08: Covenant Discipleship 152 Steve Manskar SM09: Technology Resources for Churches 219 Chris Quinn SM10: Love. Period. 214/216 Rudy Rasmus 1:15 Break 1:45 Western North Carolina SCD Talks Commons 3:00 Closing Worship Commons Dottie Escobedo Frank Engagement with the World 4:00 End of day 2014 SCD SCHEDULE SUNDAY SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, :30-9:00 Continental Breakfast At Hotels Worship in Local Churches (see schedule on next page) 8

9 TRANSPORTATION: SHUTTLE SCHEDULES DEPARTURE TIMES - FROM HOTELS TO MATTHEWS UMC HOTELS THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY FAIRFIELD INN 7:45am, 12:45pm, 1:15pm 7:15am, 7:45am 7:15am, 7:45am GREAT WESTERN 7:45am, 1:00pm, 1:15pm 7:15am, 7:45am 7:15am, 7:45am HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS 8:00am, 1:15pm, 1:30pm 7:30am, 8:00am 7:30am, 8:00am SLEEP INN 7:45am, 12:45pm, 1:15pm 7:15am, 7:45am 7:15am, 7:45am HAMPTON INN 7:45am, 12:45pm, 1:15pm 7:15am, 7:45am 7:15am, 7:45am DEPARTURE TIMES - TO HOTELS FROM MATTHEWS UMC HOTELS THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY ALL 8:30pm, 8:45pm, 9:00pm 5:15pm, 5:30pm, 5:45pm 5:15pm, 5:30pm, 5:45pm DEPARTURE TIMES - FROM MATTHEWS UMC/HOTELS TO AIRPORT* SATURDAY Leaving from Matthews UMC 1:00pm, 2:30pm, 4:30pm SUNDAY Leaving from Hotels 8:00am, 10:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, 4:00pm * SATURDAY Buses will be leaving from Matthews UMC. Make sure you have checked out of your hotel and bring your luggage with you. Matthews UMC will have a room where you can store your luggage. SUNDAY Buses will go to all the hotels and then to the airport - PLEASE PLAN TO LEAVE 3 HOURS BEFORE YOUR FLIGHT. Those who go to worship on the shuttles on Sunday morning will be returned back to the hotels. Participants can then take the bus to the airport. 9

10 2014 SCD SCHEDULE SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP Below are listed United Methodist Churches in the area. The first list includes shuttle service. The second list is provided for those who have their own transportation. CHURCH PASTOR WORSHIP TIME SHUTTLE PICK UP FROM HOTELS SANCTUARY CHARLOTTE Granite Street Charlotte, NC Pastor Percy Reeves Welcome: 8:30am Worship: 9:00am Return to Hotel by 11:00am Fairfield: Best Western: Holiday Inn: Sleep Inn: Hampton Inn: 7:00am 7:15am 7:30am 7:45am 8:00am WEST UMC 186 Doolie Road Mooresville, NC Pastor Andrea Smith Welcome: 9:30am Worship: 10:00am Return to Hotel by 12:30pm Fairfield: Best Western: Holiday Inn: Sleep Inn: Hampton Inn: 7:30am 7:45am 8:00am 8:15am 8:30am JOURNEY UMC (Meeting at Gem Theatre) 111 W. 1 st Street Kannapolis, NC Pastor Mike Fongemy Welcome: 9:30am Worship: 10:00am Return to Hotel by 12:15pm Fairfield: Best Western: Holiday Inn: Sleep Inn: Hampton Inn: 7:45am 8:00am 8:15am 8:30am 8:45am THE PLAZA CHURCH 5600 The Plaza Charlotte, NC Pastor Chris Campbell Welcome: 10:30am Worship: 11:00am Return to Hotel by 1:00pm Fairfield: 9:00am Best Western: 9:15am Holiday Inn: 9:30am Sleep Inn: 9:45am Hampton Inn: 10:00am MATTHEWS UMC 801 S. Trade St. Matthews, NC Pastor Ken Lyon (Sanctuary Traditional) Pastor Stephen Knopp (Gym, 801 South) Welcome: 10:30am Worship: 11:00am Return to Hotel by 1:00pm Fairfield: 9:00am Best Western: 9:15am Holiday Inn: 9:30am Sleep Inn: 9:45am Hampton Inn: 10:00am OTHER WORSHIP OPTIONS (Transportation not provided) MYERS PARK UMC 1501 Queens Road, Charlotte, NC :45am SOUTH TRYON COMMUNITY MISSION 2516 South Tryon St., Charlotte, NC :00am GOOD SHEPHERD UMC Moss Rd., Charlotte, NC :30am MATTHEWS UMC SERVICIO 801 S. Trade St., Charlotte, NC :30pm DE ADORACION CENTRAL ONLINE Go online at 10:00am EST 10

11 DEFINITION OF TERMS Over the years many terms have been coined to describe congregational development. Here are some of the most common, which will be used throughout this book: CHURCH PLANTER: This is the specific leader (clergy or laity) who is entrusted with the responsibility of starting a new church. CONGREGATIONAL DEVELOPMENT NETWORK: A group of staff in Annual Conferences with primary responsibility in Congregational Development who meet together for support and to resource The United Methodist Church for new church development and revitalization. DISCIPLESHIP SYSTEM: The way a congregation connects all aspects of its ministry into a process that moves people from unbelief to faith in Jesus Christ to spiritual leadership and maturity. DISCIPLE-MAKING FAITH COMMUNITY: A faith community whose primary focus is to engage newcomers in such a way that they become active Christians in their local church and community. EXISTING CHURCH: A congregation that is at least 7 years old and has an established structure and ministry. FAITH COMMUNITY: A congregation intentionally connecting its worship life with a discipleship process so that it becomes a disciple-making faith community. NEW FAITH COMMUNITY: A new worshiping congregation combined with a specific discipleship process for new people (and existing members) who become part of this faith community. Key strategies include: 1. Partner Church/Multiple Parent Strategy: An existing United Methodist congregation (or, perhaps, several churches) serves as an anchoring, sponsoring or parenting force in launching a new church. This could be a cluster of partner churches or a combination of partner church(es) and another entity (e.g., a United Methodist campus ministry, retirement home or church agency). 2. Classic Missionary Strategy: This type of plant happens when a cabinet sends a planter into a territory to plant a church and (1) that planter is not from that territory plus (2) there are no active partnerships in place with other United Methodist churches or institutions in the area. 3. Multi-site Expansion Strategy: A new faith community meeting at a new site remains part of a sponsoring church, even as they may develop a distinct staff and ministry team system. Multi-sites vary in pastoral and staffing strategies. They typically have a site pastor who may or may not be the lead preacher at the site. 4. Church-Within-a-Church Strategy: In a world of very expensive real estate, many new churches will share space with other churches (both partner churches and other collegial congregations). Existing congregations choosing to share property may find that new churches may better serve their immediate neighbors, especially when the new church specializes in a certain racial-ethnic culture and/or a certain generation or social group. 5. The Elijah/Elisha Strategy: This strategy requires a proactive discernment process with the district superintendent or conference staff. Congregations may either discover a new vision and recommit to fruitbearing ministry or respond to God s call to become an Elijah new church start (2 Kings 2:1-14 tells how Elijah passed on the legacy of his ministry to Elisha). Elijah churches intentionally choose either to (a) join another church and give their physical assets to the conference to reach a new group of people or (b) open their doors to a planter and launch team that takes over management of the facility to start a new congregation. 6. Vital Merger Strategy: Most of the time, mergers do not truly create new churches. Two declining churches typically agree to share one facility and decline together rather than alone. However, East Ohio Conference, for example, has a strategy that requires both of the merging churches to sell their buildings, pool the funds, move to a temporary location, find a new name, receive a trained planter and proceed as if they were a new church. Leadership of the planter is key. 11

12 7. Closed/Reopened Facility Strategy: Similar to the above strategies, except that there is no church left to share its facility, turn over its ministry, or merge with another congregation to create something new. The new church begins to address the needs and culture of the community population. 8. House Church Strategy: This may well be the oldest strategy for church planting that exists, certainly reaching back to Asia Minor in the first century, and also to frontier America when population was very sparse. House churches are typically small, limited to the number that can fit in a home or a small meeting space. They are often lay-led, with clergy visiting to bring the Sacraments. House churches may organize into networks, akin to circuits of very small congregations. 9. Intentional Communities: The strategy is often traced back to the early church movement described in Acts 2. There have been Intentional Communities throughout most of Christian history, going back to Franciscan, Benedictine and early Celtic orders. More contemporary examples of this strategy, still in existence, were founded in the early 1950s. Typically, Intentional Communities remain small in size (3-12 people) and have no plan to formalize as chartered churches with land and a church structure. 10. The Surprise Birth: Sometimes, churches are born unexpectedly just as children may come along in a season when we did not expect them. Some of our best United Methodist congregations have emerged in this way, as a work of the Holy Spirit and faithful laity. With wise pastoral care and negotiation, these projects often can be brought into the United Methodist fold as official new church projects. 11. Integrated Multi-Ethnic Projects: This strategy results in an intentionally multi-ethnic church plant that worships as one integrated body to create a unique cultural expression and reflect all groups involved. This is what heaven looks like, so why not intentionally plant churches that are integrated? This strategy reflects the work of the Holy Spirit to bring together as one in Christ a multitude of cultural, racial and ethnic groups. We recognize that The United Methodist Church is just learning how to implement this strategy effectively. LAUNCH: The first time a new church or an established congregation offers a new weekly worship experience that is tied to a discipleship process. Typically the church will experience a drop of 1/3 in worship attendance the second week, thus it is important to have high attendance on launch day. LEADERSHIP COHORT: The leadership cohort is the 20% of the congregation who does 80% of the work in a congregation and is the people most committed to the vision and ministry of their church. LIFECYCLE OF THE CHURCH: Churches go through four phases of ministry (Introductory, Growth, Maturity, Decline) as they develop over the years. Rebirth can happen at any time of this process when a church discovers its vision. PATH I TEAM: The Path 1 Team has responsibility for developing and implementing a national strategy for new church development in the United States, working with the GBOD New Church Starts Division and staff. The Path 1 advisory team includes church planters, Council of Bishops representatives, and persons from the network of Congregational Developers, Asian American Language Ministry Plan, Korean American National Plan, National Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministries, Native American Comprehensive Plan, Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century, General Board of Global Ministries, General Board of Higher Education and Ministry and United Methodist Communications. POST-LAUNCH: A new phase of ministry that happens after launch, offering weekly experiential worship and connecting people to the discipleship process. PRE-LAUNCH: The work done in preparation for launching a new faith community, including understanding the context of the community, casting a vision, developing a discipleship process, and creating a weekly worship experience (usually a six to fifteen month process depending on the context and strategies used). PREVIEW SERVICE: A new church or an established congregation offers periodic worship experiences as a way to build momentum for the launch of a new faith community. 12

13 ROUTE 122: A network of conference leaders focused on increasing the vitality of existing congregations by following the plan of paragraph 122 in the Book of Discipline. Staff, district superintendents, and volunteers share ideas and best practices through a newsletter. Route 122 will meet December 1-3 to support each other as they resource churches moving from membership to discipleship. TRANSFORMATION/REVITALIZATION: An established church, which, after a period of decline, develops and implements a Ministry Plan that leads to vitality and health. TURN-AROUND CONGREGATION: A congregation, which has been in decline over a number of years, implements a strategy to become a disciple-making faith community that engages the people in its community to become active followers of Jesus Christ. VITAL CHURCHES: A congregation is a vital church when it creates dynamic ministries that connect the congregation to the community through worship, small groups, and missional outreach. 13

14 MINISTRY PLAN SCD 2014 DEVELOPED FOR THE SCHOOL OF CONGREGATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Use the following material to develop a ministry plan for your congregation. Permission is given to use this in a local church 2014 SCDUMC For a digital version of the Ministry Plan SCD 2014, go to or the SCD App, and click on Ministry Plan. CONGREGATIONAL DNA Together your Discipleship process, Niche, and Affection make up the DNA of your congregation. By focusing on these three critical areas you can create a disciple-making faith community: a congregation that effectively creates new disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. D - Discipleship Process N - Niche A - Affection For the purpose of this plan we will look first at Affection, Niche, and then the Discipleship Process. MINISTRY PLAN: AFFECTION As a congregation whom do you love? Affection is expressed by the way we love God and neighbor. Both our spiritual life and our witness through service in the church and community tell people how much we love in the name of Jesus. Our affection is most clearly seen in who participates in our church and who is welcomed to join those who are already part of the community of faith. Leaders in the church set the standard of affection for the whole congregation. THE SPIRITUAL LIFE OF THE LEADER The Spiritual Life Template is a tool to help you share with others your spiritual journey. This can be used in a small group accountability setting or with leadership groups to help people talk about their spirituality. 1. In which spiritual discipline(s) do you want to grow? One of the foundational aspects of United Methodist Christians is the way they approach the spiritual life as an ongoing process of growth and maturity. The early Methodists talked about Wesley s Means of Grace, that through the practice of spiritual disciplines a believer s life is formed in Christ. In the earliest forms, Methodists met on a regular basis in classes to hold one another accountable for the way they were growing in faith in practice. 2. What is your plan for continued spiritual growth and development? How do you connect with God? It is easy to get so caught up in the work of the church that we forget that at its most basic level Christianity is about having a relationship with God through our faith in Jesus Christ. Paying attention to our relationship with God is key to our personal vitality. How are you connecting with others? Like our relationship to Jesus, our relationships with those around us need our attention and focus. Each moment we spend with another person is an opportunity to share the grace of the moment. Just as others need us, we need them to shape us and to form us into mature followers of Jesus Christ. What arts feed your soul? The Creator has equipped us to be creative. Take time to develop your artistic side it will both feed you and connect you to others in different ways. How are you taking care of your body? We are physical beings and as a result the way we take care of our bodies affects every aspect of our relationship to God and to others. When we invest time in exercise and healthy eating we are enhancing our ability to be effective in ministry Craig Kennet Miller, GBOD. Permission is granted to reproduce and use in local churches. For more info contact Craig Miller at cmiller@gbod.org.

15 SPIRITUAL LIFE TEMPLATE 1. In which spiritual discipline(s) do you want to grow? Weekly worship Daily Bible reading Daily prayer Frequency of Communion Weekly Monthly Other Service to others Fasting or abstinence Tithing/Giving Family prayer Other: Tip: How does your church teach & mentor people on these disciplines? WESLEY S MEANS OF GRACE The public worship of God The ministry of the Word, either read or expounded The Lord s Supper Family and private prayer Searching the Scriptures Fasting or abstinence Christian conferencing (Paragraph 62, p. 70 in the 1996 Book of Discipline) 2. What is your plan for your continued spiritual growth and development? How do you connect with God? Day apart Worship Meeting with a prayer partner or coach Family Prayer Daily Devotion Other: How are you connecting with others? Time alone with spouse or friend Focused time with your children Regular connection with extended family Prayer or accountability group Time with friends outside of church Other: What arts feed your soul? Playing a musical instrument or singing Writing Cooking Drawing Dance Gardening Acting Other: How are you taking care of your body? Walking/running Active in a sport Healthy diet Yoga/Pilates Other: TIPS As a spiritual leader you are creating the normative expectations for spiritual growth in your congregation and for those close to you (friends & family). Your prayer life, physical health, artistic pursuits, and relationships have a direct influence on the spiritual life of your church. Build in the time and experiences that sustains you and connects you to God and others Craig Kennet Miller, GBOD Reproducible 15

16 MINISTRY PLAN: NICHE What makes your congregation unique? Each congregation offers a spiritual alternative to its community. Your niche helps determine the people who are attracted to your church. Use the following questions to define your niche. NEXUS: What is the center of congregational life? (for some congregations it may be worship, for others small group Bible studies or ministry to children what is it that drives or holds the congregation together?) INNOVATION: What ways do you adapt to the culture of the community in order to share the gospel in a way that connects? (a website that allows people to learn about your church before they come to worship is an example of an innovation that connects with changing culture). CONTEXT: What are the demographics of the community in which your church resides ethnicity, language, age, income, and marital status? COMMUNITY CONGREGATION Racial-ethnic make-up Languages spoken Age Income level Marital status HOPES & DREAMS: What are the hopes and dreams of the people who live in the community? EXPERIENCE: What is unique about what you have to offer in the context of community life (sports, non-profits, business)? MINISTRY PLAN: DISCIPLESHIP PROCESS A study of United Methodist churches identified four key drivers of change that foster church vitality. Laity Engaged in Ministry, Small Groups, Multiple Worship Experiences, and Dynamic Preaching are key areas for congregational growth. The discipleship system connects all four of these together, shaped by the shared values of the congregation. The discipleship system includes everything you do to connect people to one another and to God. It s what you offer to enable people to mature in their faith in Jesus Christ. Dynamic Preaching Laity Engaged in Ministry Discipleship System Multiple Worship Experiences Small Groups 16

17 CONGREGATIONAL VALUES The ministry of a congregation is undergirded by the beliefs and spiritual practices of the leaders and in turn its members. These values inform and shape the discipleship process. 1. What are the essential beliefs of the Christian faith? 2. What spiritual disciplines do leaders of your faith community practice to which they are held accountable? (Wesley s General Rules: Do No Harm, Do Good, Stay in Love with God by practicing the Means of Grace) 3. How do you invite and teach people to live out the United Methodist membership vows to faithfully participate in its ministries by their prayers, their presence, their gifts, their service, and their witness? LAITY ENGAGED IN MINISTRY: People become engaged in the ministry of a local church because they believe through working with fellow Christians they can grow in faith and make the world a better place. Those who are the most committed to the church make up the Leadership Cohort. These are the 20% who do most of the work. Vital Congregations focus on equipping and developing leaders who in turn lead others. 4. How do you move people into leadership so they discover their call for ministry? 5. How do you train and equip leaders to create ministries that impact people beyond your local church?... that make a difference in your community? 6. What do you offer for newcomers in the first three years? Connected: People who have contact to your church through outreach and generational ministries Members: People who have made a membership vow Worship Attendees: People who attend twice a month Leadership Cohort: 20% who do 80% of the work and/or participate in small groups Leadership Team: The key decision makers that includes pastors, staff and laity Connected Through Your Ministries Members Worship Attendees Leadership Cohort Leadership Team 7. What do you offer for spiritual growth and leadership development for long-term members and participants in your faith community (someone who stays longer than three years)? SMALL GROUPS In its beginning the Wesleyan movement was based around small groups that lovingly held members accountable for spiritual growth and Christian living. The Class Meeting was the central place where people talked about their faith and were given opportunities to share their lives in community. In our day, this has largely been lost. While people may get together in small numbers to do ministry together or to learn, accountable small groups are key to church vitality. Accountable Members hold each other accountable for spiritual growth through practicing the means of grace. Administrative Committees, Boards, and Teams work together to support the ongoing ministry of the church. TYPES OF SMALL GROUPS JESUS CHRIST Service Members focus on outreach and missions to the community. These tend to be short-term task groups. Learning Members primarily gather to learn about the Bible or how to live the Christian faith. Sunday School Classes typically are in this category. 17

18 Vital congregations can vitalize their existing small groups by teaching people about the means of grace and inviting them to hold each other accountable. 8. Is prayer and scripture reading (at least 15 minutes) part of every small group in your church? (Accountable, Service, Learning, Administrative) 9. Do you gather the leaders of your small groups together at least four times a year for teaching, encouragement, and spiritual formation? 10. Do you see your Administrative committees, boards, and teams as Small Groups where spiritual formation is a key component of what you do together? 11. Do you regularly create new Small Groups for newcomers so they can find a connection to others? MULTIPLE WORSHIP EXPERIENCES For most congregations worship is the primary entry point for newcomers into congregational life and the avenue through which long-term members grow in their connection to God. Churches that offer multiple worship experiences are able to give people more opportunities to connect with God and with each other. Before adding a new worship experience it is critical to develop the discipleship process that supports and feeds the worship experience. Many times churches will first focus on developing their small group ministry before they add new worship opportunities. 12. Rather than using the terms contemporary or traditional, describe your worship experience(s). 13. Describe the people who are coming for worship. If you have more than one worship experience what are the differences? 14. If you could start over, what current elements of your worship would you keep? What would you change? 15. How are you creating new faith communities for new people groups (a people group may be a generational, racial ethnic and or language/cultural group)? 16. How are children and youth included in the shaping of your worship experiences? 17. How does your worship life enhance your small groups, fellowship opportunities, and missional outreach? DYNAMIC PREACHING The primary role of preaching is to cast God s vision of where the church is going in the future. This vision is articulated as people are challenged and encouraged to grow in their love of God and of neighbor as the scripture is expounded and as worship calls people to mature in Christ. 18. What resources do you use for the preaching ministry (lectionary, sermon series, etc.)? 19. How does your preaching connect to the context of the congregation and the community? 20. How does the preaching connect to all other elements of the worship experience? 18

19 MINISTRY PLAN: FIRST YEAR PLAN ALLOCATION OF RESOURCES: How are you allocating your financial resources? List the major components of ministry in your church and list the financial resources devoted to each one. You may even rank them by percentage (pastoral leadership, worship, church school, youth ministry, children s ministry, missional outreach, etc.). What does this say about whom you love? THE LIFECYCLE OF THE CHURCH: The Lifecycle of the Church is a tool that has been used for many years in the field of congregational development as a way to understand the different stages congregations move through as they age and grow. Many variations of this tool have been used through the years. The basic premise is that once a congregation understands where it is in its lifecycle it can then make the decisions necessary to bring about renewed vision and life. There are two kinds of improvements congregations can make to bring about change that gives new vitality to the ministry: Incremental improvement builds on current strengths to move forward. For example, if someone is in good health, incremental improvement may be to lose five pounds and walk five times a week instead of three. Radical improvement needs to happen when the whole system is in danger. For example, a person who discovers he or she is a diabetic will have to radically change his or her diet and develop a whole new exercise program. The same is true for ministry. If a ministry is in the Introductory and Growth Stages of the lifecycle and it is doing well, chances are Incremental Improvement is needed. If it has reached the Decline Stage, it probably needs Radical Improvement. During the Maturity Stage as the ministry moves towards plateau, either one of these types of improvement may be needed. Introductory stage 1. BIRTH LIFECYCLE OF THE CHURCH Growth stage 4.BEGIN PLATEAU Maturity stage 5. PLATEAU Decline stage REBIRTH 2. BEGIN GROWTH 3. SUSTAINED GROWTH 6. BEGIN DECLINE 7. SUSTAINED DECLINE 8. DEATH < TIME > 19

20 Introductory Stage: All ministries have a start. A person or a team of individuals discovered an unmet need in the community and designed a ministry to meet that need. Before budgets, buildings, or the first public gatherings, a vision to meet this need was articulated. As this vision spread, a strategy was designed, a team was put together, and the first baby steps were taken. This stage is filled with excitement. It is during this stage that Step One: Birth takes place. Growth Stage: As people gather around the vision, the ministry moves into a growth stage. As people are enlisted, systems for growth are put in place. The Growth Stage starts with Step Two: Begin Growth and moves into Step Three: Sustained Growth. As the ministry grows, more people connect to the vision. A church will see growth in worship attendance and growth in spiritual maturity as people participate in small groups, Christian formation, and ministry to those outside the church. A youth ministry will see a growth in participants and spiritual maturity. An outreach ministry will see a growth in people served. A regional ministry, with the goal to equip and build up local churches, will see sustained growth among the churches served. Maturity Stage: As ministries grow, they move into a stage that is marked by higher levels of activity, but lower levels of excitement. In many cases, ministries lose sight of the original vision. The original vision casters may no longer be part of the ministry. While their systems may be efficient, those in ministry do not remember why they are doing them. During Maturity, two steps take place. Step Four: Begin Plateau starts when ministry results begin to level off. For example, if a church has moved from a 7% growth in worship attendance to 2%, it is moving into plateau. At Step Five: Plateau, worship attendance levels off with no growth. During Maturity, a ministry still has the resources and energy to move back into the growth stage if it is willing to revisit its vision and develop new strategies to move it into a positive future. Decline Stage: The decline stage is marked by little action and a lack of enthusiasm. The further into decline a ministry goes, the harder it is to turn around. Step Eight: Begin Decline is experienced as numbers in worship, small group participation, and finances decline. By the time a ministry gets to Step Seven: Sustained Decline, the ministry is near death. Rebirth happens when a ministry seeks God with all its heart to recapture its first love of God, and then takes a fresh look at all it does in order to effectively reach the people who now live within the sphere of its influence. Rebirth can happen at any stage of the process and becomes essential during the Maturity Stage. What about death? In some cases, a ministry has reached such a stage of decline that Stage Eight: Death is the best option. Instead of pouring in time, energy, and finances to keep it alive, it is better to let the ministry go and put those resources to better use. YOUR CHURCH AND THE LIFECYCLE: Where are you on the lifecycle? Does your congregation need incremental change or radical change? Are you ready for Rebirth? 20

21 AS YOU PREPARE TO GO BACK TO YOUR CHURCH, THINK THROUGH YOUR PLAN OF ACTION FOR THE NEXT YEAR. 1. What is the greatest opportunity for spiritual and numerical growth for your congregation? 2. What is the biggest obstacle that keeps you from taking advantage of this opportunity? 3. What strategies can you implement for missional outreach to your community that make a difference in the lives of people who live near your church? 4. As you think about the future, where do you hope your congregation will be: Three months from now? Six months from now? One year from now? 5. What are the five most important things you need to do that will move your congregation towards becoming a disciple-making faith community? What do you need to change about yourself to help make this happen? 21

22 FOLLOW-UP: WORK ON YOUR VITAL SIGNS As a follow-up to SCD 2014 take a look at your VitalSigns to look at your history and to plan for the future. You can go to VitalSignsUMC.org to get your data. Use the reflection questions on the next page to develop strategies for improving in these key areas of congregational life. VITAL SIGNS GOAL SETTING Disciples worship Average worship attendance Disciples make new disciples Number of people who joined by profession of faith Disciples engage in growing as a disciple Number of small groups, Sunday school classes and Bible studies Disciples engage in mission Number of people from the congregation engaged in local, national and international mission/outreach activities Disciples give to mission The total amount given by local church to other organizations for support of benevolent and charitable ministries (this amount includes apportionments paid and support for all United Methodist and non-united Methodist organizations active in work such as advocacy, education, health, justice, mercy, outreach, and welfare anywhere in the world) VitalSignsUMC.org sign up on this site and input your data write down your results 22

23 VITAL SIGNS GOAL SETTING Reflect on these Questions as you look at your VitalSigns Data Disciples worship Average worship attendance What trends do you see in worship attendance? What do you expect will happen within five years? Disciples make new disciples Number of people who joined by profession of faith What are the ages of people who are joining by profession of faith? What do you offer to adults who want to discover more about the Christian faith? Disciples engage in growing as a disciple Number of small groups, Sunday school classes and Bible studies What do your settings for ministry say about these groups? What do you offer throughout the week for small groups and Bible studies? Disciples engage in mission Number of people from the congregation engaged in local, national and international mission/ outreach activities How do participants who are engaged in mission connect to your worship experience(s)? How do your small groups and worship invite people to be in mission? Disciples give to mission The total amount given by local church to other organizations for support of benevolent and charitable ministries (this amount includes apportionments paid and support for all United Methodist and non-united Methodist organizations active in work such as advocacy, education, health, justice, mercy, outreach, and welfare anywhere in the world) How are you creating a spirit of generosity? How do you help people make the connection between what they give financially and how their giving impacts lives beyond their church? What does your giving say about whom your congregation loves? For more tools and resources like this go to learn about the Innovative Leadership Project 23

24 OPENING WORSHIP AND COMMUNION BISHOP GOODPASTER Bishop of the Western North Carolina Conference 24

25 THURSDAY EVENING PLENARY: RELEVANT: OUR EBENEZER MOMENT OLU BROWN Pastor of Impact Church in Atlanta, Georgia 25

26 FRIDAY PLENARY: AUTHENTIC: ANTICIPATE YOUR HEAVEN BELOW EDGARDO COLÓN-EMERIC Assistant Professor of Christian Theology, Duke 26

27 SATURDAY PLENARY: CHRIST-CENTERED ELAINE A. HEATH McCreless Professor of Evangelism, Perkins School of Theology; Co-founder of the Missional Wisdom Foundation 27

28 SATURDAY WORSHIP: ENGAGEMENT WITH THE WORLD DOTTIE ESCOBEDO-FRANK DS of the South District Desert Southwest Conference 28

29 SEMINAR ACTION PLAN TITLE OF SEMINAR PRESENTER WHAT I LEARNED ACTIONS I WILL TAKE I WILL LEARN MORE BY I WILL LOOK AT CHANGING, IMPROVING, OR STARTING I WILL SHARE THIS MATERIAL WITH OTHER 29

30 FRIDAY LUNCH IDEA MART TITLE OF WORKSHOP PRESENTER WHAT I LEARNED ACTIONS I WILL TAKE I WILL LEARN MORE BY I WILL LOOK AT CHANGING, IMPROVING, OR STARTING I WILL SHARE THIS MATERIAL WITH OTHER 30

31 SATURDAY LUNCH IDEA MART TITLE OF WORKSHOP PRESENTER WHAT I LEARNED ACTIONS I WILL TAKE I WILL LEARN MORE BY I WILL LOOK AT CHANGING, IMPROVING, OR STARTING I WILL SHARE THIS MATERIAL WITH OTHER 31

32 INTRODUCTION TO PATH 1 What is Path 1? A team of mission-driven, passionate and diverse leaders drawn from national, regional, and local levels of The United Methodist Church, providing collaborative leadership to evangelize the United States through new congregations. Path 1 isn t an agency program or initiative. It was started by and belongs to the entire denomination. Why does Path 1 exist? To reach more people more young people, more diverse people as disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, by creating new places for new people. To create the leaders, cultures and processes needed to regain our healthy denominational habit of starting at least one new church each day. What does Path 1 do? Casts a vision that compels The United Methodist Church to find and train 1,000 church planters to start 650 healthy, new congregations in the United States by the end of 2016 even across conference and jurisdictional lines. Influences the conversation, the agenda and the vision for church planting at many tables. Encourages investment in relationships, lay and clergy leadership, best practices, and healthy partner churches, so that multiplication of world-transforming disciples happens in more places for more people. FIND EQUIP Church Planting Process MULTIPLY PLANT Increases our denominational capabilities in the four areas of the new church start planting process (at right). Together, we can join the movement of God in progress and transform our mission field. Plant Churches. Grow Disciples. Change the World. It worked 2000 years ago. It will work again. Questions? Please or call us: path1@gbod.org ( ext. 7139) 32

33 INTRODUCTION TO PATH 1 Here are a few ways God may be calling you to join this movement: Praying The Path 1 Prayer Movement seeks to undergird all our new church planting efforts with prayer. Sign-up to be a prayer warrior for our new church starts, submit requests and/or learn more at Discerning Are you (or is someone you know) being called to start a new place for new people? Is your congregation ripe for planting a new congregation? For reaching an entirely different culture? Are there entrepreneurial young people in your midst who may need your encouragement to discern God s call on their lives? Look for resources, information and tools available to aid in this process at Tentmaking The Lay Missionary Planting Network offers a grassroots process of calling, equipping and sending laity to lead or serve on planting teams for new congregations. Several Annual Conferences are participating in a betatest, funded in part by a grant from The Foundation for Evangelism. Learn more at Coaching All new church starts and their major stakeholders need skilled and effective coaching to ensure viability, sustainability and multiplication in their first decade. The Path 1 Coaching Network provides well-trained and endorsed coaches to work in all phases of church planting. To find or become a coach, visit Multiplying All healthy living things multiply, including well-established churches. New churches partnered with vital, growing churches thrive. To create a culture where all thrive to more rapidly transform the mission field, the Readiness 360 inventory helps assess potential partner congregations. Results link to tools and strategies to help those congregations be better positioned for fruitfulness. Learn more at Learning We encourage leaders to attend Boot Camps and New Church Leadership Institutes (NCLI). These events are usually held in each Jurisdiction. Boot Camps are designed for leaders who are planting new churches or for those who have recently planted a new church. New Church Leadership Institutes are designed to help you discern whether you may have the gifts and characteristics of a church planter. To find a Boot Camp or NCLI in your Jurisdiction, visit and click on the Events tab at the top of the page. Annual Conference Partnering No single strategy or model for church planting, no one-size-fits-all approach works in every context. Path 1 Contextualized Partnership Covenants provide staff to collaborate with annual conference leaders. New Church Strategists assist in designing plans to meet unique goals and needs. To explore partnership options in your annual conference, contact path1@gbod.org. 33

34 STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION Candace Lewis Executive Director, Path 1 New Church Starts clewis@gbod.org Toll Free: ext Paul Nixon New Church Strategist pnixon@gbod.org Cell Phone: Douglas Ruffle Associate Executive Director druffle@gbod.org Toll Free: ext Philip Brooks Communications Assistant pbrooks@gbod.org Toll Free: ext Pax Escobar Bilingual Translator Assistant pescobar@gbod.org Toll Free: ext Bob Crossman New Church Strategist bcrossman@gbod.org Cell: Phil Maynard Director, Path 1 Coaching Network pmaynard@gbod.org Cell Phone: Alma Pérez Acquisitions Editor for Spanish Language Resources aperez@gbod.org Toll Free: ext Emily Reece New Church Strategist ereece@gbod.org Cell Phone: Sam Rodríguez Director, Hispanic/Latino New Church Starts srodriguez@gbod.org Cell Phone: General Inquiries and Information Toll Free: ext.7139 path1@gbod.org 1908 Grand Ave. P.O. Box Nashville, TN For more information: path1@gbod.org General Board of Discipleship P.O. Box Nashville, TN , ext

35 YOUNG PEOPLE S MINISTRIES RESOURCING YOUNG PEOPLE (AGES 12-35) AND THEIR LEADERS YOUTH 2015 Youth2015.com The quadrennial, national event for United Methodist Youth and their leaders. Youth 2015 will introduce and practice Wesleyan acts of piety and mercy, calling those who attend to go on and do more with their faith when they return home. For more information visit Youth2015.com. THE 2014 GO ON TOUR Get a taste of Youth2015 at these one-night, worship-concerts featuring Christian Hip Hop Artist Tedashii. Ten cities, ten nights, starting in September. Dates, locations, and tickets available at Youth2015.com. YOUTH SERVICE FUND YouthServiceFund.org The by youth, for youth grant program that equips ministries with money needed to start up or refresh. Information about both applying for funds and creative ways to raise money for YSF at youthservicefund.org. UM YOUTH MISSIONS UMYouthMissions.org A curated database of United Methodist-related, youth-friendly mission sites. When planning your mission experiences, check out this list of sites! LEADERSHIP LAB FOR 6, 7, 8 GRADES AND FOR SR HIGH YOUTH Develop and practice leadership skills to help your next generation of leaders rise up using these 4 and 7-session units. SEX: A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE ON OUR BODIES, DECISIONS, AND RELATIONSHIPS YPMFaithAndSex.org New in 2014, a 4-session resource with online training for leaders that helps youth understand the scope of human sexuality and how faithful discernment can help them make commitments to God and themselves about God s good gift of sexuality. FIELD GUIDE NETWORK FieldGuideUMC.org A collection of experienced United Methodist leaders of youth and young adult ministries available for a free connection to talk about how your ministry can evolve and get refined. YOUNG PEOPLE S MINISTRIES PO BOX NASHVILLE TN (877) GLOBALYOUNGPEOPLE.ORG 35

36 Partnering with Leaders in Conferences and Congregations for Vitality in United Methodist Congregations The mission of Leadership Ministries at GBOD is to equip Christ-like leaders within a diversity of settings to serve effectively in order to help people grow in Christian faith. Our vision is GBOD led experiences that equip lay and clergy leaders to lead congregations to fulfill the mission of the United Methodist Church to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the World. 1. Inspire people to be leaders and to become increasingly aware of God s call in their lives. 2. Equip people as leaders in knowledge and experiences for actions that lead to vital congregations and communities of faith. Leadership Ministries at GBOD 3. Partner with people who are capable of inspiring and equipping other leaders. Betsey Heavner, Director of Leadership for Congregational Renewal Webinar training for Congregational Leaders, Route 122, Downtown Churches, Practical forms, samples and planning materials for elected congregational leaders Toll Free Number: , ext Carol Krau, Director of Adult Formation and Discipleship Adults, Systems for Discipleship, Adult Formation Toll Free Number: , ext Cheryl Walker, Director of Black Congregational Ministries Black Church Renewal, Congregational Development, SBC21 Toll Free Number: , ext Craig Miller, Director of Pastoral Leadership School of Congregational Development, Innovative Leadership, Gen2Gen Toll Free Number: , ext bheavner@gbod.org ckrau@gbod.org clwalker@gbod.org cmiller@gbod.org David Kim, Director Korean, Asian-American, and Pacific Islanders Ministries Lay Leadership Training, Clergy Effectiveness Toll Free Number: , ext dkim@gbod.org Dean McIntyre, Director of Music Resources Music Resources, Worship & Song Project, Downloadable accompaniments for worship Toll Free Number: , ext dmcintyre@gbod.org Deb Smith, Director of Best Practices Romans 12, Research, Evaluation, Downtown Church Network, University Church Network Toll Free Number: , ext Ken Sloane, Director of Stewardship Ministries Stewardship, Association of Directors of Connectional Ministry Toll Free Number: , ext dsmith@gbod.org ksloane@gbod.org 36

37 Don Joiner, Director of Operations Stewardship, Large Church Initiative, Planned Giving Toll Free Number: , ext Kevin Witt, Director of Camp & Retreat Ministries Camp & Retreat Ministries Toll Free Number: , ext Melanie Gordon, Director of Ministry with Children Children, Weekday Ministries, Safe Sanctuaries, Gen2Gen Toll Free Number: , ext Office of the Associate General Secretary MaryJane Pierce Norton, Associate General Secretary Family Ministries, Congregational Systems, Leadership Toll Free Number: , ext Will Randolph, Director of Older Adult Ministries Aging and Older Adults, Gen2Gen Toll Free Number: , ext Jodi Cataldo, Director of Connectional Laity Development Laity Development, Lay Servant Ministry Toll Free Number: , ext Steve Manskar, Director of Wesleyan Leadership Wesleyan Leadership Institutes, Covenant Discipleship Groups & Small Group Ministries, Wesley Pilgrimage in England Toll Free Number: , ext Taylor Burton-Edwards, Director of Worship Resources Liturgy, Emerging Missional Church, Open Source Liturgy Project Toll Free Number: , ext Dawn Chesser, Director of Preaching Ministries Preaching, Africana Hymnal Study, 21 st Century Liturgy Project Toll Free Number: , ext Tanya Eustace, Director of Children and Intergenerational Ministries Faith formation for Children and Intergenerational Ministries Toll Free Number: , ext Heather Lear, Director of Evangelism Ministries Evangelism, Prayer Video Pilot Project, Evangelism Associates Toll Free Number: , ext Look for these Offerings on Vitality at This Year s School: CHARTING THE COURSE DOES YOUR CHURCH HAVE A PRAYER? INNOVATIVE LEADERSHIP GEN2GEN: SHARING JESUS ACROSS THE GENERATIONS LIVING THE WESLEYAN WAY 37

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42 NEW & UPCOMING RELEASES ikids: Parenting in the Digital Age As a special promotional offer for those attending the school of congregational development, ikids: Parenting in the Digital Age is available on Kindle for $0.99. Go to Amazon.com for this limited time offer. Additionally, the Kindle version is available for free with the purchase of the ikids paperback book from Amazon, through the Kindle Matchbook program. Apprenticed to Jesus: Discipleship Practices for Growing Christians The United Methodist Way, revised edition Gen2Gen: Sharing Jesus across the Generations A Mission Journey: A Handbook for Volunteers A Disciple s Journal

43 THREE WAYS TO FOLLOW UP YOUR SCD EXPERIENCE SCD APP Be sure the download the SCD App to your smartphone, tablet, or computer. On your device go to your store (Apple Store, Google Play, etc.) and search for SCD. Download it to your device and say Yes to notifications. If you don t know your registration number, click on the phrase that asks for it and it will be sent to your . You can also access the SCD App by going to on your computer. The SCD App is available to use year-round. Updates on upcoming events, links to website and blogs, and the ability to connect with other participants are all available on the SCD App. Be sure to make you own digital business card by clicking the Connect icon in the app and setting up your personal profile. Then you can invite others to receive your card and you can make a connection. To add them to your network, click on the person + under the name. To view your contacts go to event extras and view My Contacts. DEVELOPING YOUR MINISTRY PLAN WEBINARS Bring your team together to use the SCD Ministry Plan to develop a focus for your church. During the 60-minute sessions you will learn key principals for congregational development, focus on key areas of congregational ministry, and engage in a time of learning for your whole team. The 4-part series is offered in the fall and the spring. Sign-up at INNOVATIVE LEADERSHIP PROJECT The Innovative Leadership Project is a 7-month process for developing a healthy, vibrant team at the center of your congregation s ministry. The ILP revolves around four seminars on Values, VAP IT (a goal setting tool), Disciple System, and Futurecasting. Between the seminars, team members engage in a combination of weekly personal devotions and ILP team meetings. The ILP concludes with the Innovative Leadership Church Assessment, which gives congregational leaders a tool to discern the effectiveness of 20 different congregational systems. For more info go to In addition you will find a variety of webinars for church leaders on stewardship, worship, Christian education at 43

44 SCD LIVE ON THE WEB: THE RACE Invite your friends and congregations to watch this week s worship and plenary sessions live from the School of Congregational Development in Charlotte: LIVE STREAM SCHEDULE: (all times Eastern) Opening Worship & Communion - The Race Thursday, August 14, 2:00 PM EST Plenary - Relevant: Our Ebenezer Moment Thursday, August 14, 7:00 PM EST Plenary - Authentic: Anticipate Your Heaven Below: The Ministry of Ethnic and Economic Reconciliation Friday, August 15, 11:00 AM EST Plenary - Christ-Centered: Gospel Bearing in the Manner of Jesus Saturday, August 16, 11:00 AM EST For more information about the School of Congregational Development go to: Presentation: Operation Resuscitation - New Life for the Church Saturday, August 16, 1:45 PM EST Closing Worship - Engagement with the World Saturday, August 16, 3:00 PM EST INDIANAPOLIS INDIANA SCD 2015 THURSDAY TO SUNDAY, AUGUST HOSTED BY THE INDIANA CONFERENCE