Did you know that
Journey
With God is the theme phrase for our conference vision goals for the
next six years? This vision and phrase comes from a two-year long process that
has been happening among us. Conversations with the Conference Board, Mission
Board, congregational pastors, and conference Elders led to an initial vision
and passion document. That document led into a congregational study guide and
feedback tool that was used by seven of our congregations that then resulted in
a summary and action plan for moving ahead. A task force of seven persons from
around the conference churches is diligently working and praying how to move
forward with these vision initiatives in the months and years ahead. Spiritual
renewal is our first and deepest need and passion. You will receive this newsletter periodically to keep you informed of
the plans and vision being developed.
Moving On With Journey With God
Outcomes We Affirm - This is a summary of the listenings discerned from the delegate
meeting on March 17, 2008
Working
together is more effective and cost efficient than working as single
congregations.
Our
Anabaptist/Mennonite emphasis on faithful discipleship needs to be shared
and displayed in relevant ways to our changing communities without
hesitation or compromise.
Our
conference congregations need to value each other and assist one another
in new and better ways.
Adequate
and effective communication is the key to success for any conference-wide
initiative.
Funding
follows vision and carefully laid plans.
Leadership
development and empowerment is the key to the future of our mission as a
conference of churches.
Transformation
and vision will only grow out of healthy, vibrant congregations.
We
want to establish new patterns of church life that are inviting and
life-giving to a new generation of faith seekers.
Joint
initiatives that are practical and cost effective.
Joint
initiatives that assist our congregations to become more effective
witnesses in our communities.
Initiatives Proposed - These are the six original vision
statements that we need to discern and prioritize what we can do together. In
light of the desired values and outcomes listed above, what can
and should we do to reach toward God's desired mission for us.
1. Find a consultant to work with congregations
toward healthy, missional centers of worship and outreach.
2. Develop
a conference-wide spiritual renewal thrust.
3. Develop a shared publicity campaign
that establishes identity for our congregational communities.
4. Identify, train, and provide
internship opportunities for developing leaders from our conference
congregations.
5. Develop
a conference-wide strategy for church planting.
6. Appeal to the accumulated assets in our
conference households to establish visionary funding for these development
goals.
Task Force Members:
Mike Chace (Mission Board), Glynette Lentz (Marion), Harry
Lehman (Cedar Street), Lew Martin (Salem Ridge), Fran Martin (Salem Ridge),
Ralph Lehman (Pleasant View), Darrell Baer - Conference Minister
