2ND DRAFT COLUMBIA CHAPTERCHRISTIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA

OUR MISSION

TO CHANGE HEARTS IN HEALTHCARE

THIS MISSION WILL BE ACCOMPLISHED IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS

1. Integrate physicians/dentists into a fellowship of Christian doctors where they will be equipped to live out their faith in their homes and practices, be strengthened in their walk with Christ, and impact their profession for Christ

2. Reach, train, and mentor USC premedical and medical students and residents to be Christian doctors and dentists and enable them to share their faith with their patients, staff, and colleagues.

3. Provide a biblically sound Christian voice to Columbia and the Carolinas on bioethical issues and healthcare

4. Care for the medical needs of the poor and disadvantaged in Columbia and in Third World countries.

OUR HISTORY

STUDENT MINISTRYDr. JIM AUGUSTINE

The Christian Medical and Dental Association (CMDA) was founded in 1931 by a group of medical students as a vehicle for fellowship, Bible study and prayer with other like-minded Christian medical students. Today CMDA has a membership of about 18,000 physicians and dentists. CMDA sponsors student chapters at two-thirds of the nation's medical and dental school campuses. On these campuses, CMDA provides discipleship and outreach programs and assists students in integrating

Christian principles with professional practice. For many years there was an informal Christian medical fellowship on campus at the USC School of Medicine. Some seven or eight years ago that informal group began the process of formalizing its relationship with CMDA. The USC Student chapter was officially established in 1996 with Dr. Jim Augustine as the Faculty Advisor. Our goal was two fold: (1) to encourage those students who are already Christians to grow in their faith and (2) secondly to share the good news about Jesus Christ with those students who don’t have a personal relationship with Him.

The CMA student chapter at USC offers weekly opportunities for Christian fellowship and spiritual growth.  They meet every Tuesday during the lunch hour.  They have fellowship, praise music and invite speakers to come and discuss issues pertinent to medical students.  It's a great break during a sometimes hectic schedule for the MI and MII students! CMA at USC also offers weekly Bible studies for men and women. The women study has been led in the past by Dr. Jenny Walsh, a female family practice physician in Columbia who is married to a physician; they have 4 small children. Dr. Jim Augustine led the men’s Bible study. Currenlty Neal Burkhalter leads a bible study. CMA at USC also has a missions emphasis – encouraging short term trips that will hopefully have a long-term impact on the lives of the CMA students. DR. Burkhalter has had the privilege to going to Haiti with our medical students.

Each year CMA undertakes a service project. One year’s project was working with the children at Epworth Children’s Home. Epworth is a ministry of the Methodist people of South Carolina who seek to serve their Lord and Master by providing, in a Christian manner child care, counseling and related services to families and children of the State of South Carolina. CMA at USC goes Christmas caroling at the VA hospital each year, sponsors Operation Christmas Child for the faculty, staff and students; hosts cookouts each month for the CMA students and serves breakfast to the first year students before their first big practical exams in the first semester. From time to time CMA at USC will have a high profile outside speaker as a means of reaching out to the non

Christian faculty, staff, and students. In year’s past there has been a Christian Medical Oath Ceremony held at the end of April at Greenlawn Baptist Church. 22 medical students publicly professed their intent to practice medicine for the glory of God.

GRADUATE MINISTRY

A loose organization of Christian doctors/dentists organized in 1996 with a vision of encouraging Christian physicians in their walk and drawing other physicians to Christ. Three events were organized in 1996-2000. An evangelical breakfast featuring John Guest, with approximately 600 people, was held in the late winter of 1996. There were a number of conversions, a renewed emphasis on missions, and an outgrowth of three Bible studies at neighboring hospitals. Recently the studies have waned. The Lexington study will restart in January and we earnestly desire to restart a bible study at Palmetto Richland but we need two physicians to step forward to sponsor the study.

A Christian medical ethics conference was held at First Presbyterian Church in 1997. Critical ethics issues including the beginning of life, the end of life, and managed care were discussed by a panel of regional and national speakers including Dr. Nigel Cameron of Trinity Seminary and the Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity, Dr. C. Scott Rae, Biola University; Dr. Sandy Stradtman, Dr. Mark Ross, Dr. Earle Lingle, Dr. Steve Suits, Ken Wingate JD, and others.

A third evangelical breakfast was held in 2000 when John Guest returned to Columbia.

Large numbers of physicians/dentists have worked in area free clinics, been involved in short term missions, and witnessing to colleagues and patients in their practices.

The time has come for a more organized ministry. We have tried to answer

the following questions.

1. Why have the CMA in Columbia, S.C.?2. What are the needs of our colleagues and students in our area?3. What is our responsibility as Christian doctors/dentists?4. What does God want us to do?

A specific plan for ministry. We have tried to answer the following specific questions regarding a plan for ministry

1. What do we want to accomplish?2. Do we want to hire a full-time or part-time person?3. If full time, who should be the person – the search process4. What should the budget be?5. How to fund the budget?6. Time table?

Specifically, this vision is worked out in the following practical aspects of ministry.

1. Discipleship of area physicians/dentists is considered a very high priority. This would be one of the primary tasks of the area director. The area director would prayerfully consider who God would be leading him to disciple. The AD (area director) must be gifted in this area and a proportionate amount of his time should be devoted to this important aspect of Christian growth. Ideally the local council members should also have accountability partners to deepen their faith. Perry Bowers of Focused Living is a great resource in this area.

2. Weekly Bible studies on both sides of the river. Ideally the AD would organize, perhaps teach, and encourage the physicians/dentists who attend the weekly Bible studies. Strategically these studies are located at Lexington County Hospital and Richland Memorial Hospital. Later as the need arose, additional studies could be added at Baptist and Providence

Hospitals and Parkridge. The studies should be held around 6:30 AM to allow maximum schedule flexibility for area doctors. Retired doctors could be a great resource for the studies at Baptist and Providence Hospitals.

3. Annual Spring Banquet with Speaker. Each year the local council would be responsible for organizing an evangelical breakfast or dinner, with oversight from the area director. The purpose of this outreach would be to encourage those in the health care profession who are already following Christ and to draw unbelievers or nominal believers to Christ. The “net” should be broad and outreach should occur to all areas of the Health profession including physicians, dentists, nurses, administrators, practice managers, PT’s, PA’s, NP’s, insurance specialists, managed care leaders, legislators with an interest in health care, Governor, etc. The speaker should present the Gospel with power, relevance, and conviction. Follow up is important to help grow those with a first time commitment as well as those with a renewed commitment. The Bible studies should be in place prior to the evangelical outreach.

4. Yearly ethics conference. The truth of God’s word as it applies to the ethics of health care is critical in this post modern era. This conference could be organized with local, regional, or national leaders in Christian medical ethics. There is considerable local talent that could be drawn on for this conference. Regional and national experts have been available in the past and could be expected to contribute in the future. The CMDA has a strong emphasis in this area including its president Dr. David Stevens, position papers such as “The Standards of Life Issues” (which can be found on the national web site), as well as an Ethics Commission and an Ethics Hotline. The conference could be held in the fall so as not to conflict with the Spring evangelical outreach. The Local Council would be responsible for organizing this outreach with oversight from the area director. It could be prudent to defer the ethics conference in the first year of ministry.

5. Missions. CMDA provides more than 40 mission trips to all areas of the world on a yearly basis. Local area churches also sponsor mission trips. Short term missions are such a vital and formative experience that all physicians/dentists should be encouraged to participate in this aspect of ministry at some point in their life as the Holy Spirit provides the opportunity. There is considerable local experience in missions in Columbia.

6. Monthly or bi-monthly or weekly email newsletter from the Area Director with updates on ministry opportunities in Columbia, mission trips, bible studies, general prayer requests, and updates on annual event planning.

7. Quarterly fellowship opportunities to be held at local recreation sites or members homes to encourage Christian doctors/dentists and to be used as a vehicle for outreach. These fellowship gatherings are to be organized by the local Area Director.

8. Support the CMDA Student Outreach as overseen by Dr. Bruce Esterling , and the discipleship program overseen by Dr. Neal Burkhalter. To come along side the current highly effective student ministry with prayer support, individuals willing to host monthly student gatherings, speakers, and financial support. Encourage greater cooperation between graduate doctors and students realizing that we can encourage them and they can encourage us.

9. Local Council of 15-20 Christian physicians/dentists to meet every other monthl to oversee ministry. The Local Council should be composed of mature Christians with a vision, commitment, and a calling to this ministry. They should be willing to underwrite this ministry with their time, talents, and treasure. Ideally the local council members should also have accountability partners to deepen their faith, and be members of CMDA

10.Expand the current infant graduate web site to its own web page address with easy access for updates from the local Area Director’s office. The web site would be the responsibility of the Area Director with appropriate expertise from those knowledgeable about information technology. There are actually 2 current web sites. The local student chapter has a web site at http://www.med.sc.edu/cma. A local graduate web site exists at http://www . columbiacmda.org.

11.Partner with students, area churches, current health care organizations in health care outreach to surrounding impoverished areas in Columbia.

12.Encourage membership in the National CMDA organization and attendance by a few at the national meeting of the Christian Medical and Dental Associations.

13.Promote Healthy marriages with discipleship, accountability, local church and CMA sponsored marriage conferences.

Critical underpinnings of this ministry.

STAFF

1. Formation of a Local Council. A Local Council of 10-15 physicians and dental professionals who are mature in the faith, have a vision, and are called to this type of ministry is needed. These individuals should be willing to commit their time, talents, and treasures to this ministry as the Lord allows. Regular attendance at greater than 50% of the monthly meetings is encouraged. A mechanism to refresh the Local Council is needed. Perhaps one third of the local council would be replaced every 3 years on a voluntary basis

MEMBERSHIP COMMITMENTS FOR CMDA LOCAL COUNCIL

CHRISTIAN MEDICAL & DENTAL ASSOCIATIONS

Local ministries are at the heart of what CMDA does. No one understands better the needs of local doctors than their local colleagues. But, even with that knowledge, the medical and dental communities can be difficult ones in which to minister. It takes a serious commitment to have an effective ministry.

For this reason, it is important that CMDA local council members recognize the level of commitment necessary to serve on the local council.

A commitment to Jesus Christ. Above all, CMDA is a Christian organization. Therefore, it is imperative that all local council members accept the CMDA Statement of Faith and have personally experienced the redemptive power of Jesus Christ.

A commitment to CMDA. While not all local council members may be members of CMDA, it is important that all members are in agreement with the goals of the organization. Local ministries are an extension of the organization as a whole and the two must work together as one.

A commitment to the local ministry. The local council exists because someone had a vision for ministry in the local medical/dental community. Those who join the local council must do so because their heart resonates with that vision. Local council membership is a commitment of time, talent, and treasure.

Time. For most people, especially doctors, time is precious. Few doctors are looking for more meetings to attend. While it may not be possible to attend all meetings of the local council, it is important to recognize the serious time commitment involved in membership.

Talent. Everyone has certain talents to be used in the Kingdom of God. Whatever particular talent God has given you should be exercised faithfully on the local council leadership team.

Treasure. Local ministries cannot function without the faithful financial support of the medical/dental community. In addition to encouraging others to support this ministry financially, it is expected that all members of the local council will participate in its financial support. Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).

If you are willing to make these commitments in order to serve on the___________________

Local Council, please sign below.

______________________________ ______________________________ Date Signature

2 Hiring of a full time Local Area Director. Local Chapters differ in how this is carried out. Perhaps an ideal team would consist of a full time M. Div. staff person with the gifts needed to carry out the ministry plan described above. He would be surrounded by a ministry team of 4 or 5 active/retired physicians/dental professionals. This AD should sense the call of God to this ministry at this time. Ideally he would already have a level of trust among physicians because of established relationships. This would enhance access to physicians. Access would be enhanced through the ministry team approach. Early morning Bible studies lead naturally to breakfast gathering in the Doctor’s lounge. Luncheon meetings with doctors in the physicians lounge at area hospitals will increase visibility of this ministry and enhance access. A retired MD with teaching ability, a heart for this type of ministry, and a specific call could also be effective.

AREA DIRECTOR PROFILECHRISTIAN MEDICAL & DENTAL ASSOCIATIONS

PERSPECTIVEThe Christian Medical & Dental Associations have been entrusted with the unparalleled opportunity to influence the healthcare market place for the cause of Christ. We believe God has positioned CMDA to respond to our culture by seeking to develop physicians and dentists who are committed to living out their faith in Christ through the crucible of patient care, bioethics, and technology.

CMDA began as a student movement in 1931 on the campus of Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago, Illinois. As an international fellowship of Christian students and doctors, CMDA now has over 14,000 members whose desire is to glorify Christ in the professional arenas of medicine and dentistry.

As a lay movement, CMDA is led by a Board of Trustees who employ an executive director and a variety of professional and secretarial staff to carry out the ministry initiatives of the Associations. Our purpose is to help doctors practice their faith in Jesus Christ, both personally and professionally. This is not only our heritage, but it is our mandate for the future.

POSITION OVERVIEWAn area director is responsible to create initiatives which will encourage the spiritual development of medical and dental students, residents, and doctors in a city or limited area. This task is primarily accomplished through discipleship and evangelistic ministry among the medical and dental community at large and specifically among students, residents, graduate leaders, and campus advisors. The area director position will be funded by support raised through the efforts of a local council, regional director, and area director.

The area director’s responsibilities are to:

Articulate the vision of CMDA to our membership. Challenge and equip CMDA members to be Christian doctors. Respond to the challenges of the medical marketplace and provide a

Christian world view on these issues. Minister to the growing number of doctors who are victims of the heath

care minefield: malpractice, broken marriages, and spiritual and cultural exhaustion.

Develop resources to extend the spiritual impact of CMDA. Be responsible for the administration of a local budget. Participate in the fund–raising needs of the Associations. Promote Association membership and involvement. Cultivate members for national leadership responsibilities. Train and disciple student leaders, campus advisors, and graduate leaders. Minister to the spiritual, professional, and personal needs of students and

doctors through a variety of ministry initiatives (e.g. weekend retreats, leadership conferences, continuing education conferences, marriage growth conferences, the CMDA national convention, and national specialty meetings.

Promote our growing international and domestic mission programs. Communicate the progress of the area ministry through newsletters and

student and graduate meetings.

POSITION REQUIREMENTSThe position of area director is demanding, requiring an exceptional person with a wide range of skills, interests, and experience, including: Proven character and spiritual maturity. Skilled knowledge of the Scriptures and the expertise to apply the

wisdom of God’s Word to the challenges of professional life. Good communication skills in speaking and writing. Leadership and administrative experience in developing people and

programs, especially in the areas of evangelism, discipleship, leadership development, and fund raising.

Goal setting and initiating skills. Exceptional people skills, including the ability to motivate others. The ability to readily receive direction, the desire to grow personally and

professionally, and a teachable spirit.

Versatility—the ability to work well with a wide range of people, including medical and dental students, residents, doctors in academics or practice, spouses, men and women, retired, married, and single persons.

An earned graduate degree from an accredited institution. Previous Para church ministry experience [preferred but not required]. Ordained or prepared to seek ordination [preferred but not required]. Unqualified agreement with the CMDA Statement of Purpose, CMDA

Statement of Faith, and Bioethical Position Statements (see attachments). Acceptance of the CMDA Confidentiality Agreement.

3 Surrounding the full time staff person would be a team of

perhaps 4 or 5 physicians/dental professionals that would be willing to engage in part time ministry on a voluntary basis as the Lord leads. These physicians and dental professionals would be a subset of the Local Council but would minister with the area director. This should be a mix of retired and active physicians and dentists. The maturity from years of medical practice of the retired Christian physician or dentist is extremely important to active physicians.

4 Application for the formation of a local council would be made to the CMDA. The form follows.

LOCAL COUNCIL FORMATION FORMCHRISTIAN MEDICAL & DENTAL ASSOCIATIONS

We, the undersigned, being wholeheartedly in agreement with the beliefs

and purposes of the Christian Medical & Dental Associations (CMDA), met

with our CMDA regional director on _______________ and voted to form

the _____________________________ Local Council. We understand that

no local director will be allowed to begin ministry until 80% of the annual

budget has been raised in accordance with the policies set forth in the Local

Council Development Manual.

Chairperson _________________________________________________________

Printed Name E-

mail Address

_______________________________

__________________________ Address

City, State, Zip

_________________________________________________________

Telephone Signature

Vice Chairperson _________________________________________________________

Printed Name E-

mail Address

_________________________________________________________

Address

City, State, Zip

_________________________________________________________

Telephone Signature

Secretary _________________________________________________________

Printed Name E-

mail Address

_________________________________________________________

Address

City, State, Zip

_________________________________________________________

Telephone

Signature

_______________________________ _______________________________ Regional Director Director of Community Based Ministries

BUDGET

1. There are various ways to finance a ministry with this potential. One could envision a partnership between the local council and three or more area churches who share this vision. Ideally, the local council would own the responsibility to raise the funds for this ministry with local churches on a 3 year basis. That is, commitments would be sought to fund this ministry for 3 years. With adequate planning most events could be self-funded. This would relieve pressure on the budget. A part time staff person could be hired with a smaller budget.

Staff Support 75000 Includes area directors salary, pension, workman’s compensation, liability, medical and dental insurance. This line item might not be necessary with a retired MD/Dental professional.

Ministry Support 5100Helps supplement meeting costs for student chapters, meals,

cookouts, graduate city-wide meetings, speaker honorariums, and special projects

Operating Costs 2350 Office supplies, telecommunications, internet service, postage, newsletters, brochures, printing, and promotion expenses.

Support Services 9750Includes national and regional services, payroll, tax filings,

account services, health insurance administration, pension plan, receipts to donors

Student Mission Scholarships 3500

Continuing Medical Education Nat Mtg., Staff Mtg. 1800

TOTAL MINISTRY GOAL $90000-$22,500

FUNDING PLAN- MANY OPTIONS EXIST-A FEW FOLLOWOPTION 1 - 18 Gifts

20 Local Council Members each agree to “own” $3000 of the budget for three consecutive years.

60000

3 Local Area Churches each agree to “own” $10000 of the budget for three consecutive years. Alternative would be for one church to fund 30000.

30000

Total Budget $90000

TIME FRAME

One senses that the timing for this ministry is being encouraged by the Holy Spirit. There seems to be a growing excitement among doctors, area churches, and individuals with the appropriate ministry gifts. “A person’s

steps are confirmed by the Lord.” We would seek continued confirmation for each small step that we take. There is as much peril in lagging behind the Holy Spirit as in getting ahead of God in this work. His timing is perfect.

Assuming continued confirmation from the Holy Spirit, it seems reasonable to envision a ministry starting sometime in early 2017.This effort should be underwritten by much prayer both individually and corporately. May God continue to grow this ministry for His eternal glory.Remaining steps include the following confirmations from the Holy Spirit.

1. Approval of ministry plan by steering committee and formation of local council, and executive team. The executive team would consist of a President, V. President, Secretary, Treasurer. Each would serve for a two year term. – 4 months

2. Application to CMDA for Local Council status for Columbia. Three officers are required to establish a Columbia South Carolina Chapter.

3. Advertising for Area Director in appropriate publications(if needed) – This would depend on confirmation from the local council and approval of a preliminary budget .

4. Interview for Area Director by Local council – . 5. Interview for Area Director by CMDS – . 6. – AD begins initiating ministry.7. Commissioning service for Area Director