Impacting Ministry For 175 Years (UMC Stockwell Charge Conference 2005

Stockwell UMCStockwell UMC

Charge Conference 2005Charge Conference 2005

Impacting Ministry for 175 YearsImpacting Ministry for 175 Years

Illuminating InspirationIlluminating Inspiration

Illuminating ImpactIlluminating Impact Stockwell Laity contribute through givingStockwell Laity contribute through giving

TimeTime TalentTalent DollarsDollars InfluenceInfluence

Stockwell Laity who contribute in all four areas Stockwell Laity who contribute in all four areas areare AdvocatesAdvocates PhilanthropistsPhilanthropists

Illuminating ImpactIlluminating Impact

Volunteerism is the engine that makes the Volunteerism is the engine that makes the organization run.organization run.

It is estimated that 200 volunteers contributed It is estimated that 200 volunteers contributed to the delivery Stockwell UMC ministries last to the delivery Stockwell UMC ministries last year.year.

140 volunteered approximately 52 hours each 140 volunteered approximately 52 hours each and 60 volunteered approximately 26 hours and 60 volunteered approximately 26 hours each.each.


It is estimated that Stockwell Laity contribute It is estimated that Stockwell Laity contribute 8,840 hours8,840 hours of volunteer labor each year. of volunteer labor each year.

Stockwell Laity’s impact is the same as Stockwell Laity’s impact is the same as

4.25 full-time equivalent4.25 full-time equivalent staff positions. staff positions. The monetary value of Stockwell Laity’s The monetary value of Stockwell Laity’s

volunteerism is estimated to be volunteerism is estimated to be $155,445$155,445 eacheach year. year.


The monetary value of Stockwell Laity’s The monetary value of Stockwell Laity’s volunteerism is estimated to be $155,445 volunteerism is estimated to be $155,445 eacheach year. year.

This value is equal to 70% of the This value is equal to 70% of the Stockwell UMC’s budget.Stockwell UMC’s budget.

Without Stockwell Laity’s voluntary labor the Without Stockwell Laity’s voluntary labor the $199,879 budget would need to be $199,879 budget would need to be $355,324$355,324..


It is estimated that It is estimated that 1,547,000 hours1,547,000 hours have been have been contributed by Stockwell Laity.contributed by Stockwell Laity.

Expressed in contemporary monetary value, Expressed in contemporary monetary value, Stockwell Laity’s volunteerism has Stockwell Laity’s volunteerism has contributed contributed $27,202,875$27,202,875 in its 175-year history in its 175-year history ministry delivery in our community.ministry delivery in our community.

Illuminating IllustrationIlluminating Illustration

80 giving units contribute to the financial plan 80 giving units contribute to the financial plan generating $199,879.generating $199,879.

If that amount was generated by tithe, giving If that amount was generated by tithe, giving unit median annual income would be $24,985.unit median annual income would be $24,985.

Tippecanoe County median household income Tippecanoe County median household income is $38,771.is $38,771.

Illuminating IngredientsIlluminating Ingredients

Reasons people don’t like churchReasons people don’t like church Boring sermons.Boring sermons. Unfriendly members.Unfriendly members. Spotty child care.Spotty child care. Too much emphasis on giving.Too much emphasis on giving.

Rick Warren, Saddleback Church Pastor, Rick Warren, Saddleback Church Pastor, Dateline NBCDateline NBC, October 3, 2004, October 3, 2004

Illuminating IssuesIlluminating Issues

16% cut in children’s programming16% cut in children’s programming Appearance of sporadic child care/ Appearance of sporadic child care/

programmingprogramming Drop in revenueDrop in revenue Communications concernCommunications concern

Illuminating InquiriesIlluminating Inquiries

Are we funded with stolen money?Are we funded with stolen money?

(I stole the car, but I’m going to buy the gas.)(I stole the car, but I’m going to buy the gas.)

(I’ll not tithe, but I’ll give an offering.)(I’ll not tithe, but I’ll give an offering.)

Do we love Jesus enough to obey God?Do we love Jesus enough to obey God?

Illuminating IssueIlluminating Issue

Pitfalls of communications darknessPitfalls of communications darkness No connection (people don’t know what’s No connection (people don’t know what’s

going on)going on) Under engagement (people don’t get involved)Under engagement (people don’t get involved) Appearance of exclusivity (people perceive Appearance of exclusivity (people perceive

they can’t get involved—not welcomed)they can’t get involved—not welcomed) Appearance of cliques (people perceive they Appearance of cliques (people perceive they

don’t belong)don’t belong)

Illuminating ImportanceIlluminating Importance

Volunteers and givingVolunteers and giving

Volunteers are more likely than non-Volunteers are more likely than non-volunteers to givevolunteers to give

Volunteers give a higher percentage of their Volunteers give a higher percentage of their household income—almost twicehousehold income—almost twice

Independent Sector: Volunteer FactsIndependent Sector: Volunteer Facts


Are you a Christian?Are you a Christian?

oror

Are you a follower of Jesus?Are you a follower of Jesus?


Are we asking othersAre we asking others

Are you savedAre you saved??

oror

Are we asking ourselvesAre we asking ourselves

How good is my witnessHow good is my witness??

Is anyone following the God they see in meIs anyone following the God they see in me??


Are we Are we preaching constantlypreaching constantly??

oror

Are we Are we only using words if necessaryonly using words if necessary??


Are we Are we pushing pushing a message we may not have in a message we may not have in our hearts?our hearts?

oror

Are we Are we pullingpulling someone into a commitment someone into a commitment we’re ready to make to them (through we’re ready to make to them (through

discipling them)?discipling them)?


Are tactics are only point of entry?Are tactics are only point of entry?

oror

Have we strategized a discipling process?Have we strategized a discipling process?


Are we only interested in doing events?Are we only interested in doing events?

oror

Are we committed to the work to build a variety Are we committed to the work to build a variety of discipling experiences (including follow-of discipling experiences (including follow-

ups and accountabilities)?ups and accountabilities)?


Bishop Coyner asks are we more concerned withBishop Coyner asks are we more concerned with

Meetings or Ministry?Meetings or Ministry? Our Career or Our Calling?Our Career or Our Calling? Scarcity or Stewardship?Scarcity or Stewardship?

From Episcopal Welcoming, Sept. 11, 2004, Indianapolis St. Luke UMCFrom Episcopal Welcoming, Sept. 11, 2004, Indianapolis St. Luke UMC

Illuminating IssuesIlluminating Issues

Bishop Coyner challenges that we are called to Bishop Coyner challenges that we are called to bebe

Making Disciples (nurturing, loving, Making Disciples (nurturing, loving, encouraging, forming people, not just having a encouraging, forming people, not just having a program),program),

Taking Stands, andTaking Stands, and Finding Ministry Effectiveness (e-mails, Finding Ministry Effectiveness (e-mails,

quorums, new ministry delivery systems).quorums, new ministry delivery systems).


Bishop Coyner asks are we willing toBishop Coyner asks are we willing to Shepard (meet needs),Shepard (meet needs), Supervise (have a super vision),Supervise (have a super vision), Strengthen (numbers synergy)?Strengthen (numbers synergy)?

From Vincennes District Superintendent Welcoming, July 11, 2005, Washington First UMCFrom Vincennes District Superintendent Welcoming, July 11, 2005, Washington First UMC

Illuminating InquiryIlluminating Inquiry

Do we see postmodern presumptions as individualism, Do we see postmodern presumptions as individualism, collapse of social groups, scrapping of tradition collapse of social groups, scrapping of tradition without noticing the postindustrial transformation of without noticing the postindustrial transformation of

consumer services (Bible study online instead of in consumer services (Bible study online instead of in time), time),

corporate services (consistent/quality child corporate services (consistent/quality child care/children’s programs), care/children’s programs),

embracing of relevant tradition (the embracing of relevant tradition (the needneed to connect to connect doesn’t replace the doesn’t replace the whywhy to connect)? to connect)?

Arthur E. Healy: Arthur E. Healy: The Postindustrial Promise: vital Religious Community in the 21The Postindustrial Promise: vital Religious Community in the 21 stst Century Century


Are we evangelizing?Are we evangelizing?

oror

Do we need to be evangelized?Do we need to be evangelized?


Do we look like a church or do we offerDo we look like a church or do we offer Easter bunnies in the spring,Easter bunnies in the spring, Jack-O-Lanterns in the fall,Jack-O-Lanterns in the fall, Christmas decorations up during Advent and down Christmas decorations up during Advent and down

before Epiphany?before Epiphany?

Are we taking advantages of many opportunities to be Are we taking advantages of many opportunities to be different and explain why we are?different and explain why we are?

ororAre we sending mixed signals by conforming to a world Are we sending mixed signals by conforming to a world

we say Jesus is wanting to save?we say Jesus is wanting to save?


Are we leaving our guests where we meet them—with a Are we leaving our guests where we meet them—with a consumer mentality catering to the cultural consumer mentality catering to the cultural

expectations established in the marketplace?expectations established in the marketplace?oror

Are we lifting up Jesus so seekers can see him—Are we lifting up Jesus so seekers can see him—delivering experiences that we exceed guests’ delivering experiences that we exceed guests’

expectations so they know they are different and expectations so they know they are different and valued (whereby affiliation is a natural progression valued (whereby affiliation is a natural progression

and people say, and people say, I want to go there because . . .I want to go there because . . .)?)?

Mark Waltz: Mark Waltz: First Impressions: Creating Wow Experiences in Your ChurchFirst Impressions: Creating Wow Experiences in Your Church


As Christians do we think we have the truth As Christians do we think we have the truth captured, stuffed, and mounted on a wall?captured, stuffed, and mounted on a wall?

ororAs followers of Jesus are we living and giving in As followers of Jesus are we living and giving in

a loving community of people who are seeking a loving community of people who are seeking the truth on the road of a mission?the truth on the road of a mission?

Brian McLaren: Brian McLaren: A Generous Orthodoxy: Why I am a Missional, Evangelical, Post/Protestant, A Generous Orthodoxy: Why I am a Missional, Evangelical, Post/Protestant, Liberal/Conservative, Mystical/Poetic, Biblical, Charismatic/Contemplative, Liberal/Conservative, Mystical/Poetic, Biblical, Charismatic/Contemplative, Fundamentalist/Calvinist, Anabaptist/Anglican, Methodist/Catholic, Green, Incarnational, Fundamentalist/Calvinist, Anabaptist/Anglican, Methodist/Catholic, Green, Incarnational, Depressed-Yet-Hopeful, Emergent, Unfinished ChristianDepressed-Yet-Hopeful, Emergent, Unfinished Christian


Do we engage in Do we engage in orthodoxyorthodoxy

(right thinking about the gospel)(right thinking about the gospel)

without engaging in without engaging in orthopraxyorthopraxy

(right practice of the gospel)?(right practice of the gospel)?

Brian McLaren: Brian McLaren: A Generous Orthodoxy: Why I am a Missional, Evangelical, Post/Protestant, A Generous Orthodoxy: Why I am a Missional, Evangelical, Post/Protestant, Liberal/Conservative, Mystical/Poetic, Biblical, Charismatic/Contemplative, Liberal/Conservative, Mystical/Poetic, Biblical, Charismatic/Contemplative, Fundamentalist/Calvinist, Anabaptist/Anglican, Methodist/Catholic, Green, Incarnational, Fundamentalist/Calvinist, Anabaptist/Anglican, Methodist/Catholic, Green, Incarnational, Depressed-Yet-Hopeful, Emergent, Unfinished ChristianDepressed-Yet-Hopeful, Emergent, Unfinished Christian


Do we believeDo we believe

All things work together for goodAll things work together for good??

oror

Do we believeDo we believe

just the things we (think we) understand can just the things we (think we) understand can work together for good?work together for good?


Do we see Jesus in all things?Do we see Jesus in all things?

oror

Do we see Jesus only in things which we are a Do we see Jesus only in things which we are a part?part?


Is Jesus our only hope?Is Jesus our only hope?

oror

Is Jesus the only hope we need?Is Jesus the only hope we need?


Do we only minister to those like us?Do we only minister to those like us?

Should homogeneity be allowed to perpetuate Should homogeneity be allowed to perpetuate itself?itself?


Is political correctness seen as requirement?Is political correctness seen as requirement?

oror

Is political correctness seen as respectful?Is political correctness seen as respectful?


Do we say what we have?Do we say what we have?

oror

Do we confess what we want?Do we confess what we want?


Do we pray that God will be with people?Do we pray that God will be with people?

oror

Do we thank God that he is already with them Do we thank God that he is already with them (never leaving or forsaking)?(never leaving or forsaking)?


Is church (seen as) a social country club (i.e. Is church (seen as) a social country club (i.e. cliques)?cliques)?

oror

Is church a place where the world says, Is church a place where the world says, Yes, the Yes, the members have the heart of Jesusmembers have the heart of Jesus??


Do we want organized, state sanctioned prayer in Do we want organized, state sanctioned prayer in school because we do not have thoughtful family school because we do not have thoughtful family prayer at home?prayer at home?

Do we only pray for leaders with whom we agree?Do we only pray for leaders with whom we agree? Do we want the Ten Commandments on the court Do we want the Ten Commandments on the court

house lawn because they are not engraved on our house lawn because they are not engraved on our hearts?hearts?

Can fundamentalism be delivered without arrogance?Can fundamentalism be delivered without arrogance?


Are we sending mixed signals without meaning Are we sending mixed signals without meaning to?to?

oror

Is our knowledge tempered with wisdom?Is our knowledge tempered with wisdom?


Is life ultimately about believe or being good?Is life ultimately about believe or being good?

oror

Is life about a relationship with God that Is life about a relationship with God that involves us (and others) in a journey of involves us (and others) in a journey of

transformation?transformation?

Marcus Borg: Marcus Borg: Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time: The Historical Jesus and the Heart of Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time: The Historical Jesus and the Heart of Contemporary FaithContemporary Faith

Illuminating InsightsIlluminating Insights

Recovering the Lay ApostolateRecovering the Lay Apostolate

Evangelism may be the only enterprise Evangelism may be the only enterprise where the “amateurs” out perform the where the “amateurs” out perform the

“professionals.”“professionals.”

George Hunter III (Asbury Theological Seminar Dean of Evangelism) George Hunter III (Asbury Theological Seminar Dean of Evangelism) How to Reach How to Reach Secular PeopleSecular People


Profiles of Christians who reach secular people Profiles of Christians who reach secular people On mission.On mission. Be honest.Be honest. Develop faith.Develop faith. Have credibility.Have credibility. Effectively communicate.Effectively communicate. Possess clear objectives.Possess clear objectives. Believe in possibilities.Believe in possibilities.


Profiles of Christians who reach secular people Profiles of Christians who reach secular people continued . . .continued . . .

Study, analyze, research, populations and Study, analyze, research, populations and cultures they are called to reach.cultures they are called to reach.

Identify with people they are called to Identify with people they are called to reach.reach.

Maslow involved.Maslow involved. Develop core connection.Develop core connection. Engage in reasonable conversation.Engage in reasonable conversation. Persist in pursuing apostolic vision.Persist in pursuing apostolic vision.


Secular peopleSecular people Are essentially ignorant of basic Christianity.Are essentially ignorant of basic Christianity. Are seeking life before death (life orientation).Are seeking life before death (life orientation). Are conscious of doubt more than guilt.Are conscious of doubt more than guilt. Have a negative image of the church (irrelevant).Have a negative image of the church (irrelevant). Have multiple alienation.Have multiple alienation. Are untrusting.Are untrusting. Have low self-esteem.Have low self-esteem. Experience history as “out of emotions.”Experience history as “out of emotions.” Experience forced impersonality as “out of control.”Experience forced impersonality as “out of control.” Cannot find “the door.”Cannot find “the door.”


Themes & strategies for reaching secular peopleThemes & strategies for reaching secular people Provide ministries of instruction.Provide ministries of instruction. Invite people to dedicate themselves.Invite people to dedicate themselves. Help secular people find meaning.Help secular people find meaning. Engage secular people in dialogue.Engage secular people in dialogue. Address secular people’s doubts and questions.Address secular people’s doubts and questions. Provide opportunities to meet credible Christians.Provide opportunities to meet credible Christians. Provide opportunities for secular people to overcome Provide opportunities for secular people to overcome

alienation.alienation. Engage in ministries that affirm.Engage in ministries that affirm.


Themes & Strategies continued . . .Themes & Strategies continued . . . Help people discover their dignity and self-worth.Help people discover their dignity and self-worth. Offer people hope in the Kingdom of God.Offer people hope in the Kingdom of God. Provide support groups for people with addictions.Provide support groups for people with addictions. Identify and reach receptive people.Identify and reach receptive people. Reach across social networks.Reach across social networks. Offer culturally acceptable forms of ministry.Offer culturally acceptable forms of ministry. Multiply “units” of the church.Multiply “units” of the church. Offer ministries that meet needs.Offer ministries that meet needs. Engage secular people on “their turf.”Engage secular people on “their turf.”

Illuminating Insights Illuminating Insights

What effective apostolic congregations knowWhat effective apostolic congregations know People who aren’t disciples are lost.People who aren’t disciples are lost. Lost people matter to God.Lost people matter to God. Church is primarily a mission to lost people, not primarily Church is primarily a mission to lost people, not primarily

a gathered colony of the faithful.a gathered colony of the faithful. The importance of high expectancy for their people.The importance of high expectancy for their people. What to change and what to preserve.What to change and what to preserve. The importance of understanding loving and liking The importance of understanding loving and liking

secular people.secular people. The importance of accepting unchurched people.The importance of accepting unchurched people. The importance of using music that secular people The importance of using music that secular people

understand.understand. The importance of starting new congregations.The importance of starting new congregations.


What effective apostolic congregations doWhat effective apostolic congregations do Research the community and the unchurched Research the community and the unchurched

population.population. ““Profile” their target population.Profile” their target population. DefineDefine a a clearclear mission and mission and planplan for the future. for the future. Develop and implement a strategy for reaching Develop and implement a strategy for reaching

unchurched people.unchurched people. Deploy their laity in ministry.Deploy their laity in ministry. Train their people for Christian witness—be an ally.Train their people for Christian witness—be an ally. Offer a “secular sensitive” Sunday worship service.Offer a “secular sensitive” Sunday worship service. Challenge people to commit their lives.Challenge people to commit their lives. Open their heart to the presence and power of God.Open their heart to the presence and power of God. Want other churches to join them in reaching out to Want other churches to join them in reaching out to

secular people.secular people.

Illuminating IntrigueIlluminating Intrigue

Americans who believe Americans who believe

The Bible is the actual Word of God and is to be The Bible is the actual Word of God and is to be taken literally, word for wordtaken literally, word for word

1963—65%1963—65%

2001—27%2001—27%

Source: The Gallup OrganizationSource: The Gallup Organization

From: Marcus Borg’s Rediscovering a Life of Faith: How We Can Be Passionate Believers TodayFrom: Marcus Borg’s Rediscovering a Life of Faith: How We Can Be Passionate Believers Today


5-mile radius=6,000 population.5-mile radius=6,000 population. Median Age=35.7.Median Age=35.7. 3 churches=2,000 targets per church.3 churches=2,000 targets per church. 27% attending=540 possible attenders.27% attending=540 possible attenders. SUMC average attendance=175 (33% beyond SUMC average attendance=175 (33% beyond

the 5-mile radius).the 5-mile radius). 365 additional attenders implied (98 of whom 365 additional attenders implied (98 of whom

believe tbelieve the Bible is the actual Word of God he Bible is the actual Word of God and is to be taken literally, word for word).and is to be taken literally, word for word).


Change is avalanching upon our heads and most people are Change is avalanching upon our heads and most people are grotesquely unprepared to cope with it.grotesquely unprepared to cope with it.

If tomorrow’s society is simply an enlarged, Cinerama version of If tomorrow’s society is simply an enlarged, Cinerama version of the present, there is little we the present, there is little we need need to do to prepare for it. If, on to do to prepare for it. If, on the other hand, society is inevitably destined to self destruct the other hand, society is inevitably destined to self destruct within out lifetime, there is nothing we within out lifetime, there is nothing we can can do about it. Either do about it. Either view paralyzes imagination and will, generates privatism and view paralyzes imagination and will, generates privatism and passivity, and freezes us into inactivity.passivity, and freezes us into inactivity.

However, if our assumption is that we are the final generation of However, if our assumption is that we are the final generation of an old civilization and the first generation of a new one a an old civilization and the first generation of a new one a revolutionary promise will liberate our intellect and will.revolutionary promise will liberate our intellect and will.

Alvin Toffler: Alvin Toffler: Future ShockFuture Shock (1971)and (1971)and Third Wave Third Wave (1980)(1980)


Change does not necessarily assure progress, but Change does not necessarily assure progress, but progress implacably requires change. progress implacably requires change. Education is essential to change, for education Education is essential to change, for education creates both new wants and the ability to creates both new wants and the ability to satisfy them.satisfy them.

Henry Steele CommagerHenry Steele Commager

Illuminating IntrospectionIlluminating Introspection

What can I do better so I don’t just “check off” What can I do better so I don’t just “check off” having done a discipling effort?having done a discipling effort?

How can I be more effective so if my efforts How can I be more effective so if my efforts don’t work I don’t “turn off” my persistence?don’t work I don’t “turn off” my persistence?

What is my “service after someone’s What is my “service after someone’s salvation” so I don’t drop off of that person’s salvation” so I don’t drop off of that person’s formation support system.formation support system.

Illuminating IntelligenceIlluminating Intelligence

Flashlight MetaphorFlashlight Metaphor

Housing—church infrastructure, hierarchy.Housing—church infrastructure, hierarchy.

Batteries—ministries, programs as vehicles.Batteries—ministries, programs as vehicles.

Light Bulb—outcomes of equipping channels.Light Bulb—outcomes of equipping channels.

Light—Laity (spreading God’s Word Light—Laity (spreading God’s Word 5,865,000,000 5,865,000,000 miles per yearmiles per year).).

Illuminating InspirationIlluminating Inspiration

Documents

Impacting Ministry For 175 Years (UMC Stockwell Charge Conference 2005