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Inverting the Inverting the Initiative Initiative

Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

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Presented as Laity Sunday Worship Sermon, UMC Stockwell 2007 (Mark Eutsler, Lay Leader)

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Page 1: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Inverting the InitiativeInverting the Initiative

Page 2: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

It’s not my job.It’s not my job.

Page 3: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Imitating InitiativeImitating Initiative

Page 4: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Invalid InitiativeInvalid Initiative ““No one could give an example of grace in No one could give an example of grace in

their lives,” member of the South Indiana their lives,” member of the South Indiana Conference Board of Ordained Ministries about Conference Board of Ordained Ministries about ministry candidates at their final interviews.ministry candidates at their final interviews.

Two commissioned pastors in a covenant Two commissioned pastors in a covenant group of nine about to be ordained had their group of nine about to be ordained had their lost their ministry calling according to a lost their ministry calling according to a member of the group.member of the group.

Everyone in both groups were ordained.Everyone in both groups were ordained.

Page 5: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Invigorating Initiative Invigorating Initiative “You can measure anything you want to,” Indianapolis Meridian Street UMC Lay Leader Daniel F. Evans, CEO, Clarian Health Partners.

United Methodist-affiliated Clarian Health Partners uses 636 data sources to assess goals progress, which support its mission.

“Final year medical students who can’t relate to patients are not graduated,” United Methodist Layperson D. Craig Brater, Dean, Indiana University School of Medicine.

Page 6: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Inverting the InitiativeInverting the Initiative

Instilling InitiativeInstilling Initiative

Page 7: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Instilling InitiativeInstilling Initiative

The vision is meant for its appointed The vision is meant for its appointed time—It may take a while, but wait time—It may take a while, but wait for it; it will surely come, it will not for it; it will surely come, it will not delay.delay.

Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4

Page 8: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Instilling InitiativeInstilling Initiative

Insightful InitiativeInsightful Initiative

Page 9: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Instilling InitiativeInstilling Initiative

Impacting InitiativeImpacting Initiative Volunteerism is the engine that Volunteerism is the engine that

makes the organization run.makes the organization run. It is estimated that 200 volunteers It is estimated that 200 volunteers

contributed to the delivery Stockwell contributed to the delivery Stockwell UMC ministries last year.UMC ministries last year.

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

Page 10: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Instilling InitiativeInstilling Initiative

Impacting InitiativeImpacting Initiative It is estimated that Stockwell Laity It is estimated that Stockwell Laity

contribute contribute 8,840 hours8,840 hours of volunteer labor of volunteer labor each year.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.

Page 11: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Instilling InitiativeInstilling Initiative

Impacting InitiativeImpacting Initiative Statewide UM Laity contributed Statewide UM Laity contributed

6,525,0006,525,000 volunteer labor each year. volunteer labor each year. Statewide UM Laity’s impact is the Statewide UM Laity’s impact is the

same as same as 3137 full-time equivalent3137 full-time equivalent staff positions.staff positions.

The monetary value of Indiana UM The monetary value of Indiana UM Laity’s volunteerism is estimated to be Laity’s volunteerism is estimated to be $114,709,500$114,709,500 eacheach year. year.

Page 12: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Instilling InitiativeInstilling Initiative

Impacting InitiativeImpacting InitiativeThe 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.

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

Page 13: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Instilling InitiativeInstilling Initiative

Impacting InitiativeImpacting Initiative

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

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

Laity now … All Souls who came before … All Saints who inspire

Page 14: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Instilling InitiativeInstilling Initiative

Illustrating InitiativeIllustrating Initiative 80 giving units contribute to the financial 80 giving units contribute to the financial

plan generating $199,879.plan 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 unit median annual income would be $24,985.$24,985.

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

Page 15: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Inverting the InitiativeInverting the Initiative

Intentionally Interdependent Intentionally Interdependent InitiativeInitiative

Page 16: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Intentionally Interdependent InitiativeIntentionally Interdependent Initiative

Indiana UM PotentialIndiana UM Potential Membership Membership 225,000 225,000 (adult, confirmed (adult, confirmed

members)members) Annual Tithing Capacity of Annual Tithing Capacity of $445,000,000$445,000,000

(Indiana’s per capita income is $21,000)(Indiana’s per capita income is $21,000) Resulting in an Annual Conference Budget Resulting in an Annual Conference Budget

(Tithed from 1,200 churches) (Tithed from 1,200 churches) $45,000,000$45,000,000 Issues Impact of 1% would mean Issues Impact of 1% would mean 2,250 2,250

voicesvoices or or 15 different contacts15 different contacts to each to each Indiana LegislatorIndiana Legislator

Page 17: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Intentionally Interdependent InitiativeIntentionally Interdependent Initiative

What do these faith What do these faith communities have in common?communities have in common?

Indiana Baptist Convention (American Baptist)Indiana Baptist Convention (American Baptist) Christian Church in Indiana (Disciples of Christ)Christian Church in Indiana (Disciples of Christ) Indianapolis Diocese, Episcopal ChurchIndianapolis Diocese, Episcopal Church Western Yearly Meeting (Friends)Western Yearly Meeting (Friends) Indiana-Kentucky Conference of the United Church of ChristIndiana-Kentucky Conference of the United Church of Christ The Indiana Area of The United Methodist ChurchThe Indiana Area of The United Methodist Church Indiana-Kentucky Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Indiana-Kentucky Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in

AmericaAmerica Roman Catholic Archdiocese of IndianapolisRoman Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis Office of Whitewater Valley Presbytery (Presbyterian Church Office of Whitewater Valley Presbytery (Presbyterian Church

USA)USA) Indiana Ministries of the Church of GodIndiana Ministries of the Church of God

Page 18: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Intentionally Interdependent InitiativeIntentionally Interdependent Initiative

Approximate Indiana Adult Approximate Indiana Adult MembersMembers Indiana Baptist Convention (5,500)Indiana Baptist Convention (5,500) Christian Church in Indiana (15,720)Christian Church in Indiana (15,720) Episcopal Church Dioceses (46,400)Episcopal Church Dioceses (46,400) Western Yearly Meeting (3,500)Western Yearly Meeting (3,500) United Church of Christ (25,940)United Church of Christ (25,940) The Indiana Area of The United Methodist Church (225,000)The Indiana Area of The United Methodist Church (225,000) Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (70,000)Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (70,000) Roman Catholic Archdiocese/Dioceses (1,328,140)Roman Catholic Archdiocese/Dioceses (1,328,140) Presbyterian Church USA (64,820)Presbyterian Church USA (64,820) Indiana Ministries of the Church of God (4,940)Indiana Ministries of the Church of God (4,940)

1,789,960 of approximately 3,000,000 Indiana Church 1,789,960 of approximately 3,000,000 Indiana Church MembersMembers

Page 19: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Intentionally Interdependent InitiativeIntentionally Interdependent Initiative

Indiana Church Member Indiana Church Member ImpactImpact Indiana Church Members Indiana Church Members 1,789,9601,789,960 Volunteer Approximately Volunteer Approximately 51,908,000 51,908,000

hourshours per year per year Volunteer Labor Impact is Volunteer Labor Impact is 24,955 FTE24,955 FTE Monetary Volunteerism Value Monetary Volunteerism Value

$912,557,407$912,557,407 per year per year

Page 20: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Intentionally Interdependent InitiativeIntentionally Interdependent Initiative

Potential Connectional Potential Connectional ImpactImpactTithing Tithing Capacity Capacity of Indiana Church of Indiana Church

MembersMembers$3,579,920,000 $3,579,920,000 per yearper year

Issues Impact Capacity of 1% of Indiana Issues Impact Capacity of 1% of Indiana Church members Church members 17,899 voices 17,899 voices oror119 different contacts119 different contacts to each Indiana to each Indiana LegislatorLegislator

Page 21: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Inverting the InitiativeInverting the Initiative

Imaging InitiativeImaging Initiative

Page 22: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Imaging InitiativeImaging Initiative

Instructional InitiativeInstructional Initiative IntersectingIntersecting the past (our heritage) the past (our heritage)

InterceptingIntercepting the present (our locus) the present (our locus)

InterpretingInterpreting the future (our vision) the future (our vision)

Page 23: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Bishop Michael J. CoynerBishop Michael J. CoynerIndiana Area UMC Indiana Area UMC

“Making a Difference … in Indiana “Making a Difference … in Indiana and around the world.”and around the world.”

Coyner QuadrilateralCoyner Quadrilateral CallingCalling is more important than is more important than careercareer MinistryMinistry is more important than is more important than meetingsmeetings StewardshipStewardship is more important than is more important than scarcityscarcity EfficiencyEfficiency is more important than is more important than

entrenchmententrenchment

Page 24: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Bishop Michael J. CoynerBishop Michael J. CoynerIndiana Area UMC Indiana Area UMC

“Making a Difference … in “Making a Difference … in Indiana and around the world.”Indiana and around the world.”

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

Page 25: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Bishop Michael J. CoynerBishop Michael J. CoynerIndiana Area UMC Indiana Area UMC

“Making a Difference … in “Making a Difference … in Indiana and around the world.”Indiana and around the world.”

Bishop Coyner challenges that we are called Bishop Coyner challenges that we are called to beto be

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

Page 26: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Imaging InitiativeImaging Initiative

faithPointsfaithPointshttp:faithpoints.blogspot.comhttp:faithpoints.blogspot.com

A platformA platform to facilitate learning from Worship to facilitate learning from Worship

teachingsteachings to facilitate discussion about Worship to facilitate discussion about Worship

teachingsteachings to facilitate integration with the to facilitate integration with the

Bishop’s Bundle of BooksBishop’s Bundle of Books

Page 27: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Imaging InitiativeImaging Initiative

Introspective InitiativeIntrospective Initiative

Are we asking othersAre we asking othersAre you savedAre you saved??

ororAre we asking ourselvesAre we asking ourselvesHow 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??

Page 28: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Imaging InitiativeImaging Initiative

Introspective InitiativeIntrospective Initiative

Are we Are we preaching constantlypreaching constantly??oror

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

Page 29: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Imaging InitiativeImaging Initiative

Introspective InitiativeIntrospective Initiative

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

ororAre we Are we pullingpulling someone into a someone into a

commitment we’re ready to make to commitment we’re ready to make to them (through discipling them)?them (through discipling them)?

Page 30: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Imaging InitiativeImaging Initiative

Introspective InitiativeIntrospective Initiative

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

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

Page 31: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Imaging InitiativeImaging Initiative

Introspective InitiativeIntrospective Initiative

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

Are we committed to the work to build a Are we committed to the work to build a variety of discipling experiences variety of discipling experiences

(including follow-ups and (including follow-ups and accountabilities)?accountabilities)?

Page 32: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Imaging InitiativeImaging Initiative

Introspective InitiativeIntrospective Initiative

Are we evangelizing?Are we evangelizing?oror

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

Page 33: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Imaging InitiativeImaging Initiative

Introspective InitiativeIntrospective Initiative

Are we telling people about Jesus?Are we telling people about Jesus?oror

Are people asking us about Jesus?Are people asking us about Jesus?

Page 34: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Imaging InitiativeImaging Initiative

Introspective InitiativeIntrospective InitiativeDo 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 (or Christmas decorations up during Advent (or

before) and down before Epiphany?before) and down before Epiphany?

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

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

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

Page 35: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Imaging Initiative Imaging Initiative

Introspective InitiativeIntrospective InitiativeAre we leaving our guests where we meet them—Are we leaving our guests where we meet them—with a consumer mentality catering to the cultural with a 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 valued (whereby affiliation is a natural

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

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

Page 36: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Imaging InitiativeImaging Initiative

Introspective InitiativeIntrospective InitiativeAs 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?oror

As followers of Jesus are we living and giving As followers of Jesus are we living and giving in a loving community of people who are in a loving community of people who are

seeking the truth on the road of a mission?seeking 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

Page 37: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Imaging InitiativeImaging Initiative

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

Page 38: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Imaging InitiativeImaging Initiative

Introspective InitiativeIntrospective Initiative

Do we believeDo we believeAll things work together for goodAll things work together for good??

ororDo we believeDo we believe

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

Page 39: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Imaging InitiativeImaging Initiative

Introspective InitiativeIntrospective Initiative

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

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

Page 40: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Imaging InitiativeImaging Initiative

Introspective InitiativeIntrospective Initiative

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?

Page 41: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Imaging InitiativeImaging Initiative

Introspective InitiativeIntrospective Initiative

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

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

Page 42: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Imaging InitiativeImaging Initiative

Introspective InitiativeIntrospective Initiative

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

Page 43: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Imaging InitiativeImaging Initiative

Introspective InitiativeIntrospective Initiative

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

ororIs church a place where the world Is church a place where the world says, says, Yes, the members have the Yes, the members have the

heart of Jesusheart of Jesus??

Page 44: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Imaging Initiative Imaging Initiative

Introspective InitiativeIntrospective Initiative Do we want organized, state sanctioned prayer Do we want organized, state sanctioned prayer

in school because we do not have thoughtful in school because we do not have thoughtful family prayer at home?family prayer at home?

Do we only pray for leaders with whom we Do we only pray for leaders with whom we agree?agree?

Do we want the Ten Commandments on the Do we want the Ten Commandments on the court house lawn because they are not engraved court house lawn because they are not engraved on our hearts?on our hearts?

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

Page 45: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Imaging InitiativeImaging Initiative

Introspective InitiativeIntrospective InitiativeIs life ultimately about believing Is life ultimately about believing

or being good?or being good?oror

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

journey of transformation?journey of transformation?Marcus Borg: Marcus Borg: Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time: The Historical Jesus and Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time: The Historical Jesus and

the Heart of Contemporary Faiththe Heart of Contemporary Faith

Page 46: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Imaging Initiative Imaging Initiative

Introspective InitiativeIntrospective Initiative

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

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

Page 47: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Imaging Initiative Imaging Initiative

Introspective InitiativeIntrospective Initiative

Are you a Christian?Are you a Christian?oror

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

Page 48: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Imaging InitiativeImaging Initiative Illuminating IntrospectionIlluminating Introspection What can I do better so I don’t just “check What can I do better so I don’t just “check

off” having done a discipling effort?off” 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 salvation” so I don’t drop off of that person’s formation support system.person’s formation support system.

Page 49: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Inverting the InitiativeInverting the Initiative

Integrating InitiativeIntegrating Initiative

Page 50: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Integrating InitiativeIntegrating Initiative

Grace and Grace and shalomshalom come from God the come from God the Father and the Lord Yeshua the Father and the Lord Yeshua the Messiah when trust grows greater, Messiah when trust grows greater, and the love we each have for one and the love we each have for one another continues to increase.another continues to increase.

2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-122 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12

Page 51: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)
Page 52: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

We must be careful that the holy friendships we form within the church leave room for interruption by other persons and other ideas.

Scripture reminds that God often comes to us as a stranger. Hebrews 13:2 instructs, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.”

Integrating InitiativeIntegrating Initiative

Interrupting Initiative

Greg Jones and Kevin Armstrong: Resurrecting Excellence: Shaping Faithful Christian Ministry.

Page 53: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Integrating InitiativeIntegrating Initiative

A Typical Intergenerative UM A Typical Intergenerative UM Congregation CompositionCongregation Composition

10% over 80 (Builders)10% over 80 (Builders) 20% 64-80 (Silent)20% 64-80 (Silent) 30% 46-63 (Boomers)30% 46-63 (Boomers) 20% 30-4520% 30-45 (Survivors) (Survivors) 10% 20-30 (Survivors/Millen)10% 20-30 (Survivors/Millen) 10% under 20 (Millennials-Z)10% under 20 (Millennials-Z)

Page 54: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Integrating InitiativeIntegrating Initiative

Generational Key Generational Key CharacteristicsCharacteristics

Builders (over 80) Builders (over 80) \ \Silent (64-80) Silent (64-80) / Autocratic / AutocraticBoomers (46-63) Boomers (46-63) – Entrepreneurial – EntrepreneurialSurvivors (30-45)Survivors (30-45) \ \Survivors/Millen (20-30) / OutsourcersSurvivors/Millen (20-30) / OutsourcersMillennials-Z (under 20) –TBD Millennials-Z (under 20) –TBD

Page 55: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Integrating InitiativeIntegrating Initiative

Generational Predominant Generational Predominant ValuesValues

BuildersBuilders (over 80) value (over 80) value ProjectProject Silent Silent (64-80) value (64-80) value Protecting ProjectProtecting Project BoomersBoomers (46-63) value (46-63) value CauseCause SurvivorsSurvivors (30-45) value (30-45) value FriendFriend Survivors/MillenSurvivors/Millen (20-30) value (20-30) value IdentityIdentity Millennials-Z (under 20) value TBDMillennials-Z (under 20) value TBD

Page 56: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Integrating InitiativeIntegrating Initiative

Generational Relationships to Generational Relationships to ChurchChurch

Builders (over 80) Builders (over 80) \ Loyal no matter \ Loyal no matterSilent (64-80) Silent (64-80) / what / whatBoomers (46-63) Boomers (46-63) – Left Church – Left ChurchSurvivors (30-45)Survivors (30-45) \ Do not \ Do notSurvivors/Millen (20-30)– knowSurvivors/Millen (20-30)– knowMillennials-Z (under 20) / churchMillennials-Z (under 20) / church

Page 57: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Integrating InitiativeIntegrating Initiative

Generational DifferencesGenerational Differences Educational LevelEducational Level World ViewWorld View Economic OpportunitiesEconomic Opportunities Understanding/experience of The Understanding/experience of The

Church and the churchChurch and the church Family LifeFamily Life

Page 58: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Integrating InitiativeIntegrating Initiative

Are the Generational Are the Generational SimilaritiesSimilarities SignificanceSignificance

Does my life count?Does my life count?Do I make a difference?Do I make a difference?

Self-actualizingSelf-actualizing Right wayRight way (sense of what to embrace & avoid)(sense of what to embrace & avoid) Sense of the OtherSense of the Other (something beyond me)(something beyond me) LanguageLanguage (symbolic language, i.e. liturgy)(symbolic language, i.e. liturgy)

Page 59: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

ClergyClergy

Laity

If we believe this …

Page 60: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

ChurchedChurched

Unchurched

… do we also believe this?

Page 61: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

My My generationgeneration

Other generations

… or this?

Page 62: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Inverting the InitiativeInverting the Initiative

Increasing InitiativeIncreasing Initiative

Page 63: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Increasing InitiativeIncreasing Initiative

Today is salvation day—For the Son of Man Today is salvation day—For the Son of Man came to find and restore the lost.came to find and restore the lost.

LukeLuke 19:1-10 19:1-10

Now to him who is able to do Now to him who is able to do immeasurablyimmeasurably more thanmore than all we ask or imagine, all we ask or imagine, according to according to his power that is at work his power that is at work within uswithin us, to him be glory in the church , to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Eph 3:20-21Eph 3:20-21

Page 64: Inverting The Initiative (UMC Stockwell Laity Sunday 2007)

Increasing InitiativeIncreasing Initiative Illuminating InitiativeIlluminating Initiative

Recovering the Lay ApostolateRecovering the Lay Apostolate

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

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

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Increasing InitiativeIncreasing Initiative Illuminating InitiativeIlluminating InitiativeProfiles 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.

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Increasing InitiativeIncreasing Initiative Illuminating InitiativeIlluminating InitiativeProfiles 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 reach.Identify with people they are called to 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.

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Increasing InitiativeIncreasing Initiative Illuminating InitiativeIlluminating InitiativeSecular 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.”

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Increasing InitiativeIncreasing Initiative Illuminating InitiativeIlluminating Initiative

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.

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Increasing InitiativeIncreasing Initiative Illuminating InitiativeIlluminating InitiativeThemes & 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.”

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Increasing InitiativeIncreasing Initiative Illuminating InitiativeIlluminating InitiativeWhat 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 a Church is primarily a mission to lost people, not primarily a

gathered colony of the faithful.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 secular The importance of understanding loving and liking secular

people.people. The importance of accepting unchurched people.The importance of accepting unchurched people. The importance of using music that secular people understand.The importance of using music that secular people understand. The importance of starting new congregations.The importance of starting new congregations.

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Increasing InitiativeIncreasing Initiative Illuminating InitiativeIlluminating InitiativeWhat 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.

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Increasing InitiativeIncreasing Initiative Intriguing InitiativeIntriguing InitiativeAmericans who believe Americans who believe The Bible is the actual Word of God and The Bible is the actual Word of God and

is to be taken literally, word for wordis to be taken literally, word for word1963—65%1963—65%2001—27%2001—27%

Source: The Gallup OrganizationSource: The Gallup OrganizationFrom: Marcus Borg’s From: Marcus Borg’s Rediscovering a Life of Faith: How We Can Be Passionate Rediscovering a Life of Faith: How We Can Be Passionate

Believers TodayBelievers Today

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Increasing InitiativeIncreasing Initiative Intriguing InitiativeIntriguing Initiative 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% SUMC average attendance=175 (33%

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

believe believe the Bible is the actual Word of God the 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).

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Inverting the InitiativeInverting the InitiativeToday is salvation day—For the Son of Today is salvation day—For the Son of Man came to find and restore the lost.Man came to find and restore the lost.Grace and Grace and shalomshalom come from God the come from God the Father and the Lord Yeshua the Messiah Father and the Lord Yeshua the Messiah when trust grows greater, and the love we when trust grows greater, and the love we each have for one another continues to each have for one another continues to increase.increase.The vision is meant for its appointed timeThe vision is meant for its appointed time—It may take a while, but wait for it; it will —It may take a while, but wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay.surely come, it will not delay.