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THE SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE PLAN FOR CHURCH GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
The Shunammite Initiative Executive SummaryThe Church Growth and Development project in the Southwest Conference is called the Shunammite Initiative. It is centered in the sacred story of the Shunammite woman who recognized the Holy One and built a room for him to come and dwell within. It is a process of identifying the Holy and creating space for that transformational presence to come and dwell within. This will be an ongoing project beginning with Phase One: Building Readiness in 2007 and Phase Two: Launching Preparedness beginning in 2008. To engage this Initiative we will need a $250,000 grant from the national Local Church Ministries. The Southwest Conference "Rock the Future" Capital Campaign will provide $830,000 making $1,080,000 available for the first six years of the Shunammite Initiative.
The Shunammite Initiative is a strategic plan to establish, grow revitalize and affiliate a combined total of thirty faith communities by 2012. It is no secret that the regions that comprise the Southwest Conference are all rapidly growing areas of the United States. Many of our churches are surging with energy and growth as people relocate to the Southwest. If the United Church of Christ is to flourish anywhere, it is in the Southwest Conference. We have a bright horizon. The Southwest Conference is the perfect proving ground for the UCC to share its welcoming brand of Christianity that says, "No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey you are welcome in our churches." The Shunammite Initiative is a well thought out and assertive plan of growth and development for the Southwest Conference of the United Church of Christ. This plan has been developed through several avenues in our conference. Focus groups have been conducted throughout the Southwest Conference in conjunction with the “Rock the Future” campaign to develop a shared vision of A) Strengthening existing congregations; B) Planting new churches; C) Communicating the UCC Identity throughout the Southwest Conference. This initiative will provide direct support for projects aligned with this vision and cause a ripple effect of energy to those congregations not directly involved.
This Initiative includes: Ø Building Readiness to create a culture of church growth and development. o Hiring a Church Growth and Development Consultant; (See Appendix A) Ø Recruiting and Calling an Associate Conference Minister for Church Growth and Development; (See Appendix A) Ø Creating a climate of Excellence in Leadership. o Benchmarks o Rubrics o Time-lines Ø Accountability Proclaiming the Identity, mission and culture of the United Church of Christ.
Ø Goals o Planting a well planned and placed congregation every 2 years; o Multiplying new faith communities (2 every 2 years); o Renewing of 6 churches (3 every 2 years); o Transforming pastoral sized church to a program sized church (2 every 2 years); o Developing an affiliation process for existing non-UCC congregations. Ø Providing the Financial Plan for the Shunammite Initiative. Theological Foundation for Church Growth and RenewalAt a Southwest Conference Clergy Retreat a year or so ago a reference to the Shunammite Woman was made and her story was read out loud. Some were aware of her story in scripture others became quite interested in her commitment. This woman recognized the Holy One and urged him to have a meal. She really was no one special-no special gifts, no children (at that time) and yet, she made a world of difference because she was convinced of the importance of the Holy. In fact, she built a room for him to come and dwell within. In the end, it doesn't take a whole lot for new or renewing churches to get things going---just people that feel the call and passion to do so. People who want to invite the Holy One to come and dwell. This story has become a guiding vision for the Church Growth and Development Committee as it seeks to grow strong, healthy, and vibrant communities of faith. Our churches are not just buildings, or services, or projects, they are communities of faith that create holy space where that transformational presence can come and dwell within. Building ReadinessThe Shunammite woman had the foresight, knowledge and resources to make her vision reality. When the Holy one came to dwell with the woman it changed the culture of her home. In order to create a new culture and paradigm in the Southwest Conference it is imperative to solicit a credible outside consultant to help guide this process. Following the approval of the SWC Board of Directors the Church Growth and Development Committee in consultation with the Interim Conference Minister, will research and select a professional, highly qualified and competent Consultant. It is projected that this Consultant will be hired by January 2007 for a 12- 18 month contract period. This will prepare the groundwork and culture change for the Initiative to move forward in a productive fashion. The hiring of this Consultant is the first step in Building Readiness. Leadership is KeyLeadership is key to developing vibrant ministries and it must start from the top. The Shunammite woman said to her spouse, "Look, I'm sure that this man who regularly passes our way is a holy man of God." She recognized and named the light within this man. We too must learn to recognize and affirm God's call to leadership and see God’s light within one another. The Southwest Conference sits at an interesting time to do just this. We currently are in the Search and Call process for a new Conference Minister. This does not hold us back---it actually helps to focus our vision and need as a conference. We must grow and develop our churches in much more intentional ways than has been done in the past. This includes choosing a Conference Minister who has a passion for Church Growth and Development. It also means an Associate Conference Minister with passion and experience in coaching, growing and developing our covenantal church in the Southwest Conference.
We are convinced that our New Conference Minister will be chosen because of her/his commitment to creating an atmosphere and vision that will foster new church growth and development. The Southwest Conference is primed for explosive growth with the right leadership. But we also have learned from the previous church growth attempts that this work can not be done with volunteers or limited staffing. Dreams must be nurtured, well planned, and the hard work must be carried out daily to ensure that they come to fruition. This is why we are proposing that a full time Church Growth and Development Specialist be added to the conference team as an Associate Conference Minister. This person will oversee the planning, support and training of Church Growth and Development leaders while working directly with our Church Growth and Development Committee. We must find a way to mentor, coach, train, support and love our new church planters and renewers as well as their communities of faith.
Prospective leaders in church planting and renewal are a rare breed of people with gifts that do not come naturally to many. But the hard entrepreneurial work of church planting and renewal can be learned and shared. The Shunammite Initiative will provide training and support available to church leaders as well as develop an in-depth program that establishes benchmarks and timelines promoting accountability for new and renewing churches and their leaders. Like the Shunammite woman and her keen sense of recognizing leaders, the Southwest Conference will be developing a process that will identify prospective church planters, assessing their gifts and then provide them with a combination of formal training and guided experience that equip them to be successful in their calling as the leader of a newly planted church.
Newly Planted ChurchesThe Shunammite woman was careful but very committed in making a place where the Holy could dwell and ministry could thrive. She said, "Let us make a small roof chamber with walls, and put for him a bed, table, a chair, and a lamp, so that he can stay there whenever he comes to us." That is what Newly Planted Churches are all about---it might be a roof top, a strip mall, a vacant lot in a yet to be developed community but the key is to make a place where the Holy can dwell. The aim is to start new churches in strategic areas that are well placed with a particular vision, with a particular audience in mind---yes, we want to reflect the population's diversity.
With the Shunammite Initiative we will designate "hot spots" for church planting based on demographic research within the Southwest Conference so that one completely new church start will be off the ground every two years. It will be critical that each newly planted church be*:
Ø · Message driven ---the church must have a message that is relevant to the community it serves and is shared by and developed by other SWC Churches in its area so that they can be supportive. This will develop strength and clarity for all of our churches. Ø · Program Driven--- with a core group of leaders that are committed to ongoing (not just Sunday) programs that reflect and teach the church's primary message. Ø · Medium Sized---neither small nor mega. Adequately sized to always have the congregational commitment and financial resources to implement a new ministry program in response to a new ministry need in their community. Ø · Radically Welcoming---with a commitment to inclusiveness that is appropriate to the local church's context. Ø · Connected to UCC--- active in and supportive with time talent, and funding of the ministries of the Southwest Conference and the United Church of Christ with time, talent and funding. (*Taken from the Southern California Conference Church Development in the 21st Century Manual.) We want to develop churches that will carry the identity and culture of the UCC as well as its commitments. We need more churches in the Southwest Conference that will carry the banner of the UCC into their communities while also realizing that they are committed to the covenant---spiritual, financial etc.
Multiplication of ChurchesThe Shunammite woman was resourceful and knew a good thing when she saw it. A third of our Congregations in the Southwest Conference have a very strong ministry in their community and need to be challenged to expand that ministry. It is possible that they alone could shepherd another startup congregation that could better serve some of their members and energize their entire congregation. But they must be challenged to see things like the Shunammite woman, and they need to be inspired that ministry is happening out there and they can be a part of it in powerful, new ways.
The Shunammite Initiative will be challenge two carefully recruited, healthy and strong congregations to explore Multiplication possibilities. The goal is to have two congregations move in this direction every two years on two entirely different projects. The reason we want to have two congregations is that they can then support and educate each other as they go through the process.
The same criteria and outcomes of the newly planted churches will also be of value to the churches that are multiplying. However, the churches that multiply will have special issues to work through and special advantages such as an existing membership base that can be shared. It will be critical that some careful thought go into this process and a manual be developed that can help alleviate some of the struggles. It will also be of value to have resources that can help this process such as regular meetings with Conference Staff and available support funding.
Renewal of ChurchesThe Shunammite woman, with God's grace, did finally have a child. It is important to have patience and listen for the right time. As he grew and matured into adulthood he became strong. But one day, he went and complained that his head was hurting-a sign of death. The child laid his head on his mother's lap until noon and died. She did everything in her power to resurrect the child---she holds nothing back-and still nothing. Until she drags Elisha back to the child--Elisha closed the door and prayed to Lord. Then he breathed in the boy's mouth, looked into his eyes, put his hands on his hands and while he lay bent over him, the flesh of the child became warm and the child opened his eyes.
Some of our churches have become old; they have lost their way, and are near death. The breath of God is stifled in respirator puffs. Renewal and revitalization takes work, introspection, naming and guidance about how we have gotten this close to death---every component must be explored. It takes study of the community, community needs, demographics and diversity. And then, it takes a prayerful plan to revive, revitalize, resurrect and bring the Holy One to dwell vibrantly alive and moving again. Once God's resurrecting breath comes back into the community, the eyes are opened to a new way of living and the faith community becomes warmed with the Spirit.
The Shunammite Initiative will carefully select at least 6 churches (3 every 2 years) to engage in intentional renewal. A sense of urgency about their situation is key to any successful church renewal. A church unwilling to accept major changes is likely to continue getting the same results from their church development efforts. In some cases, however, a local church may be so small that a sense of urgency and willingness to change may not be enough for a successful revitalization. It will be important that each church selected for renewal enter into covenant with the Conference for the planning and implementation of a revitalization effort that can be successful. Furthermore, each church selected for renewal would commit to the idea that if their renewal plan were to end up being unsuccessful, their assets would be returned to the Southwest Conference and dedicated towards New Church Development.
Pastor to Program Sized ChurchesThe Shunammite woman proved time and time again that patience and good timing is a proven commodity. She knew when to push and when to hold back. A few of our churches struggle with the idea of congregational size. Church growth experts are quick to point out that one of the most difficult hurdles a growing congregation will face is moving from a pastoral sized church 51-150 in worship to a program sized church 151-400. It takes special support and a well thought out plan of action.
The Shunammite Initiative will be challenging two congregations every two years to explore what it would take to transform to a program sized church. There is special training available and the two churches in the program could benefit by sharing the experience as well as the fears, struggles, financial restraints etc. As a conference we need to see that others are experiencing the same thing and we can walk together as we broaden the holy space where that transformational presence can come and dwell within.
Affiliation of ChurchesThe Shunammite woman was creative and innovative and knew how to open new doors for ministry. She was able to sense the Holy and support it into fruition. The United Church of Christ is a uniting church. In the current climate of church cultures and denominational fickleness we are witnessing an era of schisms and splits most often on theological grounds. While we do not relish this time in Christendom we do need to position ourselves as a denomination and conference to be welcoming and prepared to unite. We need to reach out to non denominational churches and churches disaffected with the traditions of their origins, and seek to orient them and their leadership to the United Church of Christ.
The affiliation of churches work falls mostly to the Church and Ministry Committee of the Southwest Conference. However, it does behoove the Church Growth and Development Committee to be pro-active in pushing for a smooth plan of invitation, conversation, and consultation. As well as a manual that can inform interested congregations of our affiliating process. It will also be crucial that affiliating congregations and their leadership be educated on the twin concepts of autonomy and covenantal relationship. Affiliating churches are important for Church Growth and Renewal by:
Ø Promoting local and national efforts to proclaim the mission, identity and culture of the United Church of Christ by reflecting the racial and ethnic diversity that is so broad in our region; Ø Generating and directing a cohesive financial plan that promotes affiliating congregations to covenant to a tithing mentality that creates congregational health and commitment.
United Church of Christ IdentityAnother Rock the Future objective outlined through the focus group process in the SW Conference was the need to “Communicate the UCC identity throughout the Southwest Conference”. The Shunammite Initiative will support this vision through a consistent focus on the “God is Still Speaking” concept with both renewing and new congregations. A valuable asset available in the SW Conference is the work of the Progressive Christian ecumenical group CrossWalkAmerica. Their Co-Presidents are, Rev. Eric Elnes, Ph.D. Pastor and Rebecca Glenn, lay person of Scottsdale, AZ Congregational UCC. He and a core group of walkers will have traveled from Phoenix to Washington D.C. between Easter and Labor Day to deliver the Phoenix Affirmations and to have raised awareness of our Progressive Mainstream Christian message to those along the way. (See www.CrossWalkAmerica.org) The Phoenix Affirmations form the core values of this movement and can be a good basis for our “Identity” efforts and conversations within the Shunammite Initiative. The following is excerpted from the website.
CrossWalk America is part of an emerging Christian movement - one that joyously embraces the love of God, neighbor and self (Jesus' core values). We stand for:
Ø openness to other faiths Ø care for the earth and its ecosystems Ø valuing artistic expression in all its forms Ø radical inclusiveness of all people - including God's lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender (lgbt) community Ø opposing the commingling of Church and State Ø promoting the values of rest and recreation, prayer and reflection Ø embracing both faith and science in the pursuit of truth
Cultural and Language Diversity
As with the Shunammites were surrounded by many tribes and language dialects, the Southwest Conference of the UCC has within its boundaries a wonderful ethnic and language mix. Key sub-groups are Hispanic/Mexican, Black, Samoan, Marshall Island, Native American and a variety of Asian and Mid-Eastern people. In several of our communities Anglos are the minority. The Shunammite Initiative would also work to have multi-cultural, multi-racial communities of faith. Our challenge is to find and/or train leaders for these groups and also find the appropriate places where they might worship.
Since Arizona, New Mexico and the El Paso regions are all Mexican Border regions it is important that the Shunammite Initiative continue and expand the work with Hispanic people already begun in the SW Conference.
One Samoan congregation in Phoenix, AZ is now a full member of the SW Conference and they recently moved into their own building.
One Marshallese congregation in Tempe, AZ is a full member of the SW Conference and another in Tucson, AZ is “In Care”. Both congregations use local UCC Church facilities and meet at different times of the day than their nesting communities.
The Shunammite Initiative will support the Extravagant Welcome of the UCC to all people.
FIVE YEAR FUNDING
Income $250,000 Grant from National Local Church $830,000 Rock the Future Campaign $1,080,000 Total needed for project
Expenses $80,000 Readiness Consultant $425,000 Salary for Church Growth and Development Specialist (5 Years) $325,000 New Church Plant Projects $100,000 Multiplication Projects $80,000 Renewal and Revitalization Projects $50,000 Pastor to Program Projects $20,000 Affiliation Projects $1,080,000 Total expenses for project
Six Year Shunammite Initiative
Year New Ch Plants Multiplication Renewals Pastor/Prog. Affiliation
Total New Churches = 6 to 21 Total Revitalized Churches = 12 Total Church affected by project by 2012 = 30 Churches in SW Conference 2006 44Churches in SW Conference 2012 50-65
APPENDIX A
CHURCH GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST ASSOCIATE CONFERENCE MINISTER AND CONSULTANT
Position: Full time Associate Conference Minister assigned to work on new church growth and development including new and renewing churches.
Personal Attributes:
Qualifications:
Job Requirements:
The Shunammite Woman2 Kings 4:8-37 (New Revised Standard Version)One day Elisha was passing through Shunem, where a wealthy woman lived, who urged him to have a meal. So whenever he passed that way, he would stop there for a meal. She said to her husband, ‘Look, I am sure that this man who regularly passes our way is a holy man of God. Let us make a small roof chamber with walls, and put there for him a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp, so that he can stay there whenever he comes to us.’ One day when he came there, he went up to the chamber and lay down there. He said to his servant Gehazi, ‘Call the Shunammite woman.’ When he had called her, she stood before him. He said to him, ‘Say to her, Since you have taken all this trouble for us, what may be done for you? Would you have a word spoken on your behalf to the king or to the commander of the army?’ She answered, ‘I live among my own people.’ He said, ‘What then may be done for her?’ Gehazi answered, ‘Well, she has no son, and her husband is old.’ He said, ‘Call her.’ When he had called her, she stood at the door. He said, ‘At this season, in due time, you shall embrace a son.’ She replied, ‘No, my lord, O man of God; do not deceive your servant.’ The woman conceived and bore a son at that season, in due time, as Elisha had declared to her. When the child was older, he went out one day to his father among the reapers. He complained to his father, ‘Oh, my head, my head!’ The father said to his servant, ‘Carry him to his mother.’ He carried him and brought him to his mother; the child sat on her lap until noon, and he died. She went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God, closed the door on him, and left. Then she called to her husband, and said, ‘Send me one of the servants and one of the donkeys, so that I may quickly go to the man of God and come back again.’ He said, ‘Why go to him today? It is neither new moon nor sabbath.’ She said, ‘It will be all right.’ Then she saddled the donkey and said to her servant, ‘Urge the animal on; do not hold back for me unless I tell you.’ So she set out, and came to the man of God at Mount Carmel. When the man of God saw her coming, he said to Gehazi his servant, ‘Look, there is the Shunammite woman; run at once to meet her, and say to her, Are you all right? Is your husband all right? Is the child all right?’ She answered, ‘It is all right.’ When she came to the man of God at the mountain, she caught hold of his feet. Gehazi approached to push her away. But the man of God said, ‘Let her alone, for she is in bitter distress; the Lord has hidden it from me and has not told me.’ Then she said, ‘Did I ask my lord for a son? Did I not say, Do not mislead me?’ He said to Gehazi, ‘Gird up your loins, and take my staff in your hand, and go. If you meet anyone, give no greeting, and if anyone greets you, do not answer; and lay my staff on the face of the child.’ Then the mother of the child said, ‘As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave without you.’ So he rose up and followed her. Gehazi went on ahead and laid the staff on the face of the child, but there was no sound or sign of life. He came back to meet him and told him, ‘The child has not awakened.’ When Elisha came into the house, he saw the child lying dead on his bed. So he went in and closed the door on the two of them, and prayed to the Lord. Then he got up on the bed and lay upon the child, putting his mouth upon his mouth, his eyes upon his eyes, and his hands upon his hands; and while he lay bent over him, the flesh of the child became warm. He got down, walked once to and fro in the room, then got up again and bent over him; the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes. Elisha summoned Gehazi and said, ‘Call the Shunammite woman.’ So he called her. When she came to him, he said, ‘Take your son.’ She came and fell at his feet, bowing to the ground; then she took her son and left.
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