TNUMC Evangelism

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:24:00 +0000

A Call to Prayer for Spiritual Renewal in the Tennessee Annual Conference

September is a time of turning over a new leaf as many of us seek God's direction for our lives and ministry in the name of Jesus our Hope! It is most appropriate that we the committee members of Evangelism and Spiritual Formation issue a call to Prayer for Spiritual Renewal in our Tennessee Annual Conference. This call for prayer must include our leadership, our corporate structures, our individual churches and each and every person whose lives we are to touch in the name of Jesus Christ. We also invite you to pray for two upcoming renewal events sponsored by our Conference.

Next week, Sept 15-17 the Evangelism Committee sponsors the annual School of Evangelism at Beersheba Springs for clergy and laity for retreat and prayer study. At last report there were a few spots left if you feel God's nudge to attend call the conference office.

On October 6-10, The Spiritual Formation Committee from Memphis and Tennessee Conferences sponsor the Five Day Academy for Spiritual Formation at Camp Gardner Creek in Dickson. e-mail Libby Baxter, Retreat Leader for more information and reservations. libby@calvaryumc.com

Please have your congregations find their unique ways to pray for God's renewal through our Tennessee Annual Conference. As faithful Methodists, may we find new ways to "Watch Over One Another In Love", "Doing No Harm, Doing Good, and Staying in Love with God!"

Cinde Lucas, Chair of Evangelism
cindelucas@hotmail.com

Sandra M. Griggs, Chair of Spiritual Formation
pastorgriggs@comcast.net

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 13:02:00 +0000

Revival and Workshop on Evangelism, October 3, 4, and 5, 2008, Primera Iglesia Hispana Metodista Unida

“Living Water that Satisfies Our Thirst”
“…those who drink the water I give them will never thirst…”
John 4:14

October 3, 4, and 5, 2008

Revival Services: “The Call to Radical Discipleship”

Friday, October 3 at 7:00 PM
Saturday, October 4 at 7:00 PM
Sunday, October 5 at 10:00 AM

Evangelism Workshops
Saturday, October 4, 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM

You are invited to participate!
Welcome in the name of Jesus Christ!

Primera Iglesia Hispana Metodista Unida
2621 Nolensville Road
Nashville, TN 37211
Telephone: 615-244-2212

On Sunday after the closing Worship Service you are invited to a meal celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.

Bring souvenirs from your country of origin to decorate the tables!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 12:58:00 +0000

CAMPAÑA DE AVIVAMIENTO y Talleres de Evangelismo

“Agua Viva Que Sacia La Sed”
“…mas el que bebiere del agua que yo le daré no tendrá sed jamás…”
San Juan 4:14

3, 4, y 5 de Octubre, 2008

Cultos de Avivamiento: “El Llamado a un Discipulado Radical”

Viernes 3 a las 7:00 PM
Sábado 4 a las 7:00 PM
Domingo 5 a las 10:00 AM

Talleres de Evangelismo
Sábado 4 de 8:30 AM a 6:30 PM

¡Usted está invitado a participar!
¡Bienvenido en el nombre de Jesucristo!

Primera Iglesia Hispana Metodista Unida
2621 Nolensville Road
Nashville, TN 37211
Teléfono: 615-244-2212

El domingo después del Culto de Clausura usted está invitado a una comida celebrando El Mes de la Hispanidad.
¡Traiga recuerdos de su país para adornar las mesas!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 02 May 2008 12:00:00 +0000

United Methodists will pledge to ‘witness’

Delegates consider legislation at the 2008 United Methodist General Conference, where the assembly voted to add wording to the liturgy for profession of membership. Henceforth, people joining United Methodist churches will promise to be faithful in “their witness,” as well as in their “prayers, their presence, their gifts and their service.” A UMNS photo by John C. Goodwin.

By Elliott Wright*

FORT WORTH, Texas (UMNS)—People who join United Methodist churches henceforth will promise to be faithful in “their witness” as well as in their “prayers, their presence, their gifts and their service.”

The 2008 United Methodist General Conference voted April 30 to add the witness phrase to the liturgy the church uses when a person makes a profession of membership.

The new phrase highlights the mission and evangelistic responsibility of church membership.

The promise to support the church by prayer, presence, gifts and service was not part of the formal baptismal vows of admission to the church, but a pledge used historically in affiliating with a United Methodist congregation.

The Rev. Taylor Burton-Edwards, director of worship resources for the United Methodist Board of Discipleship, said the phrase had remained the same since 1932.

There was no debate on the assembly floor on the addition of the “witness” phrase. It was reported to the full conference by a legislative committee on a consent calendar. This means there was strong support in committee and the addition was not discussed specifically by the full body of the conference.

Jay Brim, a lay delegate from Southwest Texas, called adoption of the petition to the conference's attention.

The printed rationale for the addition says:

Membership vows of The United Methodist Church do not include witness, an integral part of laity’s role from earliest Methodism, in members’ participation in the church’s life. Because congregations repeat these vows along with new members, a pledge to “witness” will remind members to be witnesses in the community.

*Wright is the public information officer for the Board of Global Ministries.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 17:43:00 +0000

Cumberland District Lay Witness Mission Team Member Training, May 10, 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Hermitage United Methodist Church

Saturday May 10th, 8:30 am-5:30 p.m.
At Hermitage United Methodist Church
205 Belinda Drive,
Hermitage, TN 37076

What is the Lay Witness Mission? In the 1960's tens of thousands of laypeople were caught up in the new spiritual excitement of Lay Witness Missions. Lives were changed. Marriages were saved. Families were strengthened. People were called to ordained ministry. Churches were revitalized. For 45+ years now, the Lay Witness Mission has been a proven tool for evangelism, faith sharing, developing small group ministries, deepening prayer life, and church renewal.

A team of 15-20 or more lay witnesses (depending on the size of the church) come to a church for a weekend. They stay in the homes of church members. They share their testimonies with the people of the church in large groups, in small groups, in home groups, in Sunday school classes and in Sunday morning worship. Parallel programs for children and youth are provided. Altar calls are given. Church members' lives are transformed as they are touched by the power of the testimonies.

Lay Witness Missions follow the biblical pattern of Andrew telling his brother or the Samaritan woman at the well telling her village to Come and see, bringing people to Jesus that he might transform their lives.

Who are the witnesses? Not preachers but ordinary lay people who have given their lives to Jesus Christ and can testify of what Jesus has done for them. They are people who want to be used by God to change someone else's life forever.

Who should take this training? Current lay witness team members who would like to update their skills and learn to be better witnesses. Lay Speakers who would like to be given additional speaking opportunities through Lay Witness Missions. Lay people who have experienced a Lay Witness Mission in their church and would now like to go out on a team to share their faith with others like they saw modeled at their own church. Pastors who would like to get a taste of what a LWM is about. Anyone who is wanting to learn how to share their faith on a Lay Witness Mission team. YOU??? More team members are needed to serve on teams all over the country, but especially in Tennessee and surrounding states.

The training is designed for adults and senior high youth.

Churches that have hosted Lay Witness Missions are now seeing the value of hosting a training so they don't just host a mission but send their people out IN mission. Their congregations are enriched as their own people come back testifying of how God used them to touch someone else.

What is involved in the training? The training is an 8:30-5:30 one day event. Participants will receive an overview of a Lay Witness Mission weekend, learn about the dynamics of a team ministry, receive some tips for preparing a good testimony and then have some time to put together a short 5-7 minute testimony. They will share that testimony in a small group setting. The group will learn about small group dynamics and leading small group discussions. They will experience some of the small group sessions of a Lay Witness Mission.

Reflecting on the training experience, a participant commented: "We came as strangers but as a result of the faith sharing in the small groups we grew close." We have been finding that even in the "training" as real faith stories are shared participants are touched by God in a real way. Some have testified that this training was a high point of their spiritual lives.

What is the cost? The cost of the training and the training manual is $20. Lunch is at an additional cost of $6.

How do I register? You can register by contacting the Aldersgate Renewal Ministries office at 615-851-9192 or toll free 1-877-857-9372 and ask for Pam, or email pdow@AldersgateRenewal.org. The registration deadline is Monday May 5th.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 12:45:00 +0000

Korean-American caucus challenged to grow church

United Methodist Bishop Jeremiah J. Park preaches during the annual meeting of the National Association of Korean American United Methodist Churches. UMNS photos by the Rev. David Kwangki Kim.

By the Rev. David Kwangki Kim*

ATLANTA (UMNS)--The new president of the Korean-American caucus of The United Methodist Church has challenged pastors and lay leaders to launch 500 Korean-American churches in five years.

The Rev. James Chongho Kim, elected president by the National Association of Korean American United Methodist Churches, issued the challenge during the national caucus meeting March 30-April 3.

Kim urged caucus members to "take advantage of a paradigm shift with which to see the church as a faith community and pioneer it in various ways."

Currently, 295 Korean American United Methodist churches dot 42 states. The United Methodist Church has 648 Korean clergy with 330 serving Korean congregations--229 in cross-racial appointments and the remainder at agencies and centers.

Bishop Jeremiah J. Park challenged the 254 clergy and lay people attending the caucus assembly to recover their first love for the Lord and to raise a banner of mission for the nations.

"We are called to build a healthy and effective church that brings the message of hope to the world and that serves the world," said Park, who leads the denomination's New York Area.

The Rev. Hoon Kyoung Lee, outgoing president, asked attendees to make the caucus a leader in bringing the hope and the power of the risen Lord to a dark world.

During three evening services, the caucus demonstrated its support for mission with gifts of $10,000 each to Hispanic Ministry New Church Development in the North Georgia Annual (regional) Conference, Korean-American Ministry New Church Development of the Southeastern Jurisdiction and the Korean-American community in Atlanta.

Growth from pain
Retired Bishop Woodie White and the Rev. Walter L. Kimbrough discussed African-American spirituality and their experiences in The United Methodist Church. Reflecting on black history and life in America, they said African Americans grow from their pain and deepen their spirituality through worship.

"We have struggled to be who we are and whose we are," Kimbrough said. "The church is the place to come to have hope and find the meaning in life."

The Rev. Young Jin Cho, superintendent of the Arlington district in the Virginia Conference, honored such spirituality.

"The church should touch and embrace the pain of our community," Cho continued, noting that the church has been the center of the Korean-American community since the first Korean immigrants came to Hawaii in 1903.

The Rev. Chan-Hie Kim of Claremont School of Theology encouraged those attending "to train and equip the laity, especially laymen, and include them in the church leadership."
"We also have to prepare for the second-generation ministries and nurture the second-generation pastors," he said.

In addition to celebrating the leadership of five retired Korean clergy, the caucus endorsed four Korean candidates for the episcopacy: the Rev. Bo-Joong Kim, Greater New Jersey Conference, and the Rev. Constance Youngmi Pak, New York Conference, Northeastern Jurisdiction; the Rev. Christina Back Eun Sung, Iowa Conference, North Central Jurisdiction; and the Rev. Youngsook Charlene Kang, Rocky Mountain Conference, Western Jurisdiction.

*Kim is director of Korean resources at United Methodist Communications, Nashville, Tenn.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:26:00 +0000

A UMNS Commentary by Bill Mefford*: An invitation to evangelical white males

Bill Mefford

A few months ago, I attended a conference in Memphis, Tenn., where a Texas judge, who identified himself as a white, evangelical male, made a remarkable statement. He called himself "the most discriminated-against person on the face of this earth!"

I was astounded by the comment.

After all, he is in such a unique position of power. How could he possibly feel discriminated against? As a well-paid employee of the U.S. criminal justice system, he sits in judgment of others. He serves in a nation with less than 6 percent of the world's population, yet that houses more than 25 percent of the world's incarcerated. There is an enormously high African-American population among those incarcerated, but this white judge believes he is "the most discriminated against."

I was a rapt listener as he explained his plight. Apparently, he feels threatened by the changing culture in which we live. He is uncomfortable with "changing sexual standards," "alternative lifestyles" and an "influx of cultures" into the United States.

The judge never cited specific actions that constituted discrimination against him personally. Nonetheless, he conveyed his frustration that he no longer can control things he previously took for granted.

Conflicting thoughts
I left that conference with conflicting thoughts. I almost felt sorry for that evangelical, white Texas judge because the world is indeed changing.

As a fellow white, evangelical male from Texas myself, I agree that change threatens my ability to control events that have an impact on me and my family. In an increasingly globalized world where white men are a minority on the decrease, there is a palpable uneasiness, especially because we have occupied positions of power for so long.

On the other hand, when I reflect on Scripture, I realize that nowhere does Jesus instruct his disciples to hold on to the status quo. Quite the opposite is true.

When arguing broke out among the disciples as to who was the greatest among them, Jesus admonished them. He insisted that the new society he was building would be distinctively different from the society they had formerly known.

Jesus said: "You know the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave--just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:25-28)

Reordering of society
This overturning of the status quo represents a transvaluation that occurs when Christ's reign is realized. As Christians calling the world to recognize Christ's reign, this is a transvaluation we should not only be aware of, but one we should model.

Overturning of the status quo represents a transvaluation that occurs when Christ's reign is realized.

Reordering society is threatening to those of us who benefitted from the old order. Christ offers a wonderful promise of a new world in which those who have been marginalized will be brought in, those demonized will be honored, and those crushed down will be lifted up.

This promise carries with it what Stephen Charles Mott calls "the principle of redress." In his book Biblical Ethics and Social Change, Mott states that "the goal of redress is to return people to a normal level of advantage and satisfaction in the community, particularly with respect to the capacity to earn a living and to have a reasonably happy life." He says redress is a necessary aspect of justice that "implies each member of the community will in fact be strong enough to maintain his or her position in relation to the other members."

According to Mott, redress requires that as the marginal are brought in, those who dominated access to resources must give way and share that access. He says redress requires that those unfairly demonized for their place in society must be honored. And, he adds that those who have received all of the honor and accolades must assume a new seat in humility, and perhaps obscurity.

Mott says redress requires that those crushed down will be healed and lifted up. He says the powers and mechanisms used to crush them will be transformed into structures that ensure equal and just redistribution of resources. He emphasizes that redress ultimately holds that those with access to resources should advocate and work to gain that same access for those who have been restricted or denied.

Redress thus holds promise for the poor and oppressed, according to Mott, and places demands on the affluent and powerful. Redress is indeed threatening for white, evangelical males-and non-evangelical males for that matter-who have benefitted from the current social, economic and political order.

In the current order, I too often miss opportunities to work with and for women in power, for example. As a white male, I too often miss the discovery of learning about my brothers and sisters of other ethnicities and races. As a white male of privilege, I too often miss the amazement of the creativity and strength of the poor to survive in a society in which so much is stacked against them.

Repentance is difficult
As that white, evangelical Texas judge knows well because of his work, repentance is difficult. Outside of the grace of Jesus and regenerative power of the Holy Spirit, it is nigh on to impossible.

Let's not, however, mistake holding on to power and excluding others we deem different or threatening as a way of bringing reform and renewal to the church. I grow exceedingly suspicious of hearing about a call to reform and renew the church from fellow white, evangelical males who do not also carry the message of personal repentance of racism, ethnocentrism, sexism, radical individualism, materialism and other forms of exclusion.

Reform and renewal cannot be taken seriously until those openly calling for such actions first repent of our own forms of sin. For white, evangelical males, reform and renewal must begin with our recognition that the values we have been raised with and even taught--values of power, dominance, attaining great wealth and honor--are to be intentionally transformed. If the Kingdom of God calls for a transvaluation of all that we hold dear--and it does--then the values we adopt must include humility, serving others, working for justice for others ahead of ourselves, intentional inclusion of others and selflessness.

I pray for reform and renewal of the church. But unless that renewal carries a transvaluation of all of our allegiances related to wealth and power, then it is at best, merely empty rhetoric. At worst, it is a means to protect the current status quo of divisiveness, exclusion and dominance.

Jesus extends a glorious invitation to that Texas judge, me and to all other white males, evangelical or not, who are struggling with changing cultures and a globalizing world. His glorious invitation is to repent and become a participant in his Kingdom dream of seeing the first become last, and the last first. That may not sound like all we wanted or heard previously, but being last in the Kingdom of God surely beats not being there at all.

*Mefford is the program director, civil and human rights, United Methodist Board of Church and Society, the denomination's social justice agency.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 10:31:00 +0000

Meet Ben Scharfstein, 'the inviting guy'

With coffee cup in hand, Ben Scharfstein welcomes people to worship at Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church in Johnson City, Tenn. A UMNS photo by Annette Spence.

By Annette Spence*

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (UMNS)--Ben Scharfstein is bubbly. He's full of stories and smiles and warm affirmation that immediately put you at ease.

"OK, darlin'," he says, when informed that his noon appointment is running a few minutes late.
"Don't you worry about it," he says later, when the appointment turns out to be later still.

With coffee cup in one hand and oxygen tank in the other, he waits in the entry hall at Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church, just like he waits for the people he invites to worship. He promises them he'll be there, to greet them and sit with them and make them feel darn glad they came.

Scharfstein is the "inviting guy" at this East Tennessee church, but it wasn't long ago when he didn't attend church at all. He is so glad to be alive and back in church, however, that he wants to share his joy with others.

"This is a mission God has laid on my heart," he says. "I finally found out where I'm supposed to be."

Church members have been so impressed with Scharfstein's personal evangelism style that Sunday school classes have asked him to share his inviting philosophy and tactics, says Dianna Cantler, Munsey director of connectional ministries.

"I believe he has given many people the courage to speak up and invite," Cantler says. "His outlook is, 'What do I have to lose?'"

In the last few years, Scharfstein almost lost his life. Although he never smoked, he was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1998. He overcame that bout--with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation--and continued to live the life he had created for himself, which involved lots of property and lots of work.

"I had it all: the big boat, vacation homes, nice Rolex watch," says the 61-year-old entrepreneur. "Like many Baby Boomers, I was so driven for material success."

He and his wife, Caroline, had two sons, who were active at Munsey Memorial, the church of Ben's childhood. "But somewhere in there, I let the church part go, and I let my wife take care of those obligations," he says. "My family tried many times to get me to go back. My classic statement was, 'Look, God is everywhere. I don't need to go to church to find God.'"

When the boys grew up, Caroline got tired of going to Munsey Memorial without her husband and started attending the Baptist church of her childhood.

Turning point
At a party a few years later, a Munsey member put him on the spot. Her name was Barbara Cox.

"Ben, we're going to pick you up tomorrow, and we're going to take you to church," she said.
Scharfstein was slightly annoyed at Cox's forwardness. "Some people would say Barbara is pushy, and sometimes she is," he says today. "But we live in an age of e-mails and Blackberries. You have to individualize the invitation to get people to come, and that's what Barbara did. You have to make it personal."

Thinking that Cox wouldn't take "no" for an answer, he agreed to come to Sunday worship--on one condition. "I'm not a baby. I can drive myself," he said. "But I will meet you there."

Cox met him before the contemporary worship service, and Scharfstein found himself annoyed, again. He didn't like the idea of going to church in a gymnasium, singing music that he had never heard before. He almost left, but he decided to stay.

It was a turning point.
Scharfstein was touched by the acceptance he received from parishioners. "I had never experienced so much love and caring in all my years. It was like I had never missed a day at Munsey," he recalls.

He also was excited by the inviting atmosphere of a contemporary worship service. He liked how people could feel comfortable wearing blue jeans or shorts, or carrying in coffee. The seats, he said, "weren't the most comfortable in the world," and sure enough, he didn't know all the songs. But he liked the music. He really, really liked it.

"It wasn't some sort of funeral dirge," he says. "This music was upbeat. It changed my life."

The art of invitation
Scharfstein became a regular at Munsey, and he started to invite people to join him. He used the offer of casual clothing, coffee or contemporary music as one way to put newcomers at ease.

"Church can be very intimidating," he says. "I think Christ invited people where they were, and that's what we've got to do."

When chatting with friends or strangers in the business he owns or elsewhere, Scharfstein started looking for entry points to talk about church. One man, who was trying to get Scharfstein to buy a boat, mentioned that his wife was pregnant.

"He was going to sell me a boat, but I was going to sell him something better," he says with a grin. Scharfstein simply asked, "Where are you and your wife going to church?" The conversation led to an invitation, and the young family now attends Munsey.

Church members were amazed at Scharfstein's sudden devotion to the church, and his efficacy at bringing in new faces.

"Ben brought his store manager to church, and she became a member by profession of faith. Then she brought her mother," Cantler says. "One time he even traded someone his lunch if they would visit church with him someday."

"Just be open," Scharfstein says, explaining how he makes it look so easy. "When you see someone in your everyday life, you will have an opportunity. You will recognize it when it happens, and you will have a choice about whether or not you will open your mouth to say, 'Hi.'"
Talk about anything, Scharfstein says: Kids, hobbies, jobs. And then look for the opportunity to talk about your church or spiritual life.

"If you have enjoyed a spirit-filled life, and if you really care about the people around you, then why can't you talk about it?" he asks. "Why can't you say, 'By the way, have you found a church yet?'"

Stepping up the pace
On Labor Day 2006, Scharfstein had difficulty breathing. He learned that the cancer had returned, which explained his 50-pound weight loss. His only option was chemotherapy.

It was a low point for the normally cheerful "inviting guy," who says he came face to face with mortality for the first time. He beat the odds again, however, and became well enough to greet his guests in the Munsey entry hall once again.

He doesn't let chemotherapy or his new sidekick, an oxygen tank, slow him down. In fact, he's stepped up the pace, sometimes using the tank to give his invitations more impact. He'll say, "If I can get up and go to church, carrying this thing around, then you ought to be able to get up and go, too."

At a party in December, one woman who knew of his illness stopped to ask, "How do you get up in the morning?"

Scharfstein replied, "Let me show you how I get up in the morning." And he promptly invited her to church.

He estimates that he has invited 50 people to Munsey, and 20 have accepted. But he's got several more people in mind, and several people to issue second, third or fourth invitations. (He keeps records.)

Last Christmas, Scharfstein was surprised to learn that he had helped bring in a new member, but not with his usual approach. Over the years, he understood why his wife wanted to attend her own Baptist church. But on this one Sunday, Caroline joined him at Munsey, and the Rev. Brian Taylor invited them both to the front of the church.

Scharfstein says he was moved when he heard his wife announce, "I have seen what Munsey has done in Ben's life. I would like to transfer my membership to Munsey and become an active member here."

The inviting guy smiles his inviting smile. "This last year has been the greatest year of my life," he says.

*Spence is the editor of The Call, the newspaper of the United Methodist Holston Annual Conference.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 12:44:00 +0000

Teen's testimony shines under 'Jeopardy!' spotlight

"Jeopardy!" contestant Becky Kralle (right) used her television appearance to witness to her Christian faith. Her pledge to tithe her winnings impressed friend Becca Force and others. A UMNS photo by Matthew Ralph..

By Matthew Ralph*

GLENDORA, N.J. (UMNS)-While the object of "Jeopardy!" is to guess the right question, it was the answers of 17-year-old contestant Becky Kralle that left the biggest impression during an appearance on the nationally syndicated TV game show.

Becky, who already had pledged to put 10 percent of her earnings in the offering plate at Chews United Methodist Church, was given two chances to share about her Christian faith in the form of answers to host Alex Trebek's questions.

The first, which appeared in her introduction video on the Teen Jeopardy Web site, was a query about personal heroes. Becky gave only one: "My savior, Jesus Christ."

Later during the national broadcast, Trebek asked about a mission trip Becky went on with dozens of other youth from her church in southern New Jersey. In both instances, Becky said witnessing to the faith was "a natural thing to do."

"Any time we have a chance to share our faith, I think it's a good idea to do it," she said. "So I jumped at the chance to do it on a national scale."

Jumping for joy
Becky's "Jeopardy!" appearance became a family affair. She was joined by parents Dean and Sue Kralle and her 14-year-old sister, Anna, for a five-day visit to California. Two of those days were spent in a Los Angeles studio while family, friends and church members back home anxiously awaited the outcome.

The family had to keep what they experienced a secret for nearly a month. "Everyone at youth group kept asking me, 'Did you win? Did you win?'" Becky recalled.

When the show finally aired Feb. 14, her "fans" saw an upbeat Becky, even when her entry for the final "Jeopardy!" question was blank. She smiled in defeat. "When I first got my audition up in New York, I was jumping for joy, so anything that happened after that was icing on the cake," she said.

Church leaders affirmed Becky's personal witness of her Christian faith and her tithe of $500 from the $5,000 she was guaranteed for appearing on the show.

"Becky Kralle is a wonderful example of the love and support of parents, friends and a caring church family who has provided nurture and guidance for her life," said the Rev. Gary Bartlett, Chews' senior pastor.

"(Her) Christian witness will have a lasting effect on the children, youth and adults at Chews, especially as she has not allowed this brief, yet fun experience of fame and some fortune change who she is as a personable, responsible, intelligent young woman of faith," Bartlett said.

Unexpected outcomes
Becca Force, 17, a church friend and classmate at Baptist Regional High School, said she was impressed by the way Becky handled the experience and all of the local media attention that came with it.

"Many people wouldn't have had the guts to be so open about their faith on national television," Becca said.

For Becky, the "Jeopardy!" appearance included some unexpected outcomes. While she was already involved in her youth group at church, she now is better connected with some of the older members of her 500-member congregation.

"The older people were so excited," she said, "because I guess it's an older thing to watch 'Jeopardy!'"

*Ralph is a freelance journalist in Louisville, Ky.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 12:21:00 +0000

Caucus says empower black churches, communities

Bishop Beverly Shamana of San Francisco opens the annual meeting of Black Methodists for Church Renewal in Los Angeles. UMNS photos by Linda Green.

By Linda Green*

LOS ANGELES (UMNS)--African-American United Methodists must engage in the Wesleyan code in their own zip codes to help black churches and African-American communities.
That was the message to nearly 400 participants at the Feb. 27-March 1 annual meeting of Black Methodists for Church Renewal.

The gathering focused both inwardly and outwardly to examine the realities and challenges of following John Wesley's three general rules for a faithful Christian life: doing good, doing no harm and staying in love with God.

Referring to the television show "Divine Design," which focuses on transforming spaces, empowerment and willingness, United Methodist Bishop Beverly Shamana of San Francisco told the body that "change happens as a result of constancy, as a result of perseverance, as a result of drawing the vision so large that you are stretched toward it and …everybody has a stake in making this destination happen."

Shamana opened the meeting by noting that the African-American church is empowered with a responsibility and equipped to remake the world. "This is what God is calling BMCR to be," she said. "We are not second string."

BMCR represents more than 2,400 black United Methodist congregations and approximately 500,000 African-American United Methodists across the United States. With headquarters in Nashville, Tenn., the group was organized in 1968 as a forum for black Methodists to define issues and develop strategies for change within The United Methodist Church.

It aims to empower black Methodists for effective witness and service; involve them in the struggle for economic justice; and expose racism at all levels in the church. It also serves as an "agitating conscience" working to ensure equity and inclusiveness throughout the denomination.

Knowing oneself
In a message about identity, the Rev. Henry Masters pointed out that "knowing oneself" is both a Greek philosophical concept and an idea with African roots. "To know thyself is an ancient African truism (and) to know ourselves produces positive self images in ourselves and that what we are called to do."

Participants also met with individuals who work on the front lines of issues surrounding immigration, HIV/AIDS, community development and youth development. They offered encouragement to increase HIV/AIDS awareness in churches and communities.

The lack of a positive self-image is one reason why more African Americans are in jail than in college, according to Masters, pastor of Holman United Methodist Church, Los Angeles. "Many of our people have lost a sense of who they are and whose they are," he said.

BMCR provides an avenue to teach African-American children who they are and help foster their gifts and strengths. "We must understand that out of our history comes an understanding that we know how to excel in adversity," he said.

Participants interacted with leaders who began the caucus 41 years ago. A musical drama introduced them to the founders of black Methodism--who created their own denominations because of racism that existed in the main Methodist bodies in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The Rev. Ernest Smith, who created the group's tagline "Our Time Under God Is Now," speaks to the caucus.

Among them was the Rev. Ernest O. Smith, who coined the group's tagline "Our Time Under God Is Now." Smith, 94, former president of Rust College and a former executive with the old Board of Social Concerns, told the caucus that they cannot just talk about making a difference. "Get off your duff and do something," he said. "Recognize God's presence and he will be there when you turn to him."

Seven Vision Pathways
Denver Bishop Warner Brown led an examination of the Council of Bishops' Seven Vision Pathways, which include new church development, transforming existing congregations, expanding racial and ethnic ministries, leadership development, reaching a new generation of children, eliminating poverty in community with the poor, and making disciples of Jesus Christ.

"We are at a unique place in history. A lot of things are going to change in this century," said Brown, inviting participants to align the pathways to meet the needs of the African-American church.

Churches of all races, sizes and compositions are in trouble, he said, because the world in which they organized has changed--but they have not.

In a keynote address, U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., who has represented the 35th district of Los Angeles for 18 years, commended BMCR's 41-year legacy of working for justice. "I am so moved by your mission," she said.

Waters talked about disparities in education, criminal justice and health care systems for people of color and the effects of HIV/AIDS, a disease that is running rampant in black America and increasingly afflicting African-American women.

She pointed out that nearly 32 percent of black males will enter prison in their lifetimes. "Ladies and gentlemen, we cannot continue to tolerate the incarceration of black men," she said, noting that many are in jail because of the disparities in sentences for possessing crack and cocaine.

Around the United States, African Americans meet together "to see what they can do to make our people stronger but never think about the extraordinary work of the church," Waters said, reminding participants of what faith is and BMCR's advocacy role in helping reach the present and future generations.

Talbert's leadership
Nearly four years ago, retired Bishop Melvin Talbert--working without a salary for two years--took over the leadership of BMCR and brought it back to financial solvency and spiritual empowerment. Today, more than 1,000 people are members in the organization, now led by Pamela Crosby.

"He moved this organization to the point of health that no one believed would happen," said Cheryl Walker, chairperson of the BMCR board of directors.

In honor of Talbert's work, the board created the Bishop Melvin G. Talbert Institute of Leadership Development. This institute will identify and promote 20 clergy for leadership development during 2009-2012 and continue the mission in the future.

"BMCR, you have blessed me," said Talbert, in accepting the honor.

*Green is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in Nashville, Tenn.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 13:28:00 +0000

Wesley hymns inspire United Methodist evangelists

ST Kimbrough Jr. performs his one-person play about the life and hymns of Charles Wesley

SAVANNAH, Ga. (UMNS)--With the Charles Wesley hymn "Spirit of Faith Come Down" providing the theme, the 2008 Congress on Evangelism brought together more than 700 United Methodists to share their passion and strategies for spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The congress is a place where "we can come and use the 'E' word without being ashamed or looking over our shoulders," said Bishop James Swanson, resident bishop of the Holston Annual (regional) Conference, during the opening worship service. "We need to lead people to Jesus."

The Jan. 2-5 event was held on Hutchinson Island in honor of the 300th anniversary of Wesley's birth. Both Charles Wesley and his brother, Methodism founder John Wesley, came from England to southeast Georgia and landed Feb. 6, 1736, on Cockspur Island, just downriver from Hutchinson Island. They served as missionaries and ministered to the settlers living there.
"We United Methodists are here at the birthplace of the Wesleys' work in the new land … the Colony of Georgia," wrote the Rev. David Kerr, president of the congress, in a message to those attending. "In one way, the Savannah River is akin to the Sea of Galilee in that it reminds us of God's acts. … This is the place from which the seed of revival would eventually spread and take root."

The congress, held each January, is sponsored by the Council on Evangelism and the United Methodist Board of Discipleship with the support of the Foundation for Evangelism. This year's three-day event was filled with preaching, workshops and, of course, the hymns of Charles Wesley.

Bishop B. Michael Watson, resident bishop of South Georgia, offered the welcome with the saying that "the 'angel' in evangelism could be you." Watson then challenged participants: "Are you the angel that could go forth?"

Swanson said the 40-year decline in membership in The United Methodist Church has "happened on our watch," and that reversing that trend will require the power of the Holy Spirit. "We cannot do this on our own power or with our own strength. We forgot it is not about what we possess; it's about what possesses us," he said.

Swanson criticized those who depend on the latest program or gimmick to grow their church. "We cannot grow the church by a formula or trickery. We must surrender ourselves to God," he said.

Lessons from the Bible
The Rev. Grace Imathiu, pastor of Brown Deer United Methodist Church near Milwaukee, led Bible study each morning. Born and reared in Nairobi, Kenya, Imathiu said she often looks at Scripture through "African, post-colonial eyes." After reading John 11 about the raising of Lazarus, she asked, "Where is the power? Death tried to take the power … (but) Jesus stayed put in a subversive act. Jesus set the agenda.

"When the world tries to wrap us again in the dead man's clothes," she said, "we must hear the voice of Jesus to 'let him go,' and remember that we are called out."

Preachers for the event included the Rev. Evelyn Laycock, retired director of the Lay Ministry Center at Lake Junaluska, N.C., who got everyone's attention with the statistic that "82 percent of those under 18 have never been in a sanctuary."

Laycock used the Parable of the Talents, calling talents a simile for the kingdom of God. "To reach people in the world, we cannot be afraid, like the servant who buried the talents, to venture out and share that kingdom with everyone we meet."

The Rev. Robert "Bob" Tuttle, professor of evangelism at Asbury Seminary's Florida campus, spoke on the first principle of evangelism and Christianity. "The only way to gain your life is to give it up. The only way to be great is to be a servant. The only way to be first is to be last.

"Sin begins when we seek to be autonomous from God," he said. And "second is to oppress the poor." Tuttle noted that 11 million children under age 5 die every year from poverty and spoke passionately about the need to have a global perspective and to reach the poor wherever they are.

"The best opportunity for greatness is to be sent to a small parish no one else wants--where success can only come from God," he said.

Learning experience
Participants said they found the gathering worthwhile and uplifting.

The congress offered a "new look at things we as United Methodists can do without being professional evangelists--by just being there and loving people," said the Rev. Ray Petty of Macedonia United Methodist Church in Knoxville, Tenn.

The Rev. Michelle Williamson, pastor of Whitfield United Methodist Church, Sioux City, Iowa, said she was reminded that "the Holy Spirit works through you to bring the word to folks."

The Rev. Ken Fuller of Hiawassee, Ga., has attended the congresses on and off since 1974, and said the gathering is part "inspirational time," part family reunion.

One highlight was a dramatic presentation of Charles Wesley by ST Kimbrough Jr. Between the singing of hymns, Kimbrough, who is a retired United Methodist pastor from the North Alabama Conference, performed a first-person monologue portraying Wesley's life and his journey of faith.

The Foundation for Evangelism announced the awarding of 18 scholarships to individuals under age 40 attending their first congress.

The National Association of United Methodist Evangelists presented the "Philip Award," named in honor of the evangelist Philip in Acts, to the Rev. William Bouknight and the Rev. Bob Nelson for outstanding leadership in evangelism.

The 2009 Congress on Evangelism is scheduled for January 6-9 in Nashville, Tenn.

*Nelson is editor of the Wesleyan Christian Advocate.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 16:32:00 +0000

BeADisciple.com Brings Online Workshops to the Church

Information and communication technology is coming to the Church. It can be seen in worship, on web pages, and in email communication. Now the Church has the opportunity join the explosion in online education.

The Institute for Discipleship, located at Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas, is a continuation of the life-long Christian ministry of Richard and Julia Wilke, co-authors of the widely-used Disciple Bible Study series. The mission of the Institute is to provide educational opportunities that nurture and enrich Christian leaders, lay and clergy, for effective living and ministry. The Institute provides the top tools for online teaching and learning at www.BeADisciple.com.

Online learning means that participants in a workshop can be located anywhere in the world. In a workshop with 10 people, two people could live in the same town, while three others live in completely different countries. Participants need not incur the expense of travel in order to gain the content and the community experience of a workshop.

Online workshops are not simply correspondence courses; however. The workshops begin and end at specific times, with specific due dates of projects and for mastering material before the workshop moves on to another topic. This timetable allows the community to develop since all the participants are involved with the same materials at the same time.

Daniel Benedict, Worship consultant and former Director of Worship Resources for the General Board of Discipleship and now living in Hawaii, says of online instruction, “As an instructor living in the middle of the Pacific, difference in time zone and geographic realities could make it impossible for me to teach except in very limited and local contexts. However, online teaching opens up the world to me and to students. I am grateful to God for the times in which we are living and this venue for the opportunity to serve and relate with clergy and laity across the globe and across the church.”

The Institute currently has 18 trained instructors, certified to offer online workshops. The two-week training workshop, “How to Provide Your Workshop Online,” teaches potential instructors how to use the software tools to present their workshop content to their participants online. It has been offered eight times in 2007.

Since its first offering in the fall of 2006, BeADisciple.com has run 15 successful workshops. As awareness and interest in this format continues to grow, so will the number and variety of workshops being offered. To keep up with the latest online workshops, register today at http://www.BeADisciple.com.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 20:38:00 +0000

The Congress on Evangelism 2008: "Spirit of Faith Come Down," January 2-5, 2008, Savannah Convention Center

The theme of this year's Congress on Evangelism will honor Charles Wesley's birth (December 18, 1707). It will be one the largest United Methodist gatherings to focus on the historic recollection of this brother in Christ. One of the powerful verses we pray will be the Wesleyan’s zeal again: “O that the world might know the all atoning Lamb! Spirit of faith, descend and show the virtue of his name; the grace which all may find, and saving power, impart, and testify to humankind, and speak to every heart.” Both John and Charles came to the beginning colony of Georgia and labored in the Gospel’s outreach. Charles will especially be our guide as we step on the very soil in which the Wesley’s preached and claimed the new land for Christ!

The Congress on Evangelism is sponsored by the Council on Evangelism and the General Board of Discipleship with the support of The Foundation for Evangelism. The congress meets every January at different locations presenting motivational speakers and workshops based on evangelism.

The Foundation for Evangelism chooses and sponsors every other year the Denman Lecturer at the congress. These are a series of lectures on evangelism given by a distinguished pastor or lay person.

The Foundation for Evangelism also provides a limited number of scholarships for the event to first-time attendees.

REGISTER NOW -- Registration has been Extended
Registration Information: $175 married couple or $135 single

Keynote Speakers
Bishop James E. Swanson, Sr., Episcopal Leader of the Holston Conference
Dr. Evelyn Laycock, retired Director Lay Ministry Center for the Southeastern Jurisdictional Council.
Dr. Robert Tuttle, Professor of Evangelism at Asbury Seminary, Florida Campus.
Dr. Bill Bouknight, former pastor, Christ United Methodist Church in Memphis, Tennessee

Bible Study Leader
Rev. Grace Imathiu, pastor, Bible Teacher, and Evangelist

Worship Leaders
Dr. William Goold, Professor of Church Music, Asbury Theological Seminary
Dr. Swee Hong Lim, Music Leader, Lecturer at Trinity Theological College in Singapore where he teachers Worship, Liturgy, and Music.

Workshop Leaders
Bishop James Swanson, Swee Hong Lim, Bob Tuttle, Tom Albin, Tom Atkins, Terry Carty, Joe Do. Connelly, Jon Exman, Gary Exman, Stephen Handy, Diana Hynson, Brian Hull, Carol Krau, Jonathan Norman, Mike Pasquarello, Patti McGinn Pasquarello, Marilyn Walker, Jim Walter

Housing
Room Rate: $99.00 (Single/Double) at both hotels. Special rate is only available January 2-5, 2008.

Westin Savannah Harbor Resort Hotel1 Resort Drive, Savannah, GA Phone: (800) 228-3000 • Fax: (912) 201-2001 (mention Congress on Evangelism)
The Marriott Savannah Riverfront Hotel100 General McIntosh Blvd, Savannah, Ga 31401 Phone: Phone: (800) 285-0398 • (912) 233-7722 (mention Council on Evangelism)[Water taxi service across the Savannah River]

To dowload a descriptive brochure CLICK on the following web address:
http://www.congressonevangelism.org/fileadmin/home/COEBrochure08.pdf

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 20:34:00 +0000

United Methodist Generation-Next Leaders Meet in Nashville

NASHVILLE, Tenn., November 26, 2007 /GBOD/ -- Elaine de Leon of the Greater New Jersey Annual (regional) Conference and seminary student at Wesley Seminary in Washington, D.C., has a passion for supporting young adult ministries. She came to the Summit to be heard. She finds value in getting to be a part of conversations that need to be heard in a place like this.

Like Elaine, 70-80 United Methodist young adult leaders from across the country attended The General Board of Discipleship’s (GBOD) second Young Adult Leaders Summit, which met in Nashville November 15-17.

The Summit brings together young adult leadership from regional conferences across The United Methodist Church for networking, training and empowerment.

“This event is a great way for young adult leaders to connect with other leaders engaged in similar responsibilities as their own to share insights, support and ideas,” says Bill Lizor, GBOD’s director of Young Adult and Single Adult Ministries.

Sessions focused on current research, discipleship and spiritual formation, and effective young adult ministry models.

To get an overview of current research, the group viewed the video, “Generation Next: Speak Up, Be Heard,” a research project developed by PBS and Films for the Humanities and Sciences.
According to the PBS Web site, “the aim of the Generation Next initiative is to unravel this generation of young people who are hooked to technology, generally supportive of gay rights and racial differences, partial to postponing adulthood and swamped in debt.”

In addition to being both surprised and appreciative of the diversity in the places that were visited, the voices that were represented and the differing viewpoints, Elaine de Leon says she was glad the video talked about “the economic debt because that’s a reality that is under talked about.”

“I get the sense, especially as a young adult, that people believe that young adults leave the church to pursue careers — because that’s so much more important to them — and to climb the corporate ladder. Some of the reality is that you have to have the job to pay off your college loans,” she said.

Following a session on “Effective Models of Young Adult Ministry,” led by Bill Lizor, participants engaged in conversation around developing a theology or paradigm for young adult ministry and a group process to identify, clarify and prioritize resourcing needs related to young adult ministry.

“We’re starting a young adult ministry group and council so we want to get a good sense of what other groups are doing, what’s working and what’s not. We’re hoping to get answers to questions and to leave with more questions,” said Chris Naitland from Portland, Oregon, in the Oregon-Idaho Conference.

Carl Thomas Gladstone and Anna Stroud of the Wesley Project led worship and devotion time during the gathering. Gladstone has produced a digital release of Charles Wesley hymns that appeals to young adults in particular.

Regional church conferences could send 3-5 leaders of young adult ministries from any level — conference, district and local church — to the Summit.

The Summit got under way Thursday with an opening session led by Vance Ross, the associate general secretary for the Discipleship Ministries Division.

Ross challenged the young leaders to be proactive and to make a difference today. “Now is the time for young adults to take action,” he said.

GBOD’s mission is to support annual conference and local church leaders for their task of equipping world-changing disciples. An agency of The United Methodist Church, GBOD is located at 1908 Grand Ave. in Nashville, Tenn. For more information, call the Media Relations Office toll free at (877) 899-2780, Ext. 7017 or visit www.gbod.org.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 20:42:00 +0000

Wesley Theological Seminary Announces Upcoming Doctor of Ministry Programs

“Life Together” and “Missional Evangelism” add specific concentrations for ministry settings

WASHINGTON, DC (WTS) – Wesley Theological Seminary announces the approaching application deadline of February 15, 2008 for two unique Doctor of Ministry tracks beginning in Washington, DC in May 2008 –“Life Together” and “Missional Evangelism.”

“Life Together: Spirituality for Transforming Community” is designed to help pastors lead through periods of intentional growth and change with special attention to the local congregation as a transformed and transforming community. Participants will explore how groups (congregations, ministries, and communities) are transformed through the use of classical and contemporary texts and the spiritual disciplines of the church. Graduates of this track will be better equipped to lead congregations from aggregates to community, from self-absorption to mission, and from accommodating practices to welcoming practices grounded in a biblical spirituality.

Jesus called the apostles to “Go and make disciples.” Our “Missional Evangelism” track examines the biblical and theological foundations of the church’s focus on making disciples of Jesus Christ. Participants will explore best practices that are sensitive to post-modern sensibilities, taking into account local church story, size, and context. Many of today’s best practices manage to combine ancient passion and vision with twenty-first century awareness. Topics addressed in this program include Historical Models of Missional Evangelism; Salvation in the New Testament; Preaching to Those on the Edge of Faith; God's Welcome: Hospitality for a Gospel-Hungry World; and Making Disciples Across Class and Culture.

Other upcoming Doctor of Ministry tracks at Wesley include “Pastoral Theology, Care and Counseling” and “Arts and Theology” beginning January 2009.

“The Doctor of Ministry program is a natural continuing education step for dedicated clergy who want to pursue focused study,” said Dr. Lew Parks, Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program. “Beyond earning the degree, Doctor of Ministry graduates function as resource persons for the local and regional church.”

Applications are being accepted through February 15, 2008. Details are available at WesleySeminary.edu, and program questions can be directed to Dr. Lew Parks at
LParks@WesleySeminary.edu or (202) 885-6481. For application materials and information, contact the Office of Admissions at Wesley Theological Seminary, 4500 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016.

Admissions may be reached by phone at (202) 885-8659 or (800) 882-4987 or by email:
admissions@WesleySeminary.edu.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 11:51:00 +0000

Innovative Ministry Grants from the Tennessee Annual Conference

The Congregational Development Team of the Tennessee Conference will be awarding special grants for local church programs that display an innovative ministry to reach people that we have not been reaching.

Number of Grants: A one time only grant. A special appeal may be considered if supported by the Bishop and the Cabinet.

Timeline:

1. Before September 1, all requests must be in the Conference Office with the signatures and recommendations of applicable parties. (In any case, the signature and recommendation of the District Superintendent is required.)

2. Before October 1, The New Church Development and Congregational Revitalization Team meets to review applications and determine recommendations and will as soon as possible thereafter will forward the recommended applications to the Bishop and the Cabinet.

3. Thirty days after a revitalization project starts a written status and expense report will be sent to the District Superintendent and to the CCOCM office. The CCOCM representative to the New Church Develop ment and Congregational Revitalization Committee will submit this report at their next meeting.

Project Information: (Please provide on separate sheet and attach.)
1. Describe the project for which you are requesting this grant. How will the funds be used? Be concise but thorough.

2. What percentage of the total cost of this project has been/will be raised by the Congregation or obtained through other outside sources (i.e., loans, other grants, or participants, etc.) Please list sources and the amount of funds/resources made available in this manner.

3. How will the grant of these funds assist your church in the meeting of the Purpose of the Church Revitalization of our Annual Conference?

I. Church Statistical Information (if applicable):

Year church organized_______ Average Attendance at Worship_________________
Present Membership_________ Sunday School Enrollment ____________________
Number of families__________ Average S. S. Attendance _____________________
The nearest church is ______ blocks, _______ miles. Denomination______________
The nearest U.M. Church is ___ blocks, ____miles, number of members. _________

II. Project for which Financing is required:

Estimated ___________ or actual ____________ cost (check one.) $____________

Funds to apply to above cost:
Cash on hand $___________
Pledges to be collected $___________
Donations from Conference $___________
Donations from District $___________
Other (Specify): _____________________ $___________

Sub-Total $___________
Loans $___________

Total to apply $____________

If another agency is lending funds or has given a grant, please give the name of the agency and amount.

_________________________________________(Name of agency)

$____________ (Amount of Grant)

V. Authorization & Certification:

No request for funds will be considered unless that request has first been authorized by the Administrative Board/Council of the requesting church (if one exists) and the Pastor & District Superintendent have certified the accuracy of the information included in the application and verified the need for which the funds are requested.

Local Church: We, the representatives of the local church affirm that action was taken by our congregation’s Administrative Board/Council authorizing this application for funds and that the information presented in this application is true and correct, to the best of our knowledge. The authorizing vote may be found recorded in the minutes of our Administrative Board/Council meeting held on the following date:____________________ .

Signed:

1. ________________________________

2. _________________________________

Chairperson, Board of Trustees Chairperson, Administrative Board/Council

Pastor & District Superintendent: With personal knowledge of the facts, after careful examination of the foregoing, we hereby certify that the submitted statements are a correct representation of the facts and recommend that this grant application be awarded in the amount indicated.

Signed: ________________________________ (Pastor)

Date: _________________________________

Signed: ________________________________ (District Superintendent)

Date: __________________________________

[Note: Please forward completed application and supporting documentation to the Tennessee Annual Conference, CCOCM Office, 304 S. Perimeter Park Place, Suite 1, Nashville, TN 37211]

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 18:23:00 +0000

Thomas G. Butcher to Head New Church Development

NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 25, 2007 /GBOD/ -- The Rev. Thomas G. Butcher has been named executive officer for New Congregational Development in the U. S. for the General Board of Discipleship where he will be leading the Path One Team, effective July 1, 2007.

This new position, based at GBOD headquarters in Nashville, will work to build and implement the denomination’s collaborative effort to train 1000 new church planters who will start 650 new churches by 2012.

“I am excited about Tom's leadership of the Path One Team. His background and gracious spirit will greatly assist all of us as we seek to make new disciples of Jesus Christ by planting new churches," says Bishop G. Lindsey Davis, chair of the Path One Team for new church starts in the U. S. and bishop of the North Georgia Area.

“Tom is a person of deep faith and great passion. He brings to this office a proven track record of starting new churches,” said the Rev. Karen Greenwaldt, top executive for GBOD.

During Butcher’s tenure in Congregational Development, he has facilitated the start-up of 24 new churches and the revitalization of over 40 others.

Butcher credits his past success to his passion for starting new churches. He looks forward to sharing this same passion in his work with the Path One Team, which is composed of leaders from the Council of Bishops, General Board of Global Ministries, United Methodist Communications, General Board of Higher Education Ministry, the network for congregational developers, each of the five racial ethnic national plans, the network of church planters, and others, which his office will oversee.

Butcher currently serves as district superintendent in the Desert Southwest regional area.

Previously, Butcher served as pastor of University United Methodist Church in Las Vegas, NV, for two years and as conference council director and director of congregational development for eight years at the Desert Southwest Conference. He also chaired Congregational Development for the Western Jurisdiction.

Prior to his call into ministry, Tom worked as a high school coach. He has served the United Methodist Church for over 20 years.

Rev. Butcher holds a Masters degree in Divinity and a Masters of Christian Education from the Pacific School of Religion.

The Rev. Butcher currently resides in Glendale, Arizona.

GBOD’s mission is to support annual conference and local church leaders for their task of equipping world-changing disciples. An agency of The United Methodist Church, GBOD is located at 1908 Grand Ave. in Nashville, Tenn. For more information, call the Media Relations Office toll free at (877) 899-2780, Ext. 7017.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 15:35:00 +0000

New logo reflects discipleship agency's new vision
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - The United Methodist agency responsible for equipping churches and their people to make disciples for Jesus Christ has a new logo and a new focus.

"Equipping World-Changing Disciples" is the tag line on the new brand and theme of the United Methodist Board of Discipleship, which launched the image Jan. 24. The logo is designed to reflect the agency's new vision and to promote a consistent image.

The agency also has streamlined its name, replacing "The General Board of Discipleship" with the acronym "GBOD" and adding the tagline to create a distinct and compelling personality.

"Most of those we serve already call us GBOD, so using the acronym is familiar to them," said Indiana Area Bishop Michael Coyner, president of the agency's board of directors. "Customer research told us that those who don't yet know our work were confused by the old name; many thought it was the name of a committee. We're excited because this new look reflects our strategic direction."

The agency provides resources and services to help congregations, church leaders and other Christians make new disciples and to help those disciples grow in their understanding of God and respond in faith and love. Among its resources are books, classes, workshops, retreats, consultation and The Upper Room daily devotional guide.

The new tagline is designed to reflect the agency's focus.
"Equipping world-changing disciples embodies who we are and what we do," said the Rev. Steve Horswill-Johnston, director of communications and brand strategy. "In our collective work, we equip leaders and church members to be world-changers. The power of our brand is enhanced by this theme line."

The new brand replaces the agency's former logo used since the 1980s, which consisted of the name "General Board of Discipleship" with the Ithicus fish symbol centered underneath.

"The old logo served us well for over 20 years, but the fish was too similar to other marks to allow it to be properly registered and protected," Horswill-Johnston said. "Updating the look helped us reflect our new direction and better connect with those we serve."

While GBOD becomes the new name for its audience, "The General Board of Discipleship" remains the name used in the United Methodist Book of Discipline, the denomination's book of law.

"I'm excited that over the years to come, the new identity will feel like 'home' and we'll enjoy the new energy it brings to our work. It will help the church see our work as a collective whole," Horswill-Johnston said.

The new slogan of "Equipping World-Changing Disciples" also drives home the United Methodist agency's efforts to become more customer-focused.

"For 35 years, GBOD has continually worked to discover fresh approaches to equip disciples in today's world. Until now, we have largely focused on our products," said the Rev. Karen Greenwaldt, top executive for GBOD. "Our focus is changing to building and strengthening relationships, which increase the quality of the resources we offer and create innovative partnerships for making world-changing disciples."

Agency executives say the new logo is especially important as GBOD prepares this year to launch several new strategic initiatives, including a Discipleship University and an emphasis on launching new churches.

*This article was adapted from a news release by Jeanette Pinkston, director of media relations, United Methodist Board of Discipleship.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 19:07:00 +0000

African churches have obsession for evangelism, scholar says

MAPUTO, Mozambique (UMNS) - The success of evangelization of Africa is a "surprising phenomenon to the rest of Christendom," said Africa University's chairperson of evangelism.

"The church in Africa has an obsession for the ministry of evangelism," said the Rev. John Wesley Kurewa, founding vice chancellor of Africa University and holder of the chair of evangelism. The United Methodist-related university, in Mutare, Zimbabwe, has about 1,300 students from 24 African countries.

Addressing the United Methodist Council of Bishops Nov. 2, Kurewa highlighted the role that the missionaries and the early church in Africa played in evangelizing the continent.

He expressed his gratitude at being able to speak about evangelism and church planting across the denomination's African central (regional) conferences, but he noted that with "Africa being such a vast continent as it is, it is presumptuous for any body to claim to speak for the continent."

Since 1910, a shift has been occurring in terms of the growth of Christianity, he said, noting that Africa, Asia and Latin America were once known as non-Christian lands and Europe and North America were referred to as Christian continents.

Quoting research, Kurewa said the population of Africa in 1900 was 108 million, with nearly 10 million or 9.2 percent of that number identified as Christians. A study by David Barrett predicted that by the year 2000, the population on the African continent would increase to 813 million and that Christians would be 400 million or 48.4 percent.

"For Christianity to claim almost 50 percent from 9.2 percent of the total continental population within one century is testament to the vigor of the early church which claimed its known world within the first century of Christianity's history," Kurewa said.

The United Methodist Church also has grown in Africa. In 1980, it had two central conferences and 10 annual conferences. Today, the church has three central conferences, 21 annual conferences, four provisional conferences and several "initiates."

"I don't think we would have this many conferences if our numbers were down," he told the bishops. "There is significant growth in these conferences and ... as long as we have provisional conferences, it shows that the church is growing, (and) I think this is very imperative in Africa."

Evangelizing Africa
Early evangelization in Africa was performed by four groups or waves of churches: the mainline churches, the African Initiated churches, the "so-called" Evangelical churches and the Pentecostal churches, he said.

"As the European powers scrambled for African colonies, the mainline churches in Africa were also scrambling for areas in which to evangelize the African people," he said.

The missionaries, in order to avoid overlapping in their work, engaged in "comity agreements" that restricted each denomination to one area of a country for evangelism.

Even though the colonists and missionaries had different agendas for Africa, they had similar interests for the people. For the missionaries, it was to evangelize and to civilize Africans. The colonists wanted to "first civilize the Africans and to Christianize them," he added.

Kurewa said both sought to accomplish their goals by destroying "all that was African" and supplanting old communities with "so-called Christian and civilized communities."

The missionaries and colonists regarded all that was African as "superstitious," and indigenous culture and religion were condemned "as work of darkness or the work of the devil - whom, by the way, the African did not even know." Africans, he said, believed that the greatest human enemy was another human "and not some conceptual figure out there," he said.

The African people were alienated from their cultures and civilization and their own people as they "became European Christians or American Christians," he said.

"Our traditional ways of learning, drawn from our experiences as a people, and our methods of healing the sick, were all usurped by the evangelizing missions of the West, bringing with them health and education institutions, which were 'civilized,'" Kurewa said.

Kurewa said that before the missionaries and colonists arrived to teach African people about God, they already knew God and believed in God. They just did not know about Jesus Christ and did not deserve to be called "heathens" because they not know, he said.

He noted that African religions were "monotheistic" and that God was called by different names by the various groups across the continent.

Visions of the gospels
Pentecostal churches, he said, target and attract young couples and preach a gospel of prosperity.

"The church in Africa has inherited the gospel of the cross and suffering …" he told the bishops.

"There is another aspect of the gospel that we seem to forget: the gospel of the resurrection, the gospel of the Holy Spirit, the gospel of joy."

Addressing the problem of poverty, Kurewa said the poor are often ignored, while mainline groups target the working class, leaving the Pentecostal church to take up the slack.

"Methodism without the poor is no longer Methodism," he said. He challenged the bishops to find the faces of people as they address poverty across the continent.

Across the continent, there is an obsession for evangelism, he said. "Evangelism is the heartbeat ministry of the church in Africa."

Although churches may disagree on how to address the divergent social issues that plague society, "when it comes to evangelism, they come together" and cooperate in various programs, he said.

Special occasions such as weddings and funerals are seen as opportunities for evangelism to reach those who do not normally attend church. "Good results are harvested this way," Kurewa said. Radio and television ministries are also used to evangelize, he noted.

*Green is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in Nashville, Tenn.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 02 Oct 2006 14:40:00 +0000

One of the greatest ministry opportunities that has ever come to United Methodist Men’s doorstep is Letters From Dad!

At our fall 2006 GCUMM board meeting, the Letters From Dad [LFD] ministry opportunity was discussed with some of our leaders. In a nutshell, LFD is sweeping the nation with a simple ministry process. It’s helping men unlock their heart and give them a safe platform to say what they have always wanted to say but didn’t know how – in letters to loved ones. The journey starts with a large BBQ / meal kickoff at a host church, where men are invited to join the LFD experience, meeting monthly over a 4 month period. United Methodist congregations have been leading the way. LFD will launch over 400 BBQ kickoffs nationwide in 2006.

On September 12, LFD founder Greg Vaughn visited with David Adams and Larry Malone in our Nashville office, and we prayed a blessing over LFD and it's ministry to reach men in and beyond the UMC. On the following Sunday night at Wolfforth UMC [near Lubbock TX], a LFD BBQ kickoff was held in a congregation of 300 attendees. 188 MEN ATTENDED! Many of these men brought their neighbors and friends. 50 - 80% of men who attend the BBQ's will sign up for LFD. Please see the attached photo collage, and read below what UMC Wolfforth Pastor Curtis House said;

"Letters from Dad is not another man created program for the local church. Rather, it is a mighty movement of our Heavenly Father to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the heart of the children to their fathers. How else do you explain a church that runs 300 on a Sunday morning having 188 excited men at the Letters from Dad kick off BBQ? Our men were spiritually hungry for the words spoken by its founder Greg Vaughn and they responded in a manner that was almost unbelievable. We are committed to spiritually growing and maturing our men and that’s exactly what Letters from Dad does. My strong suggestion: saddle up your men and drive them to Letters from Dad. I think you’ll be glad you did."

As a contrast to some of our awesome emerging ministries, LFD is a turnkey ministry that is fully developed and ready to go NOW! The model that can work effectively for the UMC is a district or area event that launches BBQ kickoffs from several host churches sequentially each day over a weekend. In this way, hundreds of men can and will attend one of several BBQ's held in an area over a weekend, based upon what is best for their schedule and driving distance.

Greg Vaughn has seen and experienced a mighty movement of God with men in the UMC. As a result, he has reserved 30 weekends in the next 12 months for the UMC, giving us "first fruits" of the LFD ministry. In order to receive this blessing, we must act quickly, because Greg's calendar will fill as fast as he lets it. Remember - 400 BBQ launches in 2006! I want to schedule a conference call hosted by LFD, for key UMM leaders. They will be sharing an online presentation that will outline details of how LFD works within the local church. Now don't get all intimidated by all that Tech stuff - LFD staff assures men that if you can turn your computer on and go to a website you have what it takes. You need to block an hour for this meeting and presentation.

Our first leader meeting is scheduled for TUESDAY, October 3rd at 10:30 AM Central. Please let me know by Monday noon if you can join in this call. In this first call, you will learn about LFD and be exposed to a new way to pass and receive information, and to conduct electronic meetings.

Before the scheduled meeting, you will receive an e-mail from LFD providing a phone number to call that will conference all participants together. You will need to make the call while at a computer connected to the internet, at the LFD home page. After a presentation taking less than ½ hour, we will have time to ask and answer questions, and discuss our next steps. The same conference call presentation will be scheduled about a week later, for the men that you identify that would be likely to respond to it.

Before the meeting, please go to www.lettersfromdad.com and familiarize yourself with the website. While on the website they would encourage you to watch two video testimonies. Simply select from the menu on the left side of the screen the “Watch the Videos” section. Once there they would like you to watch the video titled; “Letters arrive 40 years late” and “Is it Worth It”.

At the time of the conference call the LFD presenters would like you to be on the LFD home page. From there they will give further instructions to lead you to the online presentation. After hearing the presentation and ministry opportunity, we would like you to identify the UMM churches who would most likely respond and make good use of LFD.

The best part of LFD is how well it is suited to be used and connected with our traditional UMM structure and culture. It is also ideal as a catalytic event that creates and captures momentum, and prepares men for further growth in "next steps" like Flight Quest, Wesleyan Bands of Brothers, and Men's Ministry Specialists. LFD is ready made for a progressive UMM leader at the jurisdiction, conference, district or local level to ACT UPON. Just say yes, follow great leadership and guidance, pray, and receive a bountiful crop of blessed and spiritually alive men.

Don’t miss this one!

In Christ,

Larry Malone
Director, United Methodist Men's Ministries
615-620-7265
lmalone@gcumm.org

Rev. David Adams
General Secretary, GCUMM
615-620-7267
dadams@gcumm.org

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 02 Oct 2006 14:26:00 +0000

INCREASING CHURCH ATTENDANCE
by Dean McIntyre

This article is available at http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19181&loc_id=17,823)

A recent message from a church musician read: “I have been tasked, after my first job evaluation with the Sr. Pastor and SPRC Chair to increase attendance over the next year with the Contemporary Service I lead. What resources do we have available through the GBOD which might help me in this quest?”

In thinking over my response, I was struck by the implications of his question:
· He has received a “task” from the senior pastor and SPRC chair, assigning responsibility for increasing attendance to the musician. They are not satisfied with the attendance at this contemporary worship service and have given the musician who has been on the job for less than a year one more year to turn it around.
· The musician will rely on “resources” to accomplish this. In other words, what music can he select, what prayers and Scriptures can he incorporate, what words and practices must he put into the worship bulletin that will result in increased attendance?

I must confess that his question caught me off-guard. It’s the first time it’s been asked of me and I had no ready-made response. I’m not so surprised that he asked it, as I am surprised at the task assigned to him by the pastor and SPRC chair. While we at GBOD are not unconcerned with attendance of United Methodists in worship, it is not one of the goals set for our office by General Conference in The Book of Discipline nor by our own board of directors. Thus, we do not first ask ourselves, “What worship resources can we produce and make available that will increase attendance?” The big reason why this is so is because such a question leads to catering to the changing and self-centered wants, desires, and tastes of individuals and leads to a consumerist view of worship rather than worship that is God-centered, God-directed, doctrinally sound, Wesleyan informed, and offered with joy and integrity.

Increasing attendance and influence is a worthy goal for all congregations, but I suggest it is not for planning and leading worship. I believe increased attendance comes as a result of many factors: preaching content, style, and effectiveness; a welcoming and invitational congregation; a congregational understanding of its mission and identity; an active evangelical outreach into the community; the nurturing of the people in small groups; regular and frequent observances of the sacraments and the means of grace; generous giving as an ongoing part of stewardship training; education and training for all ages; an appealing, inviting, and functional building; and many more. I further suggest that the task of increasing attendance is one that should fall on the entire congregation, but especially on the elected leadership of the congregation, as well as on the employed staff. If my list above of factors that affect church attendance is at all accurate, then surely the pastor must take the lead in this task rather than putting the responsibility on the church musician. Notice that I did not include worship and music style in my listing. They are missing, not because they are unimportant, but because I don’t believe worship music should be selected based upon one’s belief that it might increase attendance.

Having said all of that, here are some resources that anyone interested in increasing church attendance, or anyone involved in planning contemporary or alternative worship should consider. I especially recommend the first two items to pastors and SPRC chairs, and would be happy to put them in touch with someone here at GBOD for further discussion.

Church Vitality Indicator, an online assessment tool
http://www.cvindicator.com
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=276354
The Church Vitality Indicator will show your church how to effectively reach out to your community and grow in numbers. More importantly, it will also transform the spiritual life of your members. Begin the journey to a more dynamic congregational life and ministry with the Church Vitality Indicator!

L3 Leadership Incubator
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=205633

Resources for Blended and Contemporary Worship and Music
http://www.gbod.org/worship/blended.html

Contemporary Music
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?loc_id=929,930&act=nav_loc

Contemporary Worship
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?loc_id=929,932&act=nav_loc

Contemporary Preaching
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?loc_id=929,931&act=nav_loc

Music Downloads
(contemporary music is available throughout this section)
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?loc_id=17,897&act=nav_loc

The Upper Room Worshipbook
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?loc_id=17,482,1146&act=nav_loc
Newly revised (2006) for congregations making use of contemplative, sacramental, emergent, and ancient-future worship.

Zion Still Sings
http://www.cokesbury.com//search.aspx?scope=all&query=Zion%20Still%20Sings
This new songbook will be released by Abingdon Press in early 2007. It will include many contemporary, alternative, and new ethnic songs.

Increased attendance for the sake of bringing people into a life of faith and making disciples for the transformation of the world is a worthy goal. Selecting worship music because one thinks it might increase attendance is not.
_____________________________________________________________________________Copyright © 2006 The General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church (Dean B. McIntyre, Director of Music Resources); PO Box 340003; Nashville TN 37203-0003; telephone 877-899-2780, ext. 7070; website <http://www.umcworship.org>.

This article may be reprinted and used for nonprofit local church and educational use with the inclusion of the complete copyright citation plus the words "Used by permission." It may not be sold, republished, altered, used for profit, or placed on a website.

Dean McIntyre, Director of Music Resources
The General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church
PO Box 340003; Nashville TN 37203-0003
Telephone 877-899-2780, ext 7073 (toll free)
Telephone 615-340-7073
Email Address: music@gbod.org
Website <http://www.umcworship.org>
Fax 615-340-7015

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 15:58:00 +0000

“The Best Way to Promote a Local Church Program”

FROM: THE GENERAL BOARD OF DISCIPLESHIP
(May be freely reproduced and used.)

I was recently asked, "How can I best promote our church's upcoming fall program? What's the best means of advertising and promotion?" There are many, and we've all used most of them over the years, but there is one method that is far and away the best of all of them. It works all the time in all places. It works almost immediately upon being put into action, and it continues to work over long periods of time. It takes little preparation and no training. It doesn't take a committee working on it to put into action. There's no need for record keeping. And best of all, it's completely free - no cost to the church! If a church implements this plan of promotion, there's no more need for ads in the newspaper or on TV. Forget about littering the neighborhoods with church signs. Don't spend time composing and sending out press releases or trying to arrange for media interviews.

Here's the plan: every person in the church -- child, youth, and adult, church member and staff -- tells someone outside the church family about your church and invites that person to visit. It must be every person. Members can't elect NOT to do it thinking that others will. It takes EVERY person's commitment. Do it once a week, every week. Pick a new person to talk to each week, and after a period of time, follow up on a person you've already talked with and do it again. That's it - one person talking to one other person once a week. Invest 60 seconds per week in the future of your church.

I'm not talking about a heavy-duty door-to-door witnessing campaign, or a Bible-thumping, end-times street evangelism program. I'm simply talking about a one-minute conversation with a friend, neighbor, co-worker, supermarket check-out clerk, postman, friend on the playground, teammate on the Little League or bowling team, someone you sit next to on a bus or in a restaurant. Don't make an appointment for the talk, just work it naturally into the conversation. Tell them briefly about one good thing that's happening at your church -- the choir, your Sunday School class, the new bell choir, summer camp, youth retreat, after-school day care, the Christmas musical, a mission project, remodeling or new construction, the pastor's sermon. Just share one good thing in three or four sentences and invite that person to join you the following week. Don't push. Don't demand an answer. Extend the invitation and move on. If the conversation allows for it, say more about your church, what's good about it, why you attend. This is not dishonesty or manipulation. It's not plotting and scheming to ambush your friend or neighbor. It's a friendly and honest conversation. It's also the most powerful and effective means of advertising and promotion the church can do. Word-of-mouth promotion, community spin, personal endorsement and recommendation.... all of these are better than anything you could pay for. A church that benefits from this kind of outreach is a church that is probably strong, vital, growing. It's a church with a reputation in the community that draws people to it.

And a second benefit from this kind of witnessing congregation -- the people are transformed. In the act of telling and inviting others, they become more committed. They are more faithful in their attendance. They increase their giving and thus the church is enabled to do more. Outreach projects multiply. They create more opportunities in the church for worship, education, training, nurture, evangelism. They take better care of their facilities. And we hope that all of that takes place so that new people become new disciples of Jesus Christ and all people grow in their faith.

Start it with an open-hearts-open-minds-open-doors sermon by your pastor. Encourage adult and youth Sunday School classes and groups to talk about it one week. Ask parents to talk with their children about it at home so they can understand and perhaps invite a friend to come to church or choir next week. And on a low-key but regular basis, keep it before your people, encouraging them to make it a regular part of their week's activities outside the church building.

The problem, of course, is that this is not flashy. It doesn't bring everyone together all at once for a high-energy emotional gathering followed by a church dinner. There's no applause, no door prizes or drawings, and no ribbons or rewards for being the best. But if it takes those things to get it going, then forget it. Your church isn't up for it, and it would be false advertising.

Dean McIntyre, music@gbod.org
Director of Music Resources,
The General Board of Discipleshipwww.umcworship.org

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 16:19:00 +0000

United Methodists Begin Back-to-School Advertising Campaign

NASHVILLE –The United Methodist Church is marking the back-to-school season with a $1.5 million national cable television advertising campaign that urges people to focus on God.

“The back-to-school season is a significant time to invite people to attend a United Methodist Church—after summer vacations are past and families begin to regroup and plan their fall activities,” said the Rev. Larry Hollon, chief executive of United Methodist Communications. “Many churches present new programming initiatives during this time of year to connect families to church ministries.” The commercials are designed to appeal to audiences between the ages of 25 to 54.

Two different television spots are included in the fall campaign. The first commercial, titled “I Believe,” begins “I believe no one who asks for help should be turned away.” The commercial showcases the acceptance and inclusiveness of The United Methodist Church.

The second commercial titled “Prayer” reminds us all to believe in the power of prayer with the great anticipation expressed in childlike faith. Both English and Spanish-language versions of this commercial will air.

The commercials are airing on 21 cable networks now through September 17. The two spots will air approximately 1,200 times, creating 244 million impressions. In addition to the national campaign, United Methodist Communications has awarded 70 grants totaling $240,000 to local churches to conduct media campaigns in their communities. Every dollar provided by the national agency will be matched by a dollar from local United Methodist organizations. The local campaigns involve a mix of advertising media, including broadcast and cable television, billboards, radio, and cinema advertising.

The commercials will air on the following networks: A&E, ABC Family, Animal Planet, BET, CNN and CNN Headline News, Discovery Channel, Fox News Channel, Hallmark Channel, Home and Garden Television, The History Channel, Lifetime, TBS Superstation, TNT, TV One, USA Network, The Weather Channel, and WGN Superstation. The Spanish-language commercials will be broadcast on Telefutura, Galavision, and Univision.

The United Methodist Church first began its "Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors." advertising and welcoming campaign in 2001.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 15:43:00 +0000

Evangelism is 'powerful dynamic' for Methodist movement

By Joan G. LaBarr*

SEOUL, South Korea (UMNS) - Participants in the July 20-24 World Methodist Conference were reminded of the powerful role that evangelism plays in today's world Methodist movement.

The Rev. Maxie D. Dunnam, chairperson of the Division of World Methodist Evangelism, declared that "What world evangelism is doing in leadership development, faith sharing, and connecting congregations throughout the World Methodist Movement is one of the most powerful dynamics in contemporary Christianity."

The Rev. H. Eddie Fox was re-elected world director of evangelism for the World Methodist Council during the Council's July 18-19 session preceding the conference. Council members also set evangelism as a priority for the next five years.

Speaking to some 2,500 Methodists at the conference, he told the dramatic story of the Methodist Church bell in Varna, Bulgaria. The bell was removed by the Communist regime in the 1960s, and three young men, pretending to be workers, moved it from the church grounds and buried it in a secret garden where it remained for 40 years.

"The bell was raised from its tomb, and when a new church was created in the heart of the city, the bell was placed in a new tower, in the highest point above the skyline," Fox said.

"The congregation would not ring the bell until the church was dedicated. Through World Evangelism, a family made a huge sacrifice to help finish the church, and on Sept. 29, 2002, the bell rang again. And today the bell rings."

Fox declared that it is not God's intent that people should live amid violence, destruction, and war. "We are called to ring the bell of salvation, healing, and hope in the world," he emphasized.

Fox carried the bell image throughout his presentation, sharing how the bell rings through the World Evangelism outreach, including:

+International Youth Conferences on Evangelism attended by more than 6,000 young people;
+EvangeMed (medical), EvangeBicy (bicycles), and EvangeBread (food) continued as ministries;
+Faith Sharing New Testaments distributed, some half-million copies in 38 languages;
+Connecting Congregations established on every continent since the ministry began in 1992;
+Training programs conducted for more than 6,000 leaders through the World Evangelism Institute;
+The 800-member "Order of the FLAME (Faithful Leaders as Mission Evangelists)" deployed as persons committed to carrying out the ministry of evangelism.

Fox reminded the delegates that they would have to make sacrifices if they were committed to the world evangelism purpose, "That the world may know Jesus Christ."

He indicated that, "There are parts of our movement which are in decline, and in denial, who are suffering from 'truth' decay." Referencing the song If I Had a Hammer, he reminded delegates that the second verse begins, "If I had a bell…"

"You have a bell, the name is Jesus, and we are called to be the bell ringers through word, deed, and sign in the world," he concluded.

Many delegates gathered around the Peace Bell at the Demilitarized Zone during Sunday worship services there, declaring that the bell would ring in the name of Jesus Christ for all the people on the Korean peninsula.

The Saturday World Evangelism Convocation offered another opportunity to hear how the Methodist Church is bringing hope through worldwide evangelistic outreach.

The Rev. Taavi Hollman, superintendent of the Methodist Church is Estonia, shared how God sustained the people during difficult times and how the church in the former Soviet satellite nation is reaching out today.

The Rev. Wilson Bonfim of Brazil told stories of EvangeMed, which offers medical care to "the poorest of the poor" in Rio and the Amazonian region

Katherine Ng, a member of the World Methodist Council presidium and a leader in the Methodist Church of Hong Kong, told how "Faith-Sharing Ambassadors," are trained and sent out as witnesses

Bishop Mvume Dandala, chief executive of the All-Africa Council of Churches, challenged participants to be faithful ambassadors of the Gospel and the Rev. Darryl Starnes of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, affirmed the assurance of the power of God's Spirit for sharing the Gospel message.

A highlight of the convocation came as individuals committed to support the work of many young evangelists on bicycles in the Mt. Kenya region in Meru, Kenya, through the ministry of World Evangelism and the Kaaga Synod of the Methodist Church in Kenya. Others gave specifically to the call to provide "EvangeBicys" for young evangelists in Ghana.

*LaBarr is director of communications for the United Methodist Church's North Texas Annual Conference. She managed the World Methodist Conference newsroom in Seoul, South Korea

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 12:10:00 +0000

Commentary: Churches, please check your telephone manners

By Alice Smith*

My mother, Irene Massey, is making a move from condo-living to a senior adult facility, and as part of the paperwork involved, I spent several hours on the telephone recently trying to get some needed financial information. I was making the calls because she has trouble navigating phone systems and hearing what people say.

My mother is quite smart and alert and on top of things (she speeds through the daily crossword puzzle in the paper), and her physical problems are mostly related to some hearing loss and trouble walking because of an arthritic knee. She is moving to an independent living facility, but one that offers support services. It is a move she initiated and is ready for, and I believe she will enjoy the other residents and the many activities.

I totally understand her frustration about trying to get a human on the phone when you want some information that you are entitled to and should be able to obtain readily. Convoluted voice-mail systems have become so commonplace that there are Web sites that tell you what to do in specific companies in order to access a person.

But what I've encountered as editor of Wesleyan Christian Advocate, the newspaper of the North and South Georgia annual conferences, is that many churches (not all, by any means) have impersonal phone systems where it's difficult to get a person on the line. Of all the places in the world you would expect to make human contact and hear a friendly voice right from the start, it is a church.

I call a lot of churches in my job, and it's usually during regular office hours when a staff member is normally there. Often I am amazed at what I find (or hear). One church, upon answering, had two full minutes of recorded options (I timed it). There was a greeting, listing of office hours, a fax number, an emergency number, a chance to punch your party's extension or access a staff directory, a lengthy discourse on the church's ministries, an opportunity to hear a monthly devotion - and finally the option to press "0" to talk to a person.

And while I'm at it, I have two other pet peeves. One is calling a church, asking to speak to someone, being put through as if the person were there and then getting the person's voice mail. I so appreciate those who tell me upfront the person isn't in and then offer access to their voice mail, because it gives me the opportunity to ask when the person will be in or if there is someone else who can help me. When you're working on deadlines, this information is helpful.

My other pet peeve is when people e-mail me but my response back doesn't go through because I'm not on their approved list. Once I went on one of our conference Web sites to get information about a specific event, and when I e-mailed the contact name on the Web site, I received the message, "I now allow incoming messages only from senders I have approved beforehand." Why on earth would some give their e-mail address "for more information" and then refuse to receive the e-mails?

I understand and appreciate the conveniences that come with message machines and e-mail, but common courtesy never goes out of style. Particularly it's incumbent on churches--which should place the highest priority on human connection in an increasingly anonymous society--to evaluate how they answer their phones and the image they are presenting to their members and the world.

*Smith is editor of the Wesleyan Christian Advocate, the newspaper of the North and South Georgia annual conferences.