A Call to Action
"Go, and make disciples..." -- Matthew 28
I give thanks for the joyful, victorious spirit reported by all district superintendents as they engage with you in the fall session of charge conferences. The opportunity to set goals in five areas of ministry -- average worship attendance, profession of faith, small groups, people serving in mission, and total money raised to support mission -- has been embraced with energy. It is a good season in the life of our annual conference.
As the new year dawns, we will take a forward step with all United Methodists. We will begin reporting on these five areas of ministry weekly, using the new web resources provided by the United Methodist Church.
On January 2, 2012, the first Monday of the new year, each church will enter their data for the first time. The process is simple and accessible. Tim Thompson, Assistant to the Bishop for Vital Congregations, will be our chief coach and consultant, working with the cabinet and with you toward utilization of this resource across our annual conference.
Go to UMVitalcongregations.org to explore the web site and resources available to you.
Together, let us press on as we:
- Demonstrate courageous turnaround leadership that leads the church toward deep Holy Spirit change
- Take risks and experiment in ministry as we go to the margins in ministry with the poor, immigrants, prisoners, homeless persons, as well as non-religious and nominally religious people in our communities
- Unites as one and develop deeper trust so that together we face our adaptive spiritual challenges as one body in Christ
- Set forward-leaning goals and together support one another as we account for our ministry
- Grow vital congregations that will transform the world.
I give thanks to God for each of you today. May God's rich blessings flow to and through you in your life and work.
Hope Morgan Ward
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