So I'm looking for some feedback on several items.
First of all my church is looking to start adult mission work. Anyone have any experience with that? I'm looking for organizational tips and who you've been involved with, i.e. UMCOR or VIM or someone else. This is coming from some laity so I want to nurture them with as much information as possible.
Second, are you all addressing the current global economic crisis in your churches? If so, how? Is anybody doing anything special with your budget to reflect this? I feel as if my church is currently focused on other matters and we have not given this series of events its proper consideration. I'm extremely nervous to think that we're going to really feel the crunch this winter as heating costs go up and people's expendable income goes down. Also I'm interested to see how people are responding to the increasing needs of the community. I don't know about you but we have more people coming in asking for money than ever before...and the demand on our local soup kitchen has increased. I can imagine it will only get worse this winter.
And finally, how do you all deal with ineffective staff? I find myself stuck between knowing the work that needs to be done with some staff that doesn't get it done, and being told the as a church we can't hire and fire as regular businesses do. This is mostly for my information as I have little say in staffing being the young associate (sometimes playing this card pays off!).
Oh and by the way. I found The Divine Conspiracy difficult to begin with but the more I get into it the better I enjoy it. Just words of hope for anyone who might be struggling with the beginning.
Blessings,
Alexis
Academy X is a group of clergy who are on a two-year (2008-2010) learning journey together as students enrolled in the Academy for New Ministry Development of the Iowa Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.
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2 comments:
:) Good to see someone else still posting.
Most of my mission experience is with youth, but here are some thoughts: VIM is good, and there are several trips that would bless them greatly. I am assuming they have been active locally in the soup kitchen or otherwise to know that they want a longer term missional experience?
Another great method is to connect them with a local missionary through the conference or someone that your church or church members support. Then coordinate with them for families or churches to stay with and work to be done. This often gives a personal feel and lets them see a more real perspective of the mission field.
In regards to the economic situation. I have not addressed in the congregation as yet, but I am preaching through our membership vows and this week is on gifts... I plan to touch it but not sure how. You are right that we will feel the effect in church. However our budget is up, and I pray God will provide
LOL staff is me and my secretary. She does a good job, but can turn toward the side of getting only the essentials taken care of. My solve there is to take a more active role in communication, accountability and encouragement. I meet with her regularly to go over her "things to do" and encourage her over things done. Always I keep pushing her to vision more and newer ways to be effective. (Of course you have to be in the leader position, see the need, and take the time for that to work)
Blessings and keep on praying. CF
Good thoughts from Craig. James did address the financial crises a couple of weeks ago. I will get him to share with you in Ohio.
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