© 2003-2008 California-Pacific
Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
110 South Euclid
Pasadena, CA
91101
626.568.7300
webservant@
cal-pac.org
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Board of
Congregational Development
“Go therefore and
make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
(Matt. 28:19)
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Bishop Mary Ann Swenson |
“Welcome to the wonderful,
exciting, and challenging world of church growth. The Cal-Pac
Conference is committed to helping you fulfill Christ’s call to
make disciples. Explore this web site to find resources,
training, and guidance in growing your present church or
starting a new congregation”
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As Christians we are all called to
take serious the words of Jesus Christ and provide opportunities
to make disciples. This is the mission of the United Methodist
Church. The Board of Congregational Development of the
California-Pacific Annual Conference is charged with the task of
equipping churches, laity, and clergy to start new ministries
and/or revitalize existing ones. Open your hearts, open your
minds, and open your doors to ministries that can expand
Christ’s church.
This web site is designed with two specific
functions:
First, we are here to support your hopes and dreams
to start or revitalize a ministry. We want to help you discover
what passion you have to reach the unchurched or re-engage those
who have left the church. We want to give you tools and training
so you can be successful. We want to show you examples of other
churches that might have tried something similar that you could
gain inspiration from. We want to help you follow a proven path
of success. You do not need permission from this or any other
board to start a ministry. Follow the Holy Spirit, engage your
local church, and you have permission for ministry. We are here
to help and support. Click “Where To Start”
to begin the process.
Follow the “Revitalization and New
Church Start Option” outlined in the left side box.
Second, we are here to guide those churches and
ministries that wish to apply for funding from The Board of
Congregational Development. There are specific procedures and an
application process that is to be followed in order to be
considered for monies the conference has made available through
The Board of Congregational Development. Click
“Where To Start” to begin the process.
Follow the “Board of Congregational Development Funding and
Application Option” outlined in the right side box.
James Conn, Director of New Ministries
The Rev. James Conn assumed responsibilities as director of new
ministries for the California-Pacific Conference effective Jan.
1, 2005. Conn previously served as the director of urban
strategy/shalom coordinator for the Cal-Pac Conference for nine
years. Conn served for 22 years as the minister of an
untraditional United Methodist Church known as the Church in
Ocean Park. In that time, he initiated a dozen social service
projects and grassroots neighborhood organizations. He also
served on the City Council and as mayor of the city of Santa
Monica.
The director of new ministries has primary
responsibility for providing the resources necessary to help
local congregations, extension ministries, districts, and boards
and agencies in developing new ministry opportunities to carry
out the mission of the church, recognizing the diversity of the
California-Pacific Conference. One of the primary focuses will
be planting new congregations and revitalizing existing
congregations that are declining or stagnant. Through
congregational visioning, demographics studies, and retooling of
clergy and lay leadership in the areas of evangelism, disciple
making, and welcoming, Conn will help local congregations to
become more effective faith communities.
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Board of Congregational Development Mission
Statement
We will lead this annual conference in addressing the need
for congregational development through: Strategy;
Establish a plan for congregational development, which
identifies and prioritizes opportunities for new and
revitalizing churches. Leadership; Develop competent and
effective pastors and laity for new and revitalizing churches
through training and support. Resourcing; Under gird new
and revitalizing churches with means to initiate and support new
mission through various resourcing models. |
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Craig Brown: Chairperson
revcraig@sothumc.org Jim Conn: Staff Support
urbconn@aol.com
This BODC web designed by Craig Evans
and maintained by James C. Kim Last
Update 10/19/07 |
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Academy #6 with Brian McLaren |
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