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Where To Start
Find ways to revitalize or start new
ministries |
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So you want help starting a new
ministry? The Board of Congregational Development is here to
help. Below we have outlined two options for you to follow. The
box on the left,
Revitalization and New Church Start Process,
is general in nature. It will help anyone or any church
revitalize an existing ministry or start a new on, regardless of
funding. The box on the right,
Funding and Application
Process, is specific for those ministries that wish to apply
for funding from The Board of Congregational Development. It
requires each step be completed and a strict timetable be
adhered to. Both options have similar guidelines and many of
the ideas will overlap. Use as much as you can to help develop
the proper path for success.
The goal of The Board of Congregational Development is to
help develop ministries that will be ongoing and self supporting
long after the grant monies have ended. Although money is very
important for ministries, it is not the key to success. Good
planning, demographic studies, proper leadership training, and
faithful support will go much further in insuring success. |
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Revitalization and New Church Start Option
(see summaries at the bottom of the page)
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Board of Congregational Development (BOCD)
Funding and Application Process Option
(see summaries at the bottom of the page)
Timetable
See the Application Instructions for a
complete calendar, timetable, and due dates.
Feb. 1 Application due to District
Mar/Apr. BOCD reviews applications, makes final decision.
Apr. Cabinet appoints
clergy.
July 1 First check is mailed
Application for Ministry Funding
Click
here to download the
Application and Instructions
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Envisioning new
ministry |
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What are your hopes, dreams, and passion for
ministry? What group of people do you want to make disciples?
What are your gifts for ministry? This is one of the most
exciting parts of the process; exploring the many possibilities
for ministry. Visit the “Links” page to find many connections to
ministries all over the country. This may take a little time,
but it is time well spent. One of the greatest assists of the
United Methodist Church is its connectional system. Find one or
more ministries that may be similar to your dreams. Contact
those ministries, ask questions, seek advice, make connections!
It will be foundational to your success. Usually the process
begins with one person envisioning the possibilities but soon
must spread to a team to continue on the road of success. |
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Team ministry |
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Successful ministry is never done
alone. Your passion for ministry needs to spread to others so
they can catch your vision. The tasks needed to launch a new
ministry or revitalize an existing ministry are many and varied.
Help with the demographic studies, looking for suitable
locations, finding funding sources, and coordinating with other
churches in the area are just a few of the tasks that need to be
shared. A core team can divide the jobs into manageable portions
that do not overload anyone individual. Remember, there is no
“I” in “team.” Everyone working together will help make the
total job easier |
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Demographic Study |
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What are the people like around your
ministry community? Who are they? Would they like the type of
ministry you are thinking of offering? What is the percentage of
people in your community that have an attraction to Methodism?
Do you want to open a pre-school but you live in a senior
citizen community? Do you want to attract younger families into
your church but are in a neighborhood that is mostly made up of
single parents? These questions and many more are answered
through a complete demographic study. We will help you in this
most important process. We have contracted with the Precept
Company to provide this information. Link to the “Demographics
Page” for step-by-step instructions. The demographic study is
critical for any ministry quest but it is mandatory for those
ministries seeking funding from Board of Congregational
Development. |
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Location |
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Where will your new or revitalized
ministry take place? Will you be renting a store-front, school
gym, or warehouse for you ministry? Or will you be sharing the
facility of another United Methodist Church? If like most, you
will be doing the latter. Please check the Bishop’s “One Spirit”
resource to help avoid many of the pitfalls of sharing with another
church. The “One Spirit” resource is important for any new
ministry but it is mandatory for those ministries seeking
funding from Board of Congregational Development. |
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Training
Opportunities |
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The conference is committed to
providing training for those who want to start new ministries.
From local one-day and multi-day seminars to week long training at the United
Methodist Academy for Congregational Growth we have many
opportunities. Link to the “Training Page” for a list of many
upcoming training courses. It is hoped that clergy wishing to be
considered for new church start appointments or other
challenging ministries would complete a prescribed course of training. Please contact
the conference staff for more information. |
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Funding Sources |
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There are many sources for funding
your ministry vision. Most successful new ministries have
multiple funding streams. Link to the “Funding Page” for
suggestions on how to fund your ministry. Also link to the
“Funding Page” for the Board of Congregational Development
“Application
for Ministry Funding.” |
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Communication with District Planning & Strategy Committee |
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Each of the districts in the Cal-Pac
Conference has a District Planning & Strategy Committee. This
committee is the “in-between-step” for your ministry vision if
you seek funding from Board of Congregational Development. Your
District Planning & Strategy Committee has prioritized ministry
needs for your district. They will help you see if your ministry
fits within the master plan, assist you with the application
process, prioritize and approve your application, and forward it
to the Conference Board of Congregational Development. Work
closely with this committee, without them your application will
never reach the Board of Congregational Development. |
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