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.
The
Rev. Kelvin Sauls was born and raised in Johannesburg, South
Africa. He brings to the office of New Ministry years of
experience in, and passion for congregational vitalization for
community transformation. A bridge-builder for
multi-cultural/ethnic/racial/lingual congregational development,
Rev. Sauls is excited about his role as a strategist and
catalyst for vitality in the Conference. Prior to his ministry
in Cal-Pac, he served as Assistant General Secretary for
Congregational Development & Racial Ethnic Ministries at the
General Board of Global Ministries in New York, NY., and
Director for Congregational Transformation at the General Board
Discipleship in Nashville, TN. He provided pastoral leadership
with small, medium and large churches in Oakland, CA., San
Francisco, CA. and Abingdon, VA. While in Seminary, he served as
Associate Director of the Wesley Community Center in Dayton,
Ohio, and on the Campus Ministry Staff at The University of
Dayton.
Rev.
Sauls completed his undergraduate studies in religion, political
science & sociology at Hiwassee College in Madisonville, TN.
and Emory & Henry College in Emory VA. His graduate studies
include the completion of a Masters of Divinity at United
Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH., and the writing of his
dissertation in the area of congregational development &
revitalization for the Doctor in Ministry at San Francisco
Theological Seminary in San Anselmo, CA.
Rev.
Sauls is an ordained Elder in the California-Nevada Annual
Conference of the United Methodist Church. Throughout the United
Methodist connection, he is a mentor, coach and advocate in the
areas of transformational spiritual leadership,
multi-cultural/ethnic/racial/lingual congregational development,
community/economic development, justice ministries for equality
& dignity. His global ministry through missions, leadership
& congregational development include: THE CARRIBBEAN REGION
– Haiti, The Bahamas & The Republic of Dominica; THE
AFRICAN CONTINENT - South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Cote Voir
(The Ivory Coast), Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Senegal, & Mali;
SOUTHEAST ASIA – Cambodia, Laos, Thailand & Vietnam;
SOUTHWEST ASIA/THE MIDDLE EAST - Israel/Palestine.
Within
the United Methodist Church, he currently serves on the national
planning team for the Convocation of Pastors of Black Churches
(General Board of Discipleship), the Coordinating Committee for
the Community Developers Program (General Board of Global
Ministries) and participates in the Immigration Taskforce
established by the Council of Bishops. Within the Western
Jurisdiction, Rev. Sauls serve as Secretary for Black Methodist
for Church Renewal (BMCR).
A
published writer, poet and percussionist, he has a prophetic
& progressive, restorative & transformative vision of
faith communities being holistic
multi-cultural/racial/ethnic/lingual centers of wellness,
vitality & wholeness. He brings a passion & commitment
to partner with lay & clergy leaders in the
California-Pacific Conference and throughout the United
Methodist Church as a strategist and catalyst in the
transformation of existing congregations, and the creation of
innovative, disciple-growing faith communities to be missional
and relevant for “the present age” and to the glory of God.
He
is married to Rev. Judi Wortham-Sauls, a gifted preacher,
teacher and retreat leader who is passionate about pastoral
care, ministry with women, and quilting. Rev. Judi is an
ordained Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
