Sending of the Saints

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Questions & Answers Implementation Guide Prayer Guide Discernment Guide Resources Church Efforts North Indiana Conference PO Box 869 Marion, IN 46953 1.800.783.5138 info@nicumc.org	Sending of the Saints Questions & Answers What is the proposal? The conference’s Church Development Ministry Team proposed: "In 2008, each NIC church—alone or in cooperation with another church or churches—is expected to help start at least one faith community or congregation in order to reach, disciple, and serve persons outside their existing congregations.” A "faith community" or "congregation" would be an on-going group that consists of persons who regularly participate in worship, discipleship, and mission/service. Does this mean we’re being asked to start a new church? No. Although some churches may sense God calling them to reach the unchurched through the starting of a new worship service or an off-site congregation, for most it will likely be starting a small group targeting unchurched persons—for example, a Sunday school class, home Bible study, ALPHA group meeting in a home or prison, a study/worship/service group meeting in a mobile home or retirement home community. What’s the point of this? The objective isn’t to grow your church, but rather to go out and reach and disciple those outside your church who are in need of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Why is this important? Jesus Christ calls us to do it (Matt. 28:19). It helps us fulfill our U.M. church’s purpose to make disciples of Jesus Christ. Studies show that 50% of our population is unchurched. Studies also show that starting new faith communities and congregations is the best way to reach the unchurched. It builds on our Bishop Coyner’s dream of Sending 70 to start new faith communities. Why is it “expected” rather than “encouraged”? Jesus didn’t say, “I encourage you to go.” He simply said, “Go!” The intention is that every church would participate. Isn’t this top down, rather than local? Yes and no. The expectation (if approved) is coming from the top—from the Annual Conference, which is made up of members of every local church. Each church, however, will need to discern locally how God is calling it to be a part of this effort. There is no set formula or model because every church’s context is unique. How would our church do this? The conference will provide your church with tools to help it get started including the following: Guide for your church to pray for its community, Guide to help your church discern what God’s will is in this matter—who God might be calling your church to intentionally reach, how you might do that, List of optional workshops providing training opportunities, List of other potentially helpful resources. Your district will also provide your church with support, encouragement, accountability, and prayer through cluster meetings within the districts. And the conference’s Prayer Team will pray for your church’s effort. What if my church gets stuck or can’t seem to do it? It will be encouraged to team up with another church or churches that do have an outreach plan. What if after discerning God’s will, we decide God doesn’t want us to participate? If after spending time discerning God’s will, your church’s leadership clearly believes God is calling the church to focus elsewhere at this time, simply inform your district superintendent. What’s our next step? Begin working through the Sending of the Saints’ Implementation Guide, which encourages churches to spend at least this summer in prayerful discernment. Who do we turn to if we have a question? Contact your district superintendent or Ed Fenstermacher at 800.783.5138 or ed@nicumc.org.