2010 Plan Update #31: January/February 2004
2010 Plan's Objective: Enlisting the conference and its churches to reach new population groups for Jesus Christ.
Key Developments Since Last Update:
- CHURCH MERGERS/POTENTIAL PARTNERSHIPS.
- The five GARY UMC's vote March 7th as to whether or not they wish to form a new congregation.
- Five UMC's in MARION voted to continue exploring the possibility of forming a new congregation. One UMC voted to no longer participate in the discussion.
- The eight UMC's in FORT WAYNE narrowed the strategies that they are considering down to four, which they will now explore in more detail.
- OFF-SITE PLANTERS NETWORK BEING FORMED.
Pastors from six congregations that are in the process of starting off-site congregations have been invited to attend a March meeting to discuss the formation of a networking group. The purpose of the group will be to provide the leaders with encouragement, training, and prayer. Five other pastors interested in church planting have also been invited.
- NEW CONGREGATIONS.
South Bend Pathways multi-housing ministry is in transition. Because the ministry didn't meet benchmarks set by the Committee on Church Development, conference funding for the ministry will end in June. As a result, its leader, Rev. Kevin Buckley, will likely be appointed elsewhere. The ministry, which consists of four small groups with an average attendance of around 30 people, is now exploring options, including the possibility of becoming a part of an established United Methodist church.
Rev. Buckley, only working quarter time (he also was pastoring an established church), has accomplished quite a feat, and we thank him for it. In hindsight, the project's steering committee recognizes that Kevin needed to be at least half time in order to continue growing the ministry. Please keep it in your prayers.
- New South Madison County Church. Preliminary thinking of a Marion District study committee has concluded that a new church is needed south of the junction of I-69 and SR 13. However, it appears that a traditional church plant probably isn't the best strategy. The committee is exploring the possibility of an established church taking on the project.
- REDEVELOPMENT PROCESS.
Teams from the eleven churches in the three-year Redevelopment Venture Process held their second session on February 7th with around 130 in attendance. A team from the conference continues to be trained to lead RVP in the future. Recruitment has just begun for the next group of churches to go through RVP. The first session will begin September 25th. Churches should contact their district superintendents if they're interested.
- HISPANIC PLAN.
Thirteen people completed Module 1 training held in Fort Wayne last month. They join 20 others who were trained last fall as Lay Missioners and Pastor Mentors. Eight who completed Module 1 attend the South Wayne UMC in Fort Wayne. This church has been holding Spanish-language classes every Saturday followed by a meal and Bible study. The church is hoping to establish a Hispanic faith community.
Prayer Concerns:
- Pray for the projects and churches listed above, and those leading the efforts.
- Pray for Rev. Kevin Buckley and Pathways UMC as it makes its transition.
- Continue to pray for one of our newer congregations, Southern Wells Community Church, and its pastor Rev. Dan Love as the church and the conference leadership consider the church's future.
- Pray for the South Wayne UMC and its fledgling Hispanic faith community.
- Pray that God would make our hearts--ache for the lost!
