2010 Plan Update #49: January/February 2007

2010 Plan's Objective: Enlisting the conference and its churches to reach new population groups for Jesus Christ.

Key Developments Since Last Update:

1. NEW FAITH COMMUNITIES & CONGREGATIONS.

   Rev. Mark Gough, on behalf of the Church Development Ministry Team, shared the following with the Cabinet, which will be proposed to the Annual Conference in June:

   "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.”

   The proposal, called the Sending of the Saints, builds on Bishop Coyner’s dream to send out teams to start faith communities in order to reach the unchurched. If approved, the Church Development Ministry Team will offer a variety of training in 2007 and early 2008 for those who will be helping to start these faith communities and congregations.

2. ETHNIC CHURCH DEVELOPMENT.

   After a thorough study of the ethnic population of North Indiana, the Strengthening the Black Church Team developed a preliminary plan that proposes the start of several churches targeting blacks and the development of several multi-ethnic churches that include blacks. The plan was shared initially with several district superintendents, and it will be further refined with more input from the Cabinet and Bishop.

   Ed Fenstermacher, at the request of Rev. Lamar Imes, developed a concept paper that outlines a strategy for church development on the south side of Fort Wayne that includes the existing churches, as well as a possible new multi-ethnic church plant. Further discussion with key leadership is planned.

3. NEW WORSHIP SERVICES. Ed Fenstermacher held a workshop for churches planning to start new worship services in order to reach new population groups. Forty-six participated from fourteen congregations.

4. INTRODUCTION TO RVP. The Redevelopment Venture Process (RVP), which is a team-based, 18-month process to help churches more effectively carry out their ministries, will begin a new group of churches on Sept. 29th. For churches interested in learning more about the process, there will be a free introduction to RVP held on Saturday, May 5th, from 10am-12 noon EDT, at Wabash First UMC.

Prayer Concerns:

1. Pray for the Sending of the Saints proposal.
2. Pray for the continued development of the ethnic church proposals.
3. Pray for churches launching new worship services.
4. Pray for churches as they consider participating in the new RVP group.
5. Pray that God would make our hearts--ache for the lost!