Thank you to all who participated in the Best Practices Workshop on April 21. Below you will see videos and materials from the event. Feel free to download and use for your church.
Breakout Session Descriptions
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND NOMINATIONS
Facilitator: Ann Handschu, Assoc. Director of Discipleship Ministries/INUMC
An effective committee on nominations and leader development identifies, develops, deploys, evaluates, and monitors Christian spiritual leadership so that the congregation carries out the ministries for transformation of the community. If you have not been utilizing this valuable team within your congregation, come learn how they can be more effective in helping leaders understand the expectations of their work as well as where they are best suited to serve.
Leadership Development and Nominations
THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH PRIMER
Facilitator: Dr. Rev. Isaac Hopper, Brazil Union
It is becoming more apparent that a majority of persons affiliated with the UM churches in our district are not familiar with our history, theology, structure, or connection. Come learn how important it is for our memberships to be aware of who we are as United Methodists and why you should teach it within your congregations.
INUMC Clergy Appointment Process
HOSPITALITY AND CONNECTION
Facilitator: Jill Streckler; Director of Hospitality – Blue Grass UMC, Evansville
Out of genuine love for Christ and for others, laity and pastors are to take the initiative to invite, welcome, include, and support guests and newcomers so that they may grow in faith as they become part of the Body of Christ. Learn how Blue Grass UMC in Evansville continues to be a vibrant, fruitful, and growing congregation as they practice radical hospitality.
MISSIONAL OR MISSION – WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
Facilitator: Rev. Tom McGilliard; Lead Pastor – New Castle First UMC
The INUMC has emphasized the need for each church to be a missional church. Do you understand the full context of what that means? And how is that different than the work of the missions committee? This session will help answer these questions by sharing how our work needs to incorporate God’s Great Commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself” with His Great Commission “to share the good news to all the nations of the world.” Learn how Pastor Tom has led laity to understand this and incorporate both in how they serve.
EFFECTIVE TRUSTEE LEADERSHIP
Facilitator: Rev. Rodney Frieden; Lead Pastor – Indianapolis Epworth UMC
Effective trustees will function as Christian stewards of property God has entrusted to the congregation. However, the role and responsibilities of this team represents so much more than “fixing things” in the church. Effective trustees will function as Christian stewards of property God has entrusted to the congregation. However, the role and responsibilities of this team represents so much more than “fixing things” in the church. It is important to learn how this team’s work impacts hospitality and requires strong fiduciary responsibility. Additionally, annual and long term strategic planning will be discussed.
LAY LEADERSHIP – DEFINING THE POSSIBILITIES
Facilitators: Kate Biggs and Lisa Trigg; Co-Lay Leaders of the West District
The Lay Leader is to be the advocate for all laity of the church and for the mission. While the role of each congregation’s lay leader may be different from church to church there are particulars that should be common to each. Kate and Lisa will help define what the expectations are for persons holding this role as well as outline how the lay leader and pastor can work together to make lay leadership stronger and more fruitful.
Lay Leadership – Defining the Possibilities – Power Point Presentation
CHURCH FINANCES – PRACTICING GOOD STEWARDSHIP MODELS
Facilitator: Ian Hall, Director of Administration and Financial Services – INUMC
An effective finance committee proposes a budget; then raises, manages, and distributes the financial resources of the congregation to support and strengthen the mission and ministry of the congregation. While the role may seem straight forward, the work of the finance team can be a daunting task. Ian will help those involved in this ministry to understand how your financial leadership role advances the vision for ministry in your unique congregation, especially how to get funding priorities aligned with your mission and vision. Additionally, you will see best models for budgeting, tracking, and planning.
Church Finances – Practicing Good Stewardship Models – Presentation Slides