Clergy Services Connexion January 2020 — Volume 2, Number 1 A Publication of the Office of Clergy Services
Of the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church
Camping & Recreational Ministries
Jubilation
Partners In Crisis
Convocation
Evangelism Corner Rev. Jason Roe Spiritual Life Renni P. Morris
Youth and Young Adult Ministries Laura McLean
Connectional Ministries Rev. Mike Sluder
Table of Contents
From the DS Perspective Rev. Randy Martin
Communications Dr. Rev. Tim Jones
Fresh Expressions of Ministry
Mission Hubs Rev. Susan Groseclose
Camp Wesley Woods Confirmation Camp
Sexual Ethics and Boundaries Task Force Rev. Caleb Pitkin
The Clergy Services Connexion is published quarterly in January, April, July and October by the Office of Clergy Services. It is for the ministers of the Holston Annual Conference and it seeks to provide insight into the ministries, events, and activities of the annual conference. Any questions or comments should be directed to the editor and publisher: Rev. Terry Goodman Director of Clergy Services POB 850 Alcoa, TN 37701 terrygoodman@holston.org
Phone: (865) 293-4147
Stewardship & Finances
UM News
Appalachian Trail
Shareable Links
I am excited about the possibilities of ministry that abound for the churches of our annual conference. I continue to hear stories of how God is moving and how God’s people are making a difference in the lives of individuals as well as communities. I hope that this publication will help you to better understand some of the things that our annual conference is doing to make a difference in people’s lives. Contained in this edition are articles, announcements, and other information to help keep you better informed about life in Holston Conference. I am always open to suggestions for what might be included in future editions. Please contact me if you have any ideas.
Candidacy Summit Scheduled for January 11, 2020
Coming Events Jan 6 .............. Provisional & Associate Written Materials Due Jan 11............ Candidacy Summit (Alcoa, TN) Jan 15............ Appointment Cabinet Meets Jan 24-26 ...... Resurrection 2020 (Pigeon Forge, TN) Feb 6 ............. Appointment Cabinet Meets Feb 10 ........... BOM Interviews - Provisional & Associate Membership (Alcoa, TN) Feb 17-19 ...... Minister’s Convocation (Pigeon Forge, TN) Mar 6-8 ......... Clergy Spouses Retreat (Pigeon Forge, TN) Mar 9-13 ....... Cabinet Appointment Making Week Mar 15-16 ..... Cabinet Phone Call Week Apr 2 ............. Appointment Cabinet Apr 15 ........... Appointment Cabinet Apr 16 ........... BOM Spring Meeting (Alcoa, TN) Apr 19-21 ...... Women in Ministry Retreat (Roan Mountain, TN) May 5-15....... General Conference (Minneapolis, MN) May 20 .......... DCOM recommendations for Provisional & Associate Candidates
After a fumble on the exact date of the 2020 Candidacy Summit, it has been scheduled for Saturday, January 11, 2020 at the Conference Center in Alcoa, TN. At this stage it is too late to register for this event and since most people reading this are not going to need to attend, I mention this event so that you might hold the 24 individuals along with their Mentors and the Vocational Discernment Coordinator in your prayers. The men and women that will gather for this event are seeking to discern how God might be able to use them in ministry. This is an important day for them as they officially kick off their quest to become a certified candidate for ministry. Our denomination needs the energy and vitality that these persons will bring to their discernment process and ultimately to the denomination and annual conference as they begin to find their way into avenues of service within the annual conference. Some will already be serving as supply pastors. Some might begin to serve in that role. Others might be on track to be a Certified Lay Speaker or Certified Lay Minister. Others are seeking certification and license as a local pastor and/or to attend seminary. This is where it all begins. For me, this was some 35 years ago. I still wish I had the vitality of spirit and strength of body that I had back then. Let us pray that God will be able to mightily use these men and women in ways that only they are called to be used.
May 22 .......... Appointment Cabinet BAC Review Jun 4 ............. Ordained and Commissioned Day Apart with the Bishop (Alcoa, TN) Jun 7-10 ........ HOLSTON ANNUAL CONFERENCE (Lake Junaluska, NC) Jun 17 ........... Move day for transitioning pastors
DCOM Training is Completed
During October and November, all the DCOM�s in the annu guidelines and procedures. The goal of our new guidelines which candidates and local pastors are interviewed across January, you might notice some changes in the procedures
Provisional and Associate Interviews Scheduled for February 10, 2020 At the other end of the spectrum from those beginning candidacy are those closer to the end of the process. We have persons that are coming to the Board of Ordained Ministry seeking to be commissioned as a Provisional Member of the annual conference or as an Associate member of the annual conference.
MINISTRY MATTERS A look at ministry related concerns of the Annual Conference
This year, the following persons are coming forward for interviews. They have completed their paperwork (at least I hope they will have by the January 6th deadline!) and are ready to be questioned by BOM Interview teams. Jacqueline Davis-Gines (SS) ................... PE Sean Glenn (TR) ........................................... PE Samuel Hopson (TR) ................................... PE Judy Keller (MV)........................................... PE Adam Blake McCloud (MV) ........................ PE Melissa R Malcolm (TR).............................. PE Tina Morgan (HI)........................................... PD Patty Muse (TR) ............................................ AM Amy Suzanne Nutt (SS).............................. PE William C Rimmer (MV) .............................. AM William “Bill” Stuart (SS)............................ AM Chris West (MV) ........................................... PE I encourage you to keep these persons in your prayers as they complete their written work and prepare for the interviews.
ual conference received training in the newly adopted s is to provide a uniform approach to the manner in s the annual conference. When DCOM’s begin meeting in s.
“Ah. I smiled. I'm not really here to keep you from freaking out. I'm here to be with you while you freak out, or grieve or laugh or suffer or sing. It is a ministry of presence. It is showing up with a loving heart.” ― Kate Braestrup, Here If You Need Me
“To change ourselves effectively, we first had to change our perceptions.” ― Stephen R. Covey
Sexual Ethics and Boundaries Task Force News What is coming for the Sexual Ethics Task force in 2020? Before we answer that question, lets quickly review what was done in 2019. In 2019 all of our clergy received up to date sexual ethics training. It was very positively received and we are grateful you all found it valuable. We also passed an updated sexual ethics policy at conference which you can find in the 2019 Book of Reports page 113, 2019 Journal Volume I page 242 and on the Holston website at https://www.holston.org/ministerial-sexualethics. In 2020 we plan on trying to build on that work. One way is going to be taking inspiration from the North Carolina Annual Conference and film a video of our clergy men reading and reacting to some of the things said to our clergy women. If you have negative or disparaging comments made to you or about you by congregants, leaders or colleagues please share them using this link https://is.gd/clergywomenstories . They will remain anonymous. This video will be used both at Annual Conference and in training for SPR and PPR chairs and teams. With this video as a starting point, we are looking into how to help train PPR teams to help them understand sexual harassment in the local church. Part of the focus will be on the experience of clergy women and the struggles they face. We are also going to be partnering with our annual conference communication team. We are developing a conference social media policy and ensuring that our conference website has the information it needs to help people who are dealing with harassment or other ethical breaches in their church. The long and short of it is this. Rather than Sexual Ethics issues be something that comes up every couple of years when we get training, it is going to be an on going focus of the conference. We are here for you and for the long haul. -Submitted by Caleb Pitkin, Member of Sexual Ethics and Boundaries Task Force
“Consultation as Holy Conversation” By the time Bishop Taylor fixes the pastoral appointments for the ensuing year at Annual Conference, a lot of people have engaged in much prayer, work, anxiety, questions, conversation, consultation, and even sleepless nights. The vehicle by which the appointment process moves is by a series of consultations. There are four consultations that occur: - Between pastor and District Superintendent - Between pastor and Pastor/Staff Parish Relations Committee - Between District Superintendent and Pastor/Staff Relations Committee - Between Bishop and District Superintendents The goals of the consultations are: - To discern God’s Will and Call in the lives of the pastors and churches - To provide strong pastoral leadership to local churches - To evaluate needs of churches and pastors - To enable churches to discern and fulfill God’s Mission for the church - To help pastors use their gifts and graces in the most effective ways - To be sensitive to the needs of the churches and the pastors and their families As United Methodists, we believe in the power of Holy Conversation. We believe in honest debate, different theological stances, and affirmation of each other as children of God. Our connection to each other is evident in many ways. One of the strongest evidences is in the appointment process. The Holy Conversations we have around appointments can be powerful experiences of hope, help, and healing when we are being diligent in seeking God’s Will for our lives. Some characteristics of Holy Conversations: - Directed by prayer - Affirms gifts and graces of those conversing - Are honest but loving - Seek answers to the questions “What is the Kingdom issue? And What is the Missional Decision?” - Are not just opinion driven but love driven I pray that in the days to come we may learn the power and necessity of Holy Conversation. I pray that all our consultations around the appointment process will be Spirit-led and Mission-driven. I pray that God will wash each of us with Grace, fill all of us with His Spirit, and give renewal to our souls daily.
From the District Superintendent ‘s Perspective By Rev. Randall Martin Scenic South
“The Power of Generous Lives” “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him, should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
Spotlight on Finances
With the hustle and bustle of Christmas behind us, I hope that you had time as followers of Christ to reflect on the incarnation. The incarnation of God as revealed to us in Jesus Christ shows us what God is like. God is love…. God is unconditional grace…. And God is generous. Generosity abounds in God. The essence and nature of God is to love and to be generous. Think about your own life: Who are the generous people that have uniquely touched your life? How have they shaped you and changed you? Having received their gifts, how do you seek to live a generous life as a Christ follower, disciple, and servant leader? We are the beneficiaries of generously lived lives. Those kind of lives motivate and influence others, and we need to share their stories. In a time and culture of great division, we need to share stories of generosity – purposefully and with regularity. It needs to be at the heart of our preaching, teaching, and witness. Such stories – shared passionately and effectively – will offer hope and encouragement to your people, and may well stir new expressions of generosity within your congregation. And as those expressions emerge, the Holston Foundation stands ready to partner with individuals and churches and other ministry bodies in bringing God-inspired ministry dreams to fruition. Since 1981, the Holston Foundation has served as a steward of financial resources through planned giving, investments, grants, and scholarships. We have been blessed to meet and hear the stories of countless people who have been led to act generously, and then to follow through to bring their generous vision to fulfillment. * It could be a significant gift to missions…. * It could be a generous gift to aid young people in going to college…. * It could be a gift to help fund seminary education for the men and women called to ministry… * Or it could be to any number of creative causes that help strengthen local churches and transform our communities through providing for physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Cumulatively, those gifts make a difference in many lives through the years, and they represent a powerful and growing legacy of help and hope, love and caring, to the people of the Holston area and wellbeyond. We invite the churches, pastors, and laity of Holston to reflect on the many ways that members and friends of our churches can leave a legacy through a planned gift to their church, and to be open to a conversation about how the Holston Foundation might partner in the pursuit of such a gift. Indeed, whether it is in partnering to bring about a planned gift, offering a powerful and instructive “Provide and Protect” seminar in your church, preaching about the joy and impact of generosity, or offering stewardship support and consultation to strengthen generosity in your church, the Holston Foundation would be honored and excited to work with you. Please know we are here for you as you call your people to good stewardship, and greater generosity. Together in Christ, Richard Edwards, Director of Stewardship (On behalf of Paul Bowman, Executive Director, Holston Foundation)
FreshExpressionsUS.org/event/VisionDayHolstonConference
January has arrived and for thousands of youth and leaders around Holston that means Resurre Resurrection Design Team is so excited to have Reggie Dabbs and Elias Dummer back with us in 20
The Conference Council on Youth Ministries (CCYM) is looking forward to sharing about other o throughout the year. During the weekend youth and leaders will have the chance to hear about A college campus; Youth in Mission, a summer mission trip; and Engage, retreats for young people w
Each year we can’t wait to see what will happen when we are all together in the big room. We w youth talents, the music and the message. But, I think one of the most valuable parts of the wee groups. I’m sure you’ve all experienced the incredible break through and bonds that can happen speaker will say something from the stage that will spark a discussion within a youth group when that might not have been discussed otherwise. There is great power in the shared experience.
In addition to the bonds that are made between teenagers in the youth groups, I think that retr to get to know adult leaders and pastors. The Sticky Faith research conducted by the Fuller Youth for youth developing a faith that sticks past high school was teenagers having at least 5 caring adu teenagers could watch live out their faith and who took the time to be a part of the lives of teena churches to help develop these intergenerational relationships. You, as pastors, have incredible c may or may not realize how much young people look up to you in your role, but I can promise you Resurrection with your group speaks volumes to teenagers; it gives them the chance to get to kno morning. And guess what? It gives you the chance to get to know them as well.
I encourage you to make every effort possible to be with your group for at least part of the wee and the lights may be brighter than what you prefer, but it will be worth it anyway. The best way them is to show them. The best way to show them is to walk alongside them.
ection is also quickly approaching! The 020!
pportunities that are available for youth Assembly, a week long summer camp on a who feel called to ministry.
will be inspired, challenged and encouraged by ekend comes in the community of the youth when a group has a shared experience. Often a n they gather for devotions, perhaps something
Youth and Young Adult Ministries Laura McLean
reats like Resurrection are a great time for youth h Institute found that one common denominator ults in their lives. Five Christian adults who agers. There is a great opportunity for our chances to encourage youth in their faith. You u, they do. Taking the time to attend ow you on a less formal level than a Sunday
ekend in Pigeon Forge. The music may be louder to tell teenagers that the church cares about
Resurrection 2020 January 24-26 LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge , TN
Who is My Neighbor? A legal expert stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to gain eternal life? Jesus replied, “What is written in the Law? How do you interpret it?” He responded, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus said to him, “You have answered correctly. Do this and you will live.” But the legal expert wanted to prove that he was right, so he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:25-29, CEB)
The Story of the Good Samaritan is a familiar response that Jesus tells when the legal expert asks, “Who is my neighbor?” However, I’m wondering…how well do you know your neighbors? Do you even know your neighbor’s names? How does your story connect to your neighbor’s story and to God’s story? Jay Pathak and Dave Runyon explores in their book, The Art of Neighboring: Building Genuine Relationships Right Outside Your Door, practical ways for folks in your missional hub to engage and build relationships that transform your community.
The authors, Jay and Dave, developed the art of neighboring in response to their local government officials challenge to improve their cities’
neighborhoods. This resource offers a practical framework to take the Great Commandment seriously. It guides groups to move beyond the obstacles of time and fear so that you take the necessary baby steps to move from stranger to acquaintance to relationship. It also illustrates how to develop the art of neighboring through receiving, setting boundaries, focusing, and forgiving. They have experienced first-hand the power of working together to create a movement of good neighboring which has transformed neighborhoods and cities.
The laity and clergy leaders in the Blount West Missional Hub are accepting the challenge to take seriously and put into action The Great Commandment. They are reading the book together; discussing the small group video sessions (www.artofneighboring.com); sharing personal stories of neighboring; and exploring ways that their hub can fully commit to building relationships and loving neighbors in the Blount West communities. The plan is to lead the study in early 2020, using the sermon series and interactive small group study, in their respective churches. As they work together the prayer and hope is to build vital, loving relationships in their communities; listen and discover their neighbor’s needs; receive the gifts of one another; and together transform their communities.
In recent discussions, the missional hub leaders have begun to identify their neighbors – for most of the group connecting with their actual neighbors – those that live on each side, in front, and in back of us. For others, neighbors are those they see at work but rarely interact or get involved with their lives. The team confessed that for most of us there might be one or two neighbors we know really well but there are other neighbors that we barely know their name – often
times just saying “hello” or waving – much less knowing and connecting with their story. We also shared ways that we could make time to get to really know and interact with our neighbors whether that is playing on a community-wide sport team rather than another league, participating in a community event or being an active member in a neighborhood group, or even connecting electronically through a neighborhood Facebook page or www.nextdoor.com. We have pondered - what might happen if we knew one another’s story, listened to each other’s concerns, or took the time to care for one another? In the weeks and months ahead, the group will continue to discover the art of neighboring and put into practice the steps to build relationships with their neighbors.
Reverend Susan Groseclose, Associate Director of Connectional Ministries, is participating with the Blount West Missional Hub and documenting their work together. As your missional hub plans and implements their work, she is available to answer questions or assist. Please contact her at susangroseclose@holston.org or 865-690-4080.
What Is Spiritual Formation? Spiritual formation is the process that helps us more deeply connect with God. Richard Foster describes it as a way of life that leads us from the shallow to the deep. As we grow closer to God, we experience a freedom and joy that can be found in no other way. This approach to life with God offers restoration, refreshment, and reorientation. Paul described it in 2 Corinthians 4:16 (CEB): So we aren’t depressed. But even if our bodies are breaking down on the outside, the person that we are on the inside is being renewed every day.
NUMINO
A commitment to spiritual formation is one of the most generous things we can do for God, for ourselves and for others.
Why Spiritual Formation? As a preacher’s kid and a deacon’s daughter, my husband and I have always gone to church. We learned how to find every book in the Bible. We were encouraged to memorize Bible verses and be present every time the church doors were open. In general, our churches did not teach us how to connect the head (information) to the heart (formation) in a way that transformed how we responded with our hands and feet (service that came out of being in a relationship with God). We were encouraged to just keep learning and doing whatever needed to be done. In 1999, I hit the wall spiritually and I didn’t know how to respond. Should I participate in more Bible studies or should I work harder? All the doing became heavy and I was certain there had to be something more. I wasn’t seeking something weird or new age. It needed to be scripturally sound yet practical and doable for someone with a spouse, a middle schooler, a job and additional commitments and responsibilities. I couldn’t add one more thing to my to do list. My soul cried out for an ordinary, everyday, down to earth approach to life with God. Our associate pastor took the time to understand what was going on with me and she gave me a copy of Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth by Richard Foster. On the cover page she wrote, “May the words found in these pages arise to meet you in wonderful and transforming ways as we continue to journey with God.” Her presence in my life was a difference maker and God met me in a life-giving way. Foster’s book encouraged me and fed my soul. ®
I found The Upper Room Academy for Spiritual Formation and I am now convinced it is the best kept secret in the UMC! As the Academy
introduced me to new ways what I was DOING and how learned how to practice a c prayer, silence, worship, so The faculty was top notch a found fresh ways to abide i UMC Certification in Spiritu described this process of tra best thing I’ve ever done.
It was a spiritual workout si describes in her book At Ho does with our faith must be sees to it that our faith gets and pounded, taken to its li If it doesn’t get exercised, it that fails us when we need
What’s Next?
Have I finished the process the path and I am grateful f
OUS
last 20 years. The journey isn’t over!
“having a strong religious or spiritual quality; indicating or suggesting the presence of divinity.”
s to BE in relationship with God, w I was doing it changed. I consistent rhythm of study, olitude, relationship and rest. and the topics were diverse. I n Christ and I completed my ual Formation. I’ve often ansformation as the hardest
imilar to what Jan Karon ome in Mitford: “… what God e something like workouts. He s pushed and pulled, stretched imits so its limits can expand…. t becomes like a weak muscle it.”
of transformation? No, I am on for what I have learned over the
Most of all, I’m thankful that what I have experienced was not just for me. Robert Mulholland says that the work of spiritual formation is “the process of being conformed to the image of Christ for the sake of others.” Spiritual formation prepares us to better love God and neighbor -- to be filled and poured out every day -- to kindle our spirits -- to develop a willing spirit so God can better shape us for His service. Without spiritual formation, we can't be all that God desires. My Prayer The process of spiritual formation helps keep water in the well. Don’t allow yourselves to run on empty! John 7:38 reminds us: All who believe in me should drink! As the scriptures said concerning me, “Rivers of living water will flow out from within me.” Prayer: Lord, you stand ready to help us when we call out to you. Teach us to remember that when we are empty, you long to fill us with your goodness and grace. Make us ready to receive You!
WRITTEN BY: Renni P. Morris -- Director of Spiritual Formation at First Farragut UMC, Tennessee Valley District Lay Leader rmorris@ffumc.org
References and resources: Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth by Richard J. Foster The Upper Room Academy for Spiritual Formation* -- https:// academy.upperroom.org/ At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon Invitation to a Journey: A Road Map for Spiritual Formation by M. Robert Mulholland Jr.
*Note: The Upper Room Academy for Spiritual Formation ® ministers to both clergy and laity through both Five-Day and Two-Year options. Five-Day Academies are held on an ongoing basis in various locations. Each Academy explores two topics with two faculty members. Holston Conference has offered three Five-Day Academies at Emory & Henry since 2016. Two-Year Academies meet eight times for five days over two years. Visit their web site for additional information.
Save the date for an exciting Ministers Convocation 2020. Watch your email for more details coming soon. Our plenary speakers will include:
Carey Nieuwhof - A former lawyer and founding pastor of Connexus Church and the author of several best-selling books. Carey speaks to leaders around the world about leadership, change and personal growth. He writes one of today's most widely read Christian leadership blogs at www.CareyNieuwhof.com and hosts the top-rated Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast where he interviews some of today's best leaders. His content is accessed over a million times a month by leaders.
Jasmine Smothers - Jasmine Rose Smothers currently serves as the Lead
Pastor of the historic Atlanta First United Methodist Church. She is the first female, the first person of color, and the youngest leader in the congregation’s 172-year history. She has served the United Methodist Church as a member of the United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race; the Ministry Study Commission; and several task forces on Ministry with Young People. Rev. Jasmine is a 2015-2016 Lewis Center for Church Leadership Community Fellow.
Jeremy Troxler - Jeremy Troxler is the pastor of Guilford College United
Methodist Church in Greensboro N.C. He is the former director of the Thriving Rural Communities Initiative at Duke Divinity School. Jeremy is an ordained elder in the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church.
Rev. Jason Roe General Evangelist
THOUGHTS ON EVANGELISM
Jesus Evangelism Have you ever just wanted to know that you are doing it right? Evangelism models have been created and printed for decades. There are so many different ideas. Many are good but most depend on a person’s personality or gifts. If you find the right model that fits your style, you are in luck. If not, you remain frustrated in the attempt or give up all together. I would like to offer you a model that is totally not mine. It is actually one of the models that Jesus demonstrated and could simply be modeled by anyone that wants to be intentional about their faith. The model is demonstrated in John 9:9-10. 9
As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. 10
And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples.
The first thing we can see here is that Jesus saw a man named Matthew. Being a tax collector, I’m not sure that anyone really SAW Matthew. They saw a tax collector. They saw a thief. They saw someone they judged before they even knew. I can only imagine that Matthew’s friend list was short. Nobody wanted to SEE Matthew. He probably felt pretty invisible. Have you ever felt invisible? Have you ever been among a large group of people and not been noticed or spoken to? Almost like you are not even there invisible! Its not a good place to be. Here, Jesus saw Matthew! There are people like Matthew all around us who need to be seen. Let us SEE people, but there’s more! It’s not enough to just SEE people. Jesus did something here before he saw Matthew. He stopped. We have to STOP too. We are no different than the world if we notice someone around us that’s stuck in life’s circumstances and we don’t STOP. I know everyone is busy. I know that getting involved in the lives of others can be hard. I know it might alter your reputation to hang out with people that society deems inferior. But as people of God, we have to STOP and notice the people around us. Lastly, Jesus went to Matthew’s house for dinner. He spent time with Matthew. As we all know, Time is very valuable. Time + Relationship = influence. When we SPEND TIME with people, our relationship is deepened and trust can be built. It is in these moments, when you SPEND TIME with people, God shows up and uses you to change the lives of others through Christ. Let us SPEND TIME with people so we might be influencers for Jesus.
(Continued on page 18)
(Continued from page 17)
SEE – STOP – SPEND TIME This type of one on one evangelism is the most effective way of making disciples. You might think that an evangelist would lean toward promoting a revival or an evangelistic event as a catalyst for making disciples but after preaching evangelistically for nearly 25 years I’ve learned that life-on-life evangelism wins the day. Don’t get me wrong, revivals and evangelistic events are still a must They work to turn people toward Christ. Lives are often sparked and churches find a sense of renewal though events like this, but if the goal is making disciples, we need everyone to be involved in the process. Each of us can do this! SEESTOP-SPEND TIME with people until you witness them SEE-STOP-SPEND TIME with other people in the name of Jesus. That’s the Jesus kind of Evangelism!
Jason Roe www.forgeforward.org ForgeForward - Jason Roe A Note from the Editor: Jason is available to come to your church and conduct a variety of programs and training sessions. He is also available to preach. Please use him in your local church.
The Busy “Off-Season”
Camp and Retreat Ministries
Rev. Mary Thompson Executive Director of Camp & Retreat Ministries POB 850 Alcoa, TN 37701 (423) 667-8269 marythompson@holston.org
To support our camps with camper scholarships, annual campaigns, or capital campaigns please click on this logo.
While serving in a local congregation, I remember having a parishioner tell me that “I must be very bored when it wasn’t Sunday and I didn’t have anything to do.” While the comment was made sincerely, it also showed a deep unawareness about what ministers do day-in and day-out. I have found in camping ministry that many have a hard time wrapping their minds around what it is our Camp & Retreat Ministries staff do when it is not summer. You may have wondered the same thing! I hope you will find this update from Camp & Retreat Ministry to be informative and maybe even a little reassuring that you aren’t the only one busy on your “days-off.” “Spreading joy and hope feels especially important right now.” That was one of many powerful things shared with Holston Camp Directors at Lake Junaluska the week of November 10th. It was shared by author, entrepreneur and speaker Joan Garry. The Holston Camp Directors and I were fortunate enough to receive continuing education at the largest ever camp gathering aptly named The Great Gathering. Shane Claiborne, Barbara Brown Taylor, Joan Garry, and Luke Powery were among the many speakers. It was a windy and cold time at Lake Junaluska (see picture to fully understand how windy it was); however, we found our hearts strangely warmed from the time we had to get away at a retreat center and soak up new ideas, fellowship together, and to be reminded that we are not alone in our work. We left inspired. Aren’t retreat centers (and God) great for that?! Having just finished the Advent season at your congregation, I pray that you feel recharged to continue to spread joy and hope in your church and community. I know we at our camps feel emboldened to stand beside you in your ministry. Besides attending The Great Gathering in November, our camp staff had 6 Board of Directors meetings in the span of just a few weeks. Our final meeting occurred November 22-23 at Camp Dickenson. During this two day meeting, the CRM Board of Directors met with Camp Directors, Camp Board Chairs, Cabinet Representative
(Hugh Kilgore) and the Director of Connectional Ministries (Mike Sluder) to hear year-end reports and approve our 6 operational budgets for 2020. You may be surprised to learn that for 2020 our combined operational budgets for CRM will be about $2.6 million. Our camps receive about $500,000 from Holston Conference but raise over $2 million each year through fundraising and revenue generating efforts like summer camp, outdoor education, and retreats. In addition to our operational budget, the camps fundraise about $1 million annually to continue our capital projects (see pictures of Camp Lookout’s new cabin and Camp Bays Mountain’s new Welcome Center). As you can imagine, those efforts take up a fair amount of our time. But we consider ourselves to be very fortunate that in our “off-season,” we have ministries that need our time and attention. So whether you read this article during the busy Christmas Season or during Ordinary Time, I hope you hear us say that we see you. We see you busy doing God’s work in every season and on every day and we appreciate you.
Anderson Welcome Center at Camp Bays Mountain
New Cabin Under Construction at Camp Lookout
Holston Camp Directors (Left to Right) Anthony Gomez—Camp Dickenson Whitney Winston–Camp in the Community Rev. Mary Thompson—Holston Camp & Retreat Executive Rev. Jeff Wadley—Camp Bays Mountain Rev. Tony Lea — Camp Wesley Woods Don Washburn—Camp Lookout (not pictured)
Thank you for your support of my role as the Appalachian Trail Chaplain. I will have a lifetime of memories of the AT and of people like you that made this adventure possible! Best Regards, “Chappy� Jack Layfield
Partners In Crisis Stresses impact all marriages: illness, death, care of children/aging parents, schedules, bills, personal growth, and so on. However, the spouse of a clergy person may be uniquely vulnerable when a separation, divorce, or other complex crisis occurs. The spouse traditionally loses the most: best friends, church (that they did not choose in the first place), pastoral/ spiritual leader, his/her home and furnishings; many spouses also lose a trusted counselor, a career/ job, and financial/social status. If you know someone going through such a time, have them contact their DS who will connect them with Partners in Crisis.
“As the deer pants for the water, so my soul longs after you‌â€? Psalm 42:1
Websites, Blogs, and Podcasts Worth Checking Out
As I browse the web and read my email, I often come across articles that might be helpful for those serving in the local church. This page will be a listing of some of those articles, blogs, and podcasts. Please note, that not all of these may be United Methodist in origin, but good advice is good advice. Read between the lines and weed out the non-Methodist stuff and focus on those things that can benefit your ministry.
The Unstuck Church Podcast Provides insights, observations and trends for church leaders; Benchmarks in church growth and health from The Unstuck Group’s work serving hundreds of churches across North America each year; Practical advice to help you lead your church towards sustained health.
8 Signs you’re super stressed out, whether you realize it or not Let’s be honest if the title of this article caught your attention, then I bet you are stressed out.
Seven of the Most Fiercely Defended Traditions in the Church A look at seven fiercely defended traditions in the church, why these particular traditions are so sensitive to many, and how you can help leaders be agents of positive change within your congregations.
Listen to the Benedictine monks of Silos singing Gregorian Chant I have eclectic tastes and I like Gregorian Chant and almost daily chant the morning office of prayer. Listen and relax.
Meet with a Purpose
Top 10 Reasons Visitors Don’t Come Back
Practical advice from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership
Practical advice from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership
One of our speakers at Convocation 2020 will be Carey Nieuwhof. I thought I’d share a few of his blogposts: The 4 Different Communication Styles and How Each Can Improve 3 Things They Never Taught Me About Leadership In College How to Deal with Toxic People (7 Pro Tips) If you come across a great website, podcast or article, please share it with me. I might include it in future publications.
Four in Ten Seekers Would Visit a UMC United Methodist Communications December 4, 2019
Nashville, Tenn.: A new survey from United Methodist Communications found willingness to visit a United Methodist Church rose to 42 percent in 2019 among U.S. adults seeking more spirituality in their lives and who are aware of the denomination. That's up from 28 percent in 2017. About half of those who would be willing to visit a United Methodist church said they would definitely or probably do so in the next three months. Millennials are more likely than GenX-ers to say they would probably visit. Among those unwilling to visit, about one in ten say they might attend if invited by someone they knew. “The takeaway from this study is that The United Methodist Church garners positive perceptions among potential churchgoers despite ongoing conflict within the denomination,” said Dan Krause, chief executive of United Methodist Communications. “We believe it’s an indicator of the effectiveness of our advertising messages that willingness to visit increased, while our favorability ratings among the seeker population remain stable.”
United Methodist News and Views
When asked their impression of the denomination, 30 percent of those surveyed responded favorably, while 44 percent had no opinion. That’s compared to 28 percent who had a favorable impression in 2017. The sample is among all seekers. Awareness of The United Methodist Church was widespread among respondents, with 95 percent of seekers having heard of the UMC. Fiftyeight percent recalled having seen
the Cross and Flame logo. Awareness of the denomination’s tagline--“Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.”--rose significantly to 52 percent, up from 43 percent in 2017. Seventy-seven of all respondents found the tagline personally relevant. Ninety-seven percent of spiritual seekers with a favorable impression of The United Methodist Church found it appealing. Additional survey findings include:
Nearly half of seekers pray daily or weekly. The top motivation for considering attending a Christian church is spiritual development, followed closely by a wish to reconnect with one's Christian roots. Others cited a desire for their children to grow spiritually or learn about God or a need for support during a difficult time. Among those who are open to visiting a church, the top reasons for considering a specific church were feeling they would fit in or hearing good things about it. More than one in three would visit if personally invited by someone. Feeling accepted and welcomed were the top factors that would motivate seekers to continue attending a church they had visited. The Barna Group fielded this biennial study August 30 through September 11, 2019 using an online panel. The sample of 675 is nationally representative of U.S. adults aged 18-49 screened to make sure they met the definition of a “spiritual seeker” by identifying with at least five of nine statements. Twenty-one percent of U.S. adults meet the definition of a spiritual seeker. Seekers are more likely to be from suburban areas than rural/small towns, and more likely to reside in the South. Seekers are more likely to be younger than the average population and unmarried (most likely due to their younger age). They are also more likely to be Latino.
Candler Expands Financial Aid to Offer 'Unprecedented' Scholarship Support Press Release October 23, 2019
Candler School of Theology at Emory University has announced major expansions to its scholarship offerings for students admitted to its master of divinity (MDiv), master of theological studies (MTS), and master of religious leadership (MRL) degree programs. The expanded offerings will be available to students who enter in Fall 2020. With $5.92 million in financial aid distributed in the 2018-2019 academic year and 100% of master of divinity students receiving support, Candler is already known for one of the most robust financial aid programs in theological education. This expansion of the program, the most extensive revamp in nearly a generation, will allow even more students access to monetary support for seminary. Candler Dean Jan Love calls the new program “unprecedented” in its scope. “Candler is doing something here that most of our peer institutions don’t: offering full tuition scholarships to every admitted United Methodist student who is a certified candidate for ordination. When you pair that with new targeted scholarships for under-represented groups and more scholarship money for MTS and MRL programs, the result is an unprecedented level of support for our students.” Enhancements to the financial aid program include:
All certified candidates for ordained ministry in The United Methodist Church who apply by January 15, 2020 and are admitted to Candler’s MDiv program will receive a scholarship covering full tuition for all three years of the program. New merit scholarships covering 75% of tuition for three years for qualifying MDiv students who identify as pan-Wesleyan New merit scholarships covering 75% of tuition for three years for qualifying MDiv students who identify as non-denominational
New merit scholarships covering 75% of tuition for three years for qualifying MDiv students who identify as Latino New merit scholarships covering 75% of tuition for three years for qualifying MDiv students pursuing chaplaincy through Candler’s new chaplaincy concentration Two additional full-tuition scholarships for incoming MTS students, bringing the total to five All incoming MDiv and MTS students will receive awards covering at least 50% of tuition All incoming MRL students will receive awards covering 50% of tuition Assistant Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid Samuel Martinez says that the revamped program better supports Candler’s longstanding commitments to help reduce student debt and promote equity, diversity, and inclusion. “By increasing the baseline scholarship amount for MDiv, MTS, and MRL students from 25% to 50% of tuition, we’re eliminating a big part of the financial obstacle that can prevent folks from pursuing graduate theological education,” he says. “Removing this obstacle at the beginning of the journey translates to more diverse and inclusive leadership in the church, the academy, and society in the future.” Candler also employs other financial aid practices designed to lower barriers to entry. For example, prospective students are automatically considered for Candler scholarships when they submit their application for admission—there's no additional scholarship application necessary. And, once awarded, a primary scholarship renews annually for the length of the degree program as long as the student remains in good standing and continues to meet the scholarship’s requirements. Love says that policies like these along with the retooled financial aid program illustrate Candler’s continued commitment to making seminary a reality for the next generation of public theologians. “We are thrilled that these new opportunities will allow even more students to benefit from Candler’s mission to educate faithful and creative leaders for the church’s ministries throughout the world.” Learn more about how Candler can help you afford seminary.
Wesley would call modern Methodists to return to their roots by David F. Watson—July 2, 2019 “Many Voices, One Faith” is a forum for
sharing theological perspectives on topics of interest in The United Methodist Church. This commentary responds to the question: “What are John Wesley’s essential instructions for Methodists today?”
What might John Wesley’s essential instructions be for Methodists today? The answer is not necessarily apparent because our time is so very different from Wesley’s. While the world has changed dramatically since the 18th century, however, people are in many ways the same. We are still God’s good creation, broken by sin, and in need of redemption. We still face temptations, though perhaps today more than there were in Wesley’s world. We still require a savior to lift us up out of the pit of sin and clothe us in righteousness. These elements of the human condition will never change until Christ returns in final victory. Also as in Wesley’s day, the institutional church has lost much of its power and influence, at least in Western Europe and North America. It is no longer the cultural centerpiece that it once was, and many people see our faith as outdated, irrelevant, or even harmful. The Methodist movement of the 18th century helped to revive faith in a time when the church had grown cold. My prayer is that God will raise us up to do it again. Large segments of the church
have fallen asleep and need spiritual awakening. Until we allow ourselves to be awakened, we can offer little to the world around us. Wesley knew that the people called Methodists were themselves liable to spiritual slumber. In Thoughts Upon Methodism, he wrote: “I am not afraid that the people called Methodists should ever cease to exist either in Europe or America. But I am afraid lest they should only exist as a dead sect, having the form of religion without the power. And this undoubtedly will be the case unless they hold fast both the doctrine, spirit, and discipline with which they first set out.” Within The United Methodist Church, we have often drifted from the doctrine, spirit, and discipline of the early days of the Methodist movement. Were he to look out upon our church today, Wesley would call us to renewal through intentional practices of the Methodist societies. These practices were meant to draw us closer to God, who forms us into more Christlike people. The General Rules of the societies instructed the Methodists to “evidence their desire of salvation” in three ways: (1) by doing no harm, (2) by doing good, and (3) by attending upon all the ordinances of God. The first two General Rules, however, require the formation of Christian character. We will not be predisposed to doing no harm and doing good apart from the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. Thus, in the third rule, Wesley prescribed certain practices that were meant to facilitate the work of God in our lives. These are the “ordinances of God.” They include: The public worship of God. The ministry of the Word, either read or expounded. The Supper of the Lord. Family and private prayer. Searching the Scriptures. Fasting or abstinence. Worship, engagement with Scripture, the Lord’s Supper, prayer, and acts of self-denial: God works through these “ordinances” in order to form us into the likeness of Christ. Wesley did not believe that any such practice could make one righteous before God. Rather, only God, by the atoning work of Christ on the cross and the power of the Holy Spirit, can make us righteous. In other words, insisting that Methodists attend upon all the ordinances of God is not a form of “works righteousness.” Rather, these practices are simply ways of opening up our hearts to God and inviting the Holy Spirit to shape us into the people we were always meant to be. Early Methodism was not a denomination or a church. It was a movement consisting of communities of faith and practice that drew untold numbers of people to God. It retained some of its power as it became a new church in the United States and Britain, but over time — as movements do — Methodism lost much of its original fire. The good news is, we still have the capacity to reclaim the “doctrine, spirit, and discipline” of those earliest days. Attending upon all the ordinances of God will not in itself renew the church, but it will be a step in the right direction. Watson is Academic Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Professor of New Testament at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. “Many Voices, One Faith” is designed to put the voices of the church in conversation with one another and build understanding of what it means to be United Methodist today. Read more commentaries.
CONNECTIONAL MINISTRIES CORNER — REV. MIKE SLUDER, DIRECTOR
Invite, Involve, Inspire……Inviting, Involving, Inspiring……Invited, Involved, Inspired……whatever iteration of these three words you want to use it boils down to one thing. What are you inviting, involving, and inspiring people to do? For me, it is inviting to, involving in, and inspiring a relationship with the Trinitarian God. From creation, God has been offering a life-giving relationship, and the story of humanity is how we have run to and from that offer. Church, our mission of making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world is about getting people to run to and not from what God is offering. In our current church structure, the office of Connectional Ministries is responsible for helping to envision the “ministries necessary to live out the mission of the church in and through the annual Conference”. (Para 608, Book of Discipline). It is a huge responsibility and one that we, I, have done well at times and one we, I, have struggled with at times. I wanted to take the opportunity Rev. Terry Goodman has given me with this newsletter to remind us of why we do what we do and why we are structured the way we are. As I said earlier, God is always offering us a relationship. Even before we know who God is, God is inviting us into that relationship. To help us know what that relationship can look like God gets involved in our lives by sending the Son into the world. Then, to inspire us to grow in this relationship Jesus sends the Holy Spirit. As the church, we look to what God has done and is doing to know what we need to be doing. Like God, we need to be an “Inviting people”. We need to be an “Involving people”. We need to be an “Inspiring people”. Our structure needs to help us live in to this. We are currently structured using the NOW structure: Nurture, Outreach, Witness. I prefer to look at it as the WON structure: Witness, Outreach, Nurture. God, through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, has already WON. The Holy Spirit helps us to live in this victory. In the next issue of Clergy Connexion we will dive deeper into what it means to be an Inviting people.
