Congregational Excellence

February 2012 by Barbie Boyd

^“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

At a recent Congregational Excellence Team meeting, members of our team shared some examples of “excellent and praiseworthy” ministry we have experienced here in our district.  In a time when it is easy to dwell on the negative, we want to focus our thoughts and attention on the positive. Some examples:

• Community UMC in Casselberry led a dinner event benefiting homeless children from a local elementary school. What made it excellent? Music from children and adult choirs, participation from other churches and local police, a generous outpouring of gifts, and an ongoing relational ministry with a specific group of children.

• A Central Florida Peacemaking network meeting. What made it excellent? The program included a judge, a pastor, a counselor, and a lawyer who were able to share real world examples of the difference peacemaking efforts can make in the world. Participants were inspired to continue to work to increase peacemaking efforts in our churches and communities.

• First UMC Deland launched a “Mercy Hour” outreach that includes showers, food, and basic medical screening to homeless and indigent folks in their community. What makes it excellent? Prayer, planning, community involvement, worship, and the joy of volunteers.

• United Methodist Men at Aloma UMC has a men’s ministry initiative that seeks to build relationships through events and small groups. What makes it excellent? An intentional effort to invite friends and business associates, a generous free prime rib lunch (the women’s ministry equivalent of this would be chocolate-just saying), and great follow-through opportunities for deeper discussion and spiritual growth.

• Members of Pine Ridge Fellowship were challenged to match, dollar for dollar, the money they spent on themselves for Christmas with donations to a Haitian project benefitting orphans and rebuilding. What made it excellent? This event was steeped in prayer and worship. Folks donated over $8,600.00 and experienced spiritual growth. Sacrificial giving is a part of the culture of the church, which has also generously donated funds to a local school.

• First UMC of Winter Park started a new ministry called Reclaiming Hope to provide spiritual, informational, and emotional support in challenging economic times. What makes it excellent? Lay and clergy leadership, personal testimonies, community involvement, and intentional relationship building between folks who are struggling and folks who feel called to help.

In short, excellence in ministry occurs when there is authentic transformation. We see this when laity and clergy work together to offer our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness. When we pull all of these elements together in ministry, we are an unstoppable force spreading God’s goodness throughout our churches, our communities and the world.

Where have you seen excellence in ministry lately? Share a recent example with us at: congregationalexcellence@gmail.com

We have two coaches working with the District (the DS, our churches and pastors) as well as continue the Congregational Excellence Team. Michele Van Son and Janet Earls each bring varying coaching backgrounds that will work together for the best possible outcome for our churches.

To clarify what coaching means in our district, it is simply a practice of guiding a person or group from where they are toward where they desire to be. It is about forward movement. Christian coaches are similar to business coaches specifically with the belief that God's leadership and will are central to the coaching process. Michele and Janet look forward to the challenges of the churches as well as introducing tools that will prevent crises and enhance relationships and leadership.

Contact the district office with any opportunities you may have for coaching with Janet and Michele.

The District Congregational Transformation Team

Ms. Barbie Boyd, Chair of the East Central District Congregational Excellence Team is a member of First United Methodist Church of Winter Park and a graduate of Asbury Theological Seminary and the University of Florida. Barbie worked in business and in education before responding to God's call to serve vocationally in ministry. She is currently serving as a New Realities coach and as a MAPS coach for the East Central District. Barbie is passionate about facilitating individual and institutional transformation. She is delighted to lead this team of dedicated laity and clergy who seek to help our congregations reach their full God-given potentials. [email Barbie]

Rev. Wayne Wiatt, East Central District Superintendent [email Wayne]

Rev. Jose Carrion Aquino, First UMC Hispanic of Kissimmee

Mrs. Janet Earls, First UMC of Port Orange

Mr. Mark Jaeger, Aloma UMC of Winter Park

Mr. Mike Jobman

Mr. Sergio Jurado, Community UMC of Casselberry

Mrs. Janet Kelley, East Central District Business Manager

Mr. Mike Mailman, Community UMC of Casselberry

Rev. Nadine Richmond, Zellwood UMC

Dr. Jeff Stiggins, Florida Conference Director of Congregational Excellence

Rev. Ben Stillwell-Hernandez, Pine Ridge Fellowship UMC

Mrs. Barbara Stricklin, First UMC of Deland

What is a healthy, vital church?

It is a faith community dedicated to helping people meet, know and serve Jesus. It is a congregation that expresses care and compassion for both its members and its community. It has leaders that know, own and live out the clearly stated mission, vision and values of the church. It experiences numerical and spiritual growth. It has worship services that both inspire long-term members and are meaningful to first-time guests. It has a warm, welcoming environment and numerous opportunities for people to develop deep personal friendships. The ministry of the church leads to new people coming into a personal relationship with Jesus. It is both rooted in the historic theology of the Church and willing to try new ways to share the good news of Jesus with those not involved in a church.
 
What is a healthy, vital church? It is your church — or at least it can be! God calls every
church to be a healthy, vital church. Small, large or mid-size, every church can be filled
with spiritual energy and life. New or celebrating its 100th birthday, every church can reach new people with the life-changing message of Jesus. Rural, suburban or urban, every church can be filled with joy, hope and peace.