Southwest Texas Conference initiatives for transforming existing congregations
The 2007 Southwest Texas Annual Conference Session adopted four initiatives to guide the transformation of existing congregations:
+ Becoming evangelistic in our faith sharing.
Vision of success:
+ People in our congregation are sharing their faith stories.
+ Our church is having adult and youth professions of faith.
+ Our church is having yearly growth in attendance.
Beginning conference goals to accomplish this initiative:
+ Equip churches to teach children, youths and all adults to witness to their personal faith stories and the salvation story.
+ Recognize churches that have youth and adult professions of faith.
+Support and encourage churches by providing guidance for selection of quality confirmation training materials and models.
+ Recognize churches that have a consistent gain in visitor attendance and worship attendance.
+ Equip churches with connection points dedicated to taking new people from where they are across the line into deepening faith: one on one, online, small group.+Strengthening our evangelistic presence in the community.
Vision of success:
Our church has an active presence in and is recognized by the surrounding community.
Beginning conference goals to accomplish the initiative:
+ Equip churches to prioritize and plan ways to connect with their immediate community on a continuing basis.
+ Equip churches to be visibly present in community events and celebrations.+ Calling forth younger clergy.
Vision of success:
Seventy-five percent of the Covenant Connection class will be under 40.
Beginning conference goals to accomplish the initiative:
+ Equip churches to recognize the gifts and graces of young people and encourage and support their entrance into ordained ministry.
+ Offer continued support for students in seminary.
+ Actively recruit young seminary students for the Southwest Texas Conference.
+ Support young clergy members and their families in the conference.+ Developing disciples and leaders
Vision of success:
+ Our church sees an increase in the number of people actively involved in the life of the church.
+ Our church is known as a Discipling Congregation.
+ Our church is offering leadership training classes for our members.
Beginning conference goals to accomplish the initiative:
+ Equip churches with processes to move people from a beginning faith to a deeper discipleship.
+ Equip churches on how to identify, train and inspire leaders.Here are ways local congregations are carrying out these initiatives
Asbury UMC, Austin [pdf]
Asbury Corpus Christi
Covenant UMC, Austin
St. John’s UMC, Austin
McAllen District
Shepherd’s Gate Community UMC, San Antonio
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Schertz UMC: Schertz UMs work to ‘be the church,’ not go to church
Windcrest UMC: UM kitchen band helps take seniors down memory land
Victoria District