The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Georgia

WE have been thinking about  the future SO we asked the question –     What do we do?     And what should we do? WE asked at:      regional Board meetings and      listening conferences around the state This is what we heard:

You can participate in the dialogue in two ways: Visit the Listening Forum and engage in an online discussion HERE You will need to register if you haven't already - then click on "Listening Conference Online."   Send an e-mail to listening@gadisciples.org

WE asked “what does the Region Do?

These answers were mentioned most often …

• Camp Christian – Camping Program – Retreats
• Communication
• Conflict Mediation
• District bonding (clusters)
• Evangelism
• Leader Development
• New Church Starts & Planting
• Mission Projects
• Manage Regional (physical) property
• Promotion of who Disciples are
• Regional Staff – Pastoral Care, Ecumenical, Search & Call
• Resource Broker
• Search and Call
• Transformation
• Web Site
• YAC

You also said:

What the Region does?
Relationship	Resources	Vision Projection
Cooperation with the Christian College in Georgia Connection between General manifestation & local church Disciple Witness at Camps and Congregational Gatherings Connector to wider church Messenger News bits about congregations – administrative/relational Clergy Gatherings Spring Conferences for Women CWF & Disciple Men Disciple Witness at Camps and Congregational Gatherings District Meetings District Ministers gatherings Ecumenical Work and Relationships Community Involvement More Hands for God Ecumenical Work and Relationships Miracle Day Ministry of presence Provides – encourages fellowship Visit church in Region Partner with Seminary Students Counseling ministers – churches Crisis Intervention Feedback and trust building Mediate problems – disputes Pastoral Communication Regional Assembly Regional Board Regional Commissions Regional E-mail updates Representation on Boards Retreats – Men’s/Women/Youth/Clergy/Voices	Administration Building endowment fund Camp Facility Plan Conventions Provides resources – information Pulpit supply Record keeping Christmas offering resources Continuing Education for Clergy Clergy Credentials Licensing & Ordaining Psychological Support Study Materials Support functions and cost YADA Scholarship programs Misconduct prevention Commission on Ministry Ethics Training Education of laity, church leaders, clergy, diaconate, & elders Provide workshops for various topics – stewardship, evangelism, etc. Develop/Support New Congregations New Church Training Disciple Mission Fund Finance and Stewardship Financial & Resource Administrator General Church Connection & Interpretation	Vision setting (visioning/Discernment) Thinking outside the box Strategic Planning

WE asked “What should the Region do?

These answers were mentioned most often …

• Development/fundraising
• Education – leadership development
• Increase awareness of Regions services and responsibilities to congregations
• Leadership training by region for congregations
• Let the congregations know that the region cares especially those with special needs and no involvement
• Regional advocates (more face to face time)
• Revivals – share resources for renewal
• Webinars

You also said

What the Region should do:
Relationship	Resources	Vision Projection
Development of trust – timely & open communication Dealing with unresolved baggage Foster dialogue and discernment between congregations More worship – fellowship Generate a spirit of togetherness and sharing Accountability between local pastors and regions Open Minded Spiritual Revitalization Public Awareness	Regional Reports Person to research teaching materials (Vacation Bible School) Assistance in knowing how to expand church participation Region as a support pastor to pastor and congregations in need Mobilize a people force to help communities in crisis Communication about National Church issues Special Needs Ministry Resources for legal issues Authority	Disciple Identity Solicit more feedback (like this) Develop Regional Goals Create leadership model that is flexible and adaptable to change Teach core spiritual practices Maintain what we have – keep it going – weather the storm – institution VS “Mission – kingdom vision – breaking out, moving forward – mattering in the world – Think Big Create small groups to discern God’s call upon lives and share

Did We Hear You!

You can participate in the dialogue in two ways:

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