Georgia-Cumberland Conference Winter Ministers’ Retreat 2015 Administration Report

Georgia-Cumberland Conference 2014 Year End Stats Membership ChildrenTeensMAdultsTOTAL (through grd 8) (grades 9- 12) (18-29 years) Added: Baptism Prof. of Faith Letter Adjustment -43 TOTAL

Georgia-Cumberland Conference 2014 Year End Stats Membership

Georgia-Cumberland Conference 2014 Year End Stats Membership

Georgia-Cumberland Conference Church Revitalization Initiative “Operation Total Church Makeover”

A plan to rescue plateauing churches through an inter-departmental intervention and support program.

Rationale Because church health and growth generally flows from individual lives connected to God and His mission through faith and experience, and because spiritual core values cannot be generated outside of the person’s intimate walk with God, external influences should be limited and respectful of the congregation’s corporate spiritual experience. The Conference will take the role of supporter and enabler of the pastor, the church leaders and members in their journey towards a stronger, healthier and more productive spiritual condition.

Process and Guidelines: To analyze Georgia-Cumberland statistical data to identify struggling churches and compile a list. To establish criteria that will help guide the selection of candidates. To select one or two churches per year to receive special attention. To approach these churches with a proposal and a contract stipulating church and Conference commitments. To assist the chosen congregation through a series of interventions involving practically every department of the Conference.

Possible Interventions and Activities Assistance in planning and strategizing Sports clinics (RISE) God in Shoes Paint the Town (including the church property) Pathfinder activities Physical renovation/beautification program Financial guidance Long-term evangelism

Possible Interventions and Activities Training for local leaders Involvement of local businesses and community organizations Assistance with publicity and marketing of church activities Ongoing coverage of renovation process Periodic celebrations of achievements or milestones

Selection Process Compilation of a list of possible candidates for church revitalization To identify a small number of congregations (no more than five), the following criteria will be used: Stagnant growth – Low baptism rate for the past 3 years General decline – Decrease or lack of growth in attendance and tithe Desire for change expressed by pastors, lay leaders and members Recommendation by area Ministerial Directors Relatively small church size – under 150 members

Choosing the final candidate The process for narrowing the list down to one church will include: Interaction with pastor and church leadership Use of the Natural Church Selection survey or similar assessment tool The support of at least 80% of active members consulted at the church’s business session Signing a letter of intent stipulating the commitments of both the church and the Conference Gauging the potential support of other congregations around it

Initial Survey to Pastors Very little Very much 1. How much would this church benefit from this project? What level of interest do you have in participating? Is the church culture capable of major change? Is the church willing to be outward oriented? Are your influential leaders willing to grow the church?

Initial Survey to Pastors Very littleVery much 6. Are you willing to promote significant change? Are you willing to work in partnership with the Conference? What’s the potential for this church to be revitalized? Would the church be willing to commit to this? Are the area/church demographics conducive to growth? 12345

Implementation Process 1. Three areas of emphasis The implementation of this initiative should include efforts in three areas: Spiritual growth, training disciples and outreach 2. Task force for revitalization The formation of a task force for revitalization should be initiated by the pastor and voted by the church 3. Plan for revitalization The task force for revitalization should originate a plan for revitalization to be discussed and voted by the church board and church.

What’s next? 1. Communication to pastors of chosen churches 2. Demographic study of the area 3. Identification of local support from nearby churches 4. Preparation of a menu of GCC support and resources 5. Inaugural program 6. Meeting with Revitalization Task Force 7. Signing of contract 8. Initiation ceremony

Church Revitalization Ad Hoc Committee E. W. Dempsey Jerry Fore Victor Maddox Jo Dubbs Don Keele Miguel Valdivia

First Candidates for Church Revitalization Chattanooga North River – Pastor Mike Pettengill (Starting date: February 7 Atlanta Metro – Pastor Chris Montrose (Starting date: August 22