Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Southwest Region Summit A Vision for Compassionate Ministries Presented By: Althea C. Taylor November 18, 2008 Point Loma Nazarene University San Diego, California

A Year of Observations Two Distinct organizationsTwo Distinct organizations –Institutional Church of the Nazarene –Institutional Compassionate Ministries Center Three Scenarios PresentThree Scenarios Present –Places where relationships are strained –Places where relationships are unified –Places where relationships are indifferent

Shared Themes Church ResurrectionResurrection –Life, Death, Burial, Resurrection Class StruggleClass Struggle –Haves & Have-Nots –Financial (Have) Social JusticeSocial Justice –Politics of Jesus –Called to Speak to SJ issues CMC Resurrection –Tangible expression of the significance Christ’s life on the issues of humanity Class Struggle –Caring for those marginalized by society –Financial (Have-Not) Social Justice –In some instances, we are falling short. (Relief vs. Liberation)

Our History The Church of the Nazarene has compassionate ministries as an integral part of its DNA.The Church of the Nazarene has compassionate ministries as an integral part of its DNA. The Church of the Nazarene was birthed through tangible expressions propelled by the themes of resurrection, class struggle, and social justiceThe Church of the Nazarene was birthed through tangible expressions propelled by the themes of resurrection, class struggle, and social justice As time progressed CMC’s were born to address a shift that was occurring as some wanted to distance themselves from social services.As time progressed CMC’s were born to address a shift that was occurring as some wanted to distance themselves from social services.

A Theology of Compassion Compassion an essential element of ChristlikenessCompassion an essential element of Christlikeness Signs of the Kingdom (Matthew 9:35-37)Signs of the Kingdom (Matthew 9:35-37) The “Church”** - God’s Strategy for transforming the worldThe “Church”** - God’s Strategy for transforming the world **I am defining the church as “the people of God” wherever they are called to serve

Signs of the Kingdom Jesus’ Example The Blind ManThe Blind Man –Matthew 20:30-34, Mark 10:46-52 Woman at the wellWoman at the well –John 4:10 Healing of the Crippled ManHealing of the Crippled Man –John 5:1-16 Woman with issue of bloodWoman with issue of blood –Matthew 5:25-29

The Vision We [Church of the Nazarene & CMC’s] are flip sides of the same coinWe [Church of the Nazarene & CMC’s] are flip sides of the same coin The “Church” is God’s strategy for transforming the worldThe “Church” is God’s strategy for transforming the world CMC’s are separate legal entities but they are an extension of the strategy utilized to bring about transformation in our communities.CMC’s are separate legal entities but they are an extension of the strategy utilized to bring about transformation in our communities. To encourage and experience an environment of collaboration as we establish the “Kingdom” on earth as it is in heaven. {tangible signs of the Kingdom}To encourage and experience an environment of collaboration as we establish the “Kingdom” on earth as it is in heaven. {tangible signs of the Kingdom}

The Challenge Articulate a strategy for strengthening our compassionate ministry centersArticulate a strategy for strengthening our compassionate ministry centers Articulate a strategy for encouraging and building strong collaborations between the “Church” and CMC’s.Articulate a strategy for encouraging and building strong collaborations between the “Church” and CMC’s. –Possible Barriers Administration – Theology of CompassionAdministration – Theology of Compassion Apathy from some of our churches, CMC’s, districtsApathy from some of our churches, CMC’s, districts Articulate a strategy for every local congregation to be engaged in compassionate ministries.Articulate a strategy for every local congregation to be engaged in compassionate ministries.

Opportunities To develop a resource guide for District Superintendents, CMC’s, and Churches to provide guidance with maintaining healthy relationships as organizations grow and continue to meet the needs of their communities through acts of compassion and as advocates for social justice.To develop a resource guide for District Superintendents, CMC’s, and Churches to provide guidance with maintaining healthy relationships as organizations grow and continue to meet the needs of their communities through acts of compassion and as advocates for social justice.

Social Justice (what will this look like) on the SW RegionSocial Justice (what will this look like) on the SW Region –Righting wrongs (simple definition) –Analyzed from multiple levels Having (creating) intentional opportunities for political and social justice conversationsHaving (creating) intentional opportunities for political and social justice conversations –Understanding: social justice is an imperative for the church. Cannot be afraid to take a stance on controversial issuesCannot be afraid to take a stance on controversial issues Silence is not a viable optionSilence is not a viable option Picking and choosing cannot be the way forwardPicking and choosing cannot be the way forward –What does (social justice) mean in my local context –Tell the story –Extending Grace –Honoring justice

–Local, district, and regional coordinators for communicating the story of compassion on our district. District coordinator involved at district advisory level meetings (occasionally)District coordinator involved at district advisory level meetings (occasionally) Intentional conversation opportunities for raising awareness of compassionate ministriesIntentional conversation opportunities for raising awareness of compassionate ministries Move the poor to the front of the church (of our theology)Move the poor to the front of the church (of our theology) –Requirements for Licensing and ordination process: How are you engaged in compassionate ministries? Assimilating & Engaging the Church (local & district), Compassionate Ministries, and University (PLNU) for Effective Ministry to our Communities

–District Summit: convening opportunities for dialogue across the region –Recognition of organizations working collaboratively in compassionate ministries (matching resources) –Training, Transition, Troubleshoot (possibility for University involvement) Creating a team for conflict resolutionCreating a team for conflict resolution Coaching Team (for new pastor/new ministry site)Coaching Team (for new pastor/new ministry site) Training for start up ministriesTraining for start up ministries Assimilating & Engaging the Church (local & district), Compassionate Ministries, and University (PLNU) for Effective Ministry to our Communities (cont’d).

–Shift in strategy for identifying and procuring funding –Reevaluate how we are supporting our ministries –Ministry should dictate the size of the church Form income generating ministries (doing business differently)Form income generating ministries (doing business differently) Identify human resources from within your church who are trained in finances, entrepreneur, directing the ministry.Identify human resources from within your church who are trained in finances, entrepreneur, directing the ministry. We cannot depend solely on the church to build, develop, fund and/or support ministries (not just money)We cannot depend solely on the church to build, develop, fund and/or support ministries (not just money) Promote stewardship regardless of resources even as we find other ways to financially support our ministries.Promote stewardship regardless of resources even as we find other ways to financially support our ministries. –Help CMC who are interested access funding –Creative structures for sustainable ministries “tent-making”“tent-making” VolunteersVolunteers Sustaining Ministry: Outside the Box Funding and other Resources

(To be determined)(To be determined) How Will We Leave Footprints for Succession