Number 20

There were two churches that went through the DTP Consultation process this spring--the Wells Wesleyan Church and the Colton Wesleyan Church.  The Wells report was posted previously. They voted 29 to 6 to accept the prescription and they are already hard at work on their prescriptions.  The report for the Colton consultation is posted below.

Colton Wesleyan Church Consultation

April 5 - 7, 2013

Strengths:

1.     A Sense of God's Presence - Many of those interviewed mentioned that one of the things they appreciated most about Colton Wesleyan Church was the sense of God's presence in the services and in the lives of the congregants.  It is obvious to the team that prayer and the Holy Spirit are an important part of the DNA of this congregation.

2.    A group of individuals committed to CWC and each other - Through thick and thin, good times and bad a dedicated core group has remained faithful to God and His church that worships in Colton.

3.    A warm, friendly family atmosphere - Many indicated that it was this loving, accepting attitude that they felt the first time they attended CWC that caused them to return.  "When we arrived we felt that we were home," one exclaimed!

4.    Good Worship and Praise - It is evident that for a church this size the worship and praise is meaningful to the congregants.  There is unusual harmony regarding the music style and service atmosphere.

5.    Pastor Tom Chappell and spouse - The pastoral family is greatly respected and appreciated as evidenced by the recent vote.  Pastor Tom's outgoing, genuine, community minded spirit is influencing unchurched and de-churched folk to once again try CWC.

Concerns:

1.     Inward focus/ lack of clarity in the mission - vision of the church:  The bulk of the energy and resources are spent on taking care of those already in the church.  There is no clear mission statement and there is no compelling and strategic vision for the future.

2.    Lack of organization and structure:  Almost everyone that we talked to mentioned that the lack of organization, planning and communication was a major frustration and roadblock to the health of the church.  "No one knows who is responsible for what," someone said.  " As a result we are confused and frustrated much of the time."

3.    Absence of purposeful outreach and prayerful assimilation:  The congregation feels unfruitful in their efforts to evangelize the lost and to usher the guests into a continuing relationship with the church and Christ.  There is no system in place to follow-up on guests.

4.    A hit and miss children's ministry:  Lack of worker's and training has led to a children's church that is spotty at best.  The nursery is almost non-existent and no program for children exists outside of the 10 - 12 o'clock hour on Sunday.

5.    Building and Grounds:  Mirroring the attitude of some of the congregants, the building and grounds appear tired and worn out.  If this is to change the leaders must invest time, energy and money into "getting ready for company".  First impressions are powerful!

Prescriptions:

Inward focused/ Lack of clarity in the mission - vision:

On the day that this prescription is adopted, assuming that it is adopted, the mission statement of the Colton Wesleyan Church will be - The Colton Wesleyan Church exists to make more disciples for Christ.  By July 1, 2013 a day of solemn assembly will be held in which the leadership of the CWC will lead the congregation in confessing the inward focus of the church and the lack of fruitfulness in reaching the lost with the Good News of salvation through Christ. A prayer drive will follow during which the congregants will ask God to break their hearts for those that reside in their target area.  Stops will be made along the way at prominent and public locations and prayers will be made for those in leadership in these North Country communities.  A target area will be selected and two outreach numbers will be chosen.  One of these numbers will be the goal for souls won to Christ in the next five years; the other number will be the goal of lives touched with the love of Christ in the next five years.  These will be in place by July 30, 2013.  During the next year a ministry audit will take place to assure the leaders that every ministry understands the mission and has strategic plans to contribute to the long term goals.  If a ministry fails to implement the mission/vision it means that the ministry has chosen to cease to exist.              

Lack of organization and structure: 

The leaders of CWC will read the book "Winning on Purpose" by John Kaiser.  This will be completed by June 15, 2013.  The method of church structure known as the Kaiser Model will then become the pattern that CWC follows.  In this model the board governs, the pastor leads, the staff (paid and volunteer) manages and the congregation ministers.  The pastor will give priority to recruiting and training individuals who will be ministry leaders in areas such as worship, children and assimilation.  This ministry team will meet monthly beginning in August to set goals and implement programs, plan special days and events and participate in leadership development.  This ministry team will be the engine of the church that drives the church onward and upward.  Recognizing that the pastor will benefit from a coach the DS will select a coach to work with Pastor Tom for the next twelve months.  The coach will be funded by the congregation.  Also, the fresh initiative to organize the church calls for a part time administrative assistant.  This person will work at least ten hours a week and will be paid a weekly stipend.  He/she will begin work in July and will spend several months setting up job descriptions and putting systems in place that will greatly benefit the congregation in planning and communication.  In addition, a website will be up and running by September 1, 2013.  

Absence of purposeful outreach and prayerful assimilation: 

The pastor, along with his coach, will plan four - five bridge events during the 2013-2014 district year.  Pastor Tom will place a strong emphasis on reaching and assimilating new attenders and new believers into CWC.  At least ten leaders will attend Unleash 2013 (the district training day) in Cobbleskill on June 15, 2013.  They will receive coaching in skills that will aid in reaching and keeping individuals for the kingdom.  It must be noted that whenever a conflict arises between ministry to existing attenders and reaching new attenders, the new attenders will get the time and resources.  Pastor Tom will make every effort to be known as the community pastor.  Beginning July 1, 2013 he will visit one community leader each week.  This is to build relationships and to seek opportunities to serve.   

A hit and miss children's ministry: 

A VBS will be held this summer.  If CWC does not have enough workers to staff the VBS they will approach sister Wesleyan Churches and ask for help in implementing this crucial ministry.  By September 1, 2013 a children's director will be in place and children's church will be offered every Sunday.  Attention will be given to recruiting and training enough staff so that no one person is burned out.  Field trips will be taken to other churches to observe a successful Children's Church.  The DS will offer suggestions as to the churches to visit.  These trips will take place before school starts this fall.  The nursery will be given an overhaul until it is the cleanest and safest place in the church.  If no babies are attending, the nursery director will spend the Sunday School Hour praying that God will bring young children and their parents to the house of worship and instruction.  The nursery will be open by August 1, 2013  The downstairs area will be lightened, brightened and renovated to reflect the new focus on children.  Fresh paint and decals on the walls, new learning centers etc. will show children and their parents that kids are important to God and to us.  The team understands that CWC has much renovating to do in other areas of the church.  Therefore, the deadline on the basement upgrade is June 30, 2014.

Building and grounds: 

The CWC building needs much TLC.  This spring lights should be put on the sign and the new web address added to the sign.  Outdoor spotlights will be put on the front doors after the doors are stained and the dark brown accent stripe on the front of the church and the handicapped ramp are repainted.  Landscaping around the front of the church will add curb appeal.  Prices will be gotten on enlarging the parking lot and adding a gravel base to make all parking less muddy.  These outdoor projects should be done by June 15, 2013.  The sanctuary will receive a fresh paint job.  New lights will be placed in the foyer and bath.  Also a new vanity will be added.  The pews will be replaced with chairs and new carpet will be installed.  Ernie Reed of Sherwin Williams will be the consultant so that all colors are coordinated.  This will be completed by October 1, 2013.  In May a dumpster day will be held with the purpose of removing clutter from the entire church.  No hoarders are allowed on the campus that day!!  We are getting ready for company.  All things must be done with excellence!  The "that's good enough" attitude must not have a place among us.  While the worship center is receiving its facelift a new sound system and electric piano will be purchased.  This major renovation of the worship center will be completed by September 15, 2013.  The team understands that finances are always an issue.  Therefore, the entire congregation will be challenged to read and discuss "The Treasure Principle" by Randy Alcorn.  This should be completed by July 1, 2013.  The pastor and coach will lead the church in fundraising so that the projects in this prescription can be implemented.  It is anticipated that each family will prayerfully consider what God have them sacrificially give to invest in reaching the Colton area for Christ.  After ninety days of vision casting and fundraising attention will be given to borrowing the needed funds to complete the renovations.  $20,000.00 - $25,000.00 would be the cap on any borrowing.

THE CONGREGATION WILL VOTE BY MAY 5, 2013 ON THE PRESCRIPTIONS (THIS INCLUDES REGULAR ATTENDERS THAT MIGHT NOT BE MEMBERS). IF ACCEPTED THE DISTRICT WILL DO ALL THAT IT CAN WITH ITS LIMITED RESOURCES TO HELP THE CONGREGATION FULFILL THE PRESCRIPTIONS IF THE VOTE IS NEGATIVE THE DISTRICT WILL NO LONGER ENCOURAGE THE CONGREGATION TO IMPLEMENT THE PRESCRIPTIONS SINCE THE CONGREGATION WILL HAVE REVEALED ITS DESIRE NOT TO DO SO...

Team Members:

Rev. W. Paul James

Rev. Norm Mesel

Rev. Rusty Bissell

Rev. Marc Watkins                                                                                                                                    

A Fruitful Jolt

For over two years now we have been involved in the District Transformation Project.  So I guess it is no surprise that many of the things I read immediately have application to where we have been living.  Recently I read the following story that I wanted to share with all my friends.

“When I was a lad of five years,” James Michanec wrote, “the farmer who lived at the end of the lane had an aging apple tree that, at one time, had been very productive.  However, it had lost its energy and the ability to bear any fruit at all.  The farmer, on an early spring day, hammered eight long and rusty nails into the trunk of the tree.  Four were driven in near the ground--north, south, east and west.  The next four were hammered in higher up, well spaced around the trunk.”

“That autumn a miracle happened.  The tired old tree, having been shocked back to life, produced a bumper crop of juicy, red apples—bigger and better than had been seen in that orchard before.”

“When asked how this had happened the farmer explained, ‘Hammering in the rusty nails gave the tree a jolt to remind it that its job was to produce apples.’”

“Will you do the same next year?” I asked.

“Well,” replied the farmer, “a substantial jolt lasts about ten years.”

In our DTP process, the consultation weekends are like driving long, rusty nails into the trunk of once-flourishing churches to remind them that their job is to produce more and more disciples for Jesus Christ.

Last night as I meditated on this story, the Holy Spirit whispered, “If you are going to have fruit, not only do you have to give a jolt to the old trees, you have to be planting new ones.  As you revitalize the older part of the orchard, at the same time you must plan for the future by planting young trees."
 

Wells DTP Consultation & Prescription

In December, Bakers Mills Wesleyan Church had a DTP Consultation and the prescription report was posted.  The update to that event is that a church vote was held on January 6, 2013.  The result of the vote is that 33 accepted the report and 2 rejected it.

This past weekend the Wells Wesleyan Church also went through the consultation process.  Below is the report.

Wells Wesleyan Church Consultation

March 1-3, 2013

STRENGTHS

1. Pastor and Spouse:  Pastor Rob Ketchum and his wife, Karen, are highly regarded as sacrificial leaders in the local church and community.  Repeatedly, the team heard that this couple was sent by God to lead the Wells Wesleyan Church (WWC).  Pastor Rob's preaching is anointed and is applicable to life situations.  Rarely have we seen a church and pastor thrive like this!

2. Children's Ministry-Tuesday and Sunday:  After years of struggle to have a viable children's program, God has blessed the church with several dozen boys and girls.  The Tuesday Clubhouse/Release Time Program and the Sunday School/Children's Church are making it possible for the church to reach young families and precious kids with the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

3. Positive Momentum/Growth:  During the past eighteen months the church has grown from an average morning worship attendance of 20 to an average of over 40 persons.  In the winter month of February, the average attendance was 51!!  The Law of the Big Mo is also seen in the children’s ministry and growth groups.  The team believes that WWC is moving into a new and exciting life cycle.

4. People/Relationships/Unity: We asked people what the best thing was about their church and the congregants often replied, "The people. We feel accepted and at home here.” The team sensed the unity that accompanied these authentic statements.

5. High Participation and Interest in the Consultation Process:  The team was impressed at the high percentage of newer folk who participated in the weekend.  The focus group was filled with people who have started to attend WWC in the last eighteen months and who are interested in belonging to this transformation.

CONCERNS

1. Lack of clarity in vision and mission:  For the past few years, survival has been the focus of WWC rather than a clear and actionable vision/mission. 

2. Aging of the facility:  It is evident that the building is in need of much upgrading if it is to be used as a tool to reach the community!

3. Strengthening several ministries:  The worship ministry, while attracting new participants, needs to be enhanced to help it reach the next level.  Also, while youth ministry used to be a part of WWC, it no longer exists. This needs to be corrected.

4. Lack of an assimilation system:  An intentional system of connecting guests to the church is needed.  Informal methods are now being used but these are insufficient for this important responsibility.

5. Inadequate structure for growth:  WWC has functioned as a small church for quite some time. Now, leadership must adapt to a new and different structure if vision/mission is to be accomplished.

PRESCRIPTIONS

1. Clarity in Vision and Mission:  Upon adoption of this report, and if it is indeed implemented, the pastor will lead the congregation in a special vision service.  The target area for which the church feels responsibility will be defined.  Also, the two vision numbers will be introduced, i.e., the number of people led to Christ during the next five years and the number of people touched with the love of Christ during the next five years. 

Following the service, a prayer drive will occur throughout the target area.  Stops will be made at strategic public places and prayers offered, asking God to bring revival to this section of the Adirondacks.  This service will take place by April 28, 2013.  The pastor will also lead the congregation in four bridge events in the next twelve months.  Attention will be given to the "next date" concept that was taught to the leaders during the training seminar.  These events will be completed by Easter 2014.

2. Upgrades to the Facilities:  The basement will be filled in and ventilation put in place to alleviate the mold problem that has plagued the church for many years.  This will be completed by August 30, 2013. Outdoor and indoor signage will be put in place to make clear to guests where to park and where to enter the sanctuary, pastor's office, rest rooms, nursery, etc. The room that has been under construction for the past five years will now be completed and the décor will keep the younger children in mind.  Child-sized furniture, murals, etc. will make this a cheerful place for these children to meet.  This will be completed by April 30, 2013.  A new handicapped ramp will be added to the north entrance, a new door will be installed between the fellowship hall and the sanctuary along the north wall, pews will be sold and chairs ordered for the sanctuary, and the forty-five year old carpet will be replaced and portable risers built to increase the flexibility of the platform space.  This will be accomplished by October 1, 2013.  The rest rooms will be enlarged and modernized by December 1, 2013.  By January 1, 2014 plans and drawings for a new worship center and foyer will be completed.  A color rendition will hang in the fellowship hall and fund raising options will be explored.

3. Ministry Upgrades:  Understanding that a growing church must continually be upgrading its worship and music, weekly worship practices will be moved to an evening later in the week and instituted immediately .  The worship team will schedule two field trips to observe what is happening now in our Shokan and Cobleskill churches.  A worship coach will be employed to meet quarterly with the worship team.  If this prescription is adopted, the district will send a $750.00 check from the Vision Fund to be used in the worship ministry, as the coach directs.  These field trips will be completed by July 15, 2013 and the coach will be in place by April 15, 2013.  A small corp. of youth now are the nucleus for a dynamic youth ministry in the days to come.  Therefore, a youth leader will be appointed and youth meeting will be held at least twice monthly, beginning by July 1, 2013.

4. Assimilation:  An assimilation team will be formed by May 15, 2013.  Nelson Searcy's “The Assimilation Seminar” model will be used to organize this team. Special attention will be given to the "Pizza with the Pastor" component.  A field trip to Fusion Community Church in Cobleskill will take place by July 15, 2013.  A new fellowship time following morning worship will be instituted in the fellowship hall.  Dunkin Donuts coffee will be served and the district will provide the first 40 lbs! This will begin immediately.

5. Inadequate structure for growth:  To help the church move forward in this area, the leaders of the church will read "Winning On Purpose" by John Kaiser.  His model for church governance will be the goal that WWC will work toward.  A ministry team will be appointed and in place by May 1, 2013.  This team will consist of ministry leaders. Also, the pastor will select six individuals with leadership potential and begin monthly leadership training sessions with them.  The church will also employ a coach for the pastor to help him implement these prescriptions. Coaching costs will be $100 per month for 12 months.  

IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT THE PASTOR AND CHURCH LEADERS WILL IMPLEMENT FUND RAISING TO COVER THE COSTS OF THE PROJECTS CALLED FOR IN THIS PRESCRIPTION.  BELIVING THAT MONEY FOLLOWS VISION, THE TEAM PRAYERFULLY EXPECTS THAT EACH CHURCH FAMILY WILL RESPOND WITH GENEROUS GIVING TO MAKE THE DREAM POSSIBLE. THOSE WHO REGULARLY ATTEND THE CONGREGATION WILL VOTE TO EITHER ACCEPT OR REJECT THIS REPORT AND ITS PRESCRIPTIONS ON SUNDAY MARCH 17, 2013.  IF ACCEPTED, THE DISTRICT WILL DO ALL IN ITS POWER (WITH ITS LIMITED RESOURCES) TO HELP THE PASTOR AND CONGREGATION IMPLEMENT THIS PRESCRIPTION.  IF REJECTED, THE PROCESS WILL CONCLUDE SINCE THE CONGREGATION WILL HAVE SPOKEN. 

Submitted by:

Rev. Paul James

Rev. Gary Beers

Rev. Dean Brown

Rev. Andy McCutcheon

A Miracle in Vancouver (WA)

It's exciting to hear that the transformation/consultation process (known as 'DTP' in our district) is spreading across the country.  One such consultation recently took place in Vancouver, WA.  I thought you would be interested to see what the DS wrote about it...

A MIRACLE IN VANCOUVER

In June Dr. Paul Borden led a consultation with the Vancouver Wesleyan Church (WA).  This was the first consultation on our District (Northwest).

As a result of two previous immoral incidents that were broadcast by the media from the church property, the reputation of the church was damaged in the community.  The church had also been plateaued for nearly a decade.

Dr. Borden's prescription was to close the church and begin something new.  The new would have to meet downstairs in the Fellowship Hall on Saturday night so there would be no activities on the property on Sundays.   The name of the church was taken off the front wall.  The street sign was shut down and neutralized.  The appearance to the community was the church had closed.

Another part of the prescription was to identify a Church Planter who would come to Vancouver area and start a new church.  Once the new work had grown to a larger size than the Saturday crowd we could work towards combining our existing congregation into the newer church.  It would give us a new name and new reputation in the community.

This was a difficult prescription for some and set the district churches on notice that this could happen to them too.  It was a risky step of faith but the Vancouver congregation voted to accept the prescription.

Our new Saturday service started on August 11.  The people were not enthused but compliant to the prescription.  We lost around 30 people who could not attend a church meeting on Saturday.   We went from a church of 70 to 40 overnight.

September 6 I received a phone call that led to a significant decision.  Pastor David Robinson, at the request of some people in his congregation, called to discuss the situation in the church.  I shared the story and the prescription.  He said, “We want to be the next Wesleyan Church in Vancouver.” 

We talked and set up another time to meet and walk through the property.  He had started his church 3 years previously and was running 100+ in attendance.   He had been raised in the Friends Church and was trained at George Fox College and Seminary, an approved seminary in our theology.  His independent church was willing to give up their independence to become a Wesleyan Church and include our people into their ministry.  This fit the prescription perfectly.

Dr. Borden met David and gave a “thumbs up” to the idea and included him in our cluster meetings.  The DBA gave its consent.  I led a membership class for 65 people in attendance.  This was my largest class to date.  We dated for two months with a service in October and a Thanksgiving service with dinner in November.

Sunday, December 2, Dr. Jim Dunn, Director for Church Multiplication and Discipleshi,p flew out to join the celebration of bringing Living Word Fellowship into the Wesleyan Church and to lead the reception of new members in their Covenant Membership Commitments.  170 people attended the first official service of the combined congregations. 

Our new church, Living Word Fellowship, has brought hope to our people and the District.  We now have a vibrant, flourishing congregation in the Vancouver community.

Dr. Borden’s prescription to close, as tough as it was, allowed us to become what we are today because of the miracle we experienced.

Dr. Karl Westfall

District Superintendent