Ogdensburg - DTP Consultation

Ogdensburg Wesleyan Church

Consultation

September 29, 2013

Strengths

1. Pastor and Spouse

Although Pastor Jon and Jamie Wixson have been in Ogdensburg for only six weeks, they have won the hearts of the people.  Their youth, energy, faith and expectancy have injected fresh hope into a congregation that was near death.

2. Unique Facilities

The old schoolhouse that is now the church is well maintained for its age.  It is clean, neat, and offers a home base that can be used for the foreseeable future.  The congregation has high hopes of soon outgrowing this space in the Sunday morning service.

3. Core Leadership

A small leadership group refuses to give up even in the face of great adversity and unexpected events.  They cling to the hope that God is not through with this church yet and that it can have a viable ministry to this needy city.

4.  Financial Resources

Over the years, the church stockpiled financial reserves.  Without these funds, the church would have no future.  However, strategically used for outreach, they offer hope for ministry going forward.

5. Community Center

Located in the heart of a residential area that is full of children, the whole building and adjacent lot has great potential as a community center.  By faith, we see a multitude of uses that will build bridges to the needy and hurting lives surrounding the church.

Concerns

1. Mission/Vision

The congregation has been inwardly focused; with many people more concerned about what the church can do for them rather than what the church can do for the city.  The mission/vision must be refocused and redirected.

2. Reputation/Outreach

Unfortunately, stories are told of behavior by church attenders that have alienated those in the immediate community.  Emphasis on repentance and healing must take place to recapture respect from the greater community.  Also, it is believed that the greater Ogdensburg community has no idea that the church exists.

3. Facilities

The limited space in the building is not equipped for the multi-purpose use that is envisioned.  Reaching the young families and children means reconfiguring the largest and most useful spaces.  Also, the field beside the church must be leveraged to aid in the mission/vision.

4. Finances/Cash Flow

Weekly tithes and offerings are only $300-$400.  Unless this increases the church will struggle to stay on mission and to stay alive.  Supporting the pastor, maintaining the property, and funding a vision will take many more dollars weekly.

5. Ministries/Structure

Limited ministries now exist, and those that do exist focus almost exclusively on “us.”  This must change or death is near.  The three ministries that a church this size must focus on are excellent Sunday morning worship, assimilation of guests, and innovative ministry to children.

Prescriptions

1. Mission/Vision

The congregation, under the leadership of the pastor, shall be called to a consecrated day of repentance.  On this day, prayers will be offered asking God to forgive the congregation for being inward focused and failing to regularly reach souls for Christ.  The fact that year after year, few if any souls have come to know Christ as a result of OWC ministries should bring pain to hearts and tears to eyes.  This service will take place by December 31, 2013.

Following this day of repentance, prayer drives and walks throughout the community shall awaken a burden for the lost and hurting of this city that is often described as a spiritually dark place.  The attendees of this church must believe that they are part of God’s plan to bring light and hope to broken lives.  By April 30, 2014 every street in the city will have been prayed over.

The target area will be selected, demographic studies and goals set for the two vision numbers as taught by the vision team—one of how many lives will be touched by kindness and one of how many souls will come to Christ.

The pastor will lead the congregation in house-to-house visits.  Rebranding the church to change its image will be a priority.  Whenever there is a decision to be made regarding whether to use resources and energy on “us” (those already in the church) or “them” (those in the world who need Christ), “them” shall receive the priority.

2. Reputation/Outreach

During the next year, 80% of the pastor’s time will be spent on outreach and evangelism.  Every day, he must be out in the community meeting influential people, joining key organizations, knocking on doors and meeting folks and neighbors.  Attention must be given to repairing broken relationships with neighbors who have experienced unloving attitudes and conduct by church members.

During the month of December, tins of cookies and hand-written Christmas cards will be delivered to homes in the area between State Street and the river, Highway 37 and Lafayette St.

Also, the pastor will lead the congregation in 3-6 bridge events.  The events must have strategic follow-up dates (not date) as taught by the consultation team.  Touching people, changing lives must be the theme every day, all year.

3. Facilities

The building is now configured to be used two or three hours a week.  In order for that to change, the worship center must become a multi-purpose room.  The pews will be removed and replaced by stackable, interlocking chairs.  This will make this space available in various configurations for children’s clubs, community activities, community meetings, exercise, youth events, etc.  Two large-screen TVs (60” or larger) will be mounted on the walls to enhance the worship experience.  To add warmth, hospitality, and to encourage fellowship, a coffee bar will be placed in the lobby.  These renovations will be completed by February 28, 2014.  The congregation is encouraged to raise the money as soon as possible for the 75 chairs.  As soon as $3,000 is raised (approximately 65 chairs), the District Vision Fund will contribute $500 for the final 10 chairs.  It is expected that chairs will be in the worship center by January 15, 2014.

Attention will be given to utilizing the lovely park-like lot by the church for ministry.  Soccer, enlarged playground, outdoor movies, community campouts, etc. are all ideas to help the community view this place as a place to belong.  As this develops, the congregation will move to “build bridges” to the families and children who begin to use this space.

Continual upgrading of the basement space to better serve children and youth will also take place.

4. Finances/Cash Flow

The congregation will read the book The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn and a series of messages on this spiritual topic will be given.  This month, known as Stewardship Month, will take place in January 2014.

In addition, the leadership team and pastor shall set aside a $4000 Emergency fund and divide the remaining reserves into 24 equal amounts to be used for ministry over the next 24 months.

Also a coach will be provided for the pastor by the District and paid for by the church.

5. Ministries/Structure

The pastor shall lead the congregation in focusing on three ministries this year: Sunday Morning Worship, Assimilation, and Children. These must have all the attention and focus.

The pastor is the director of the worship service and must see that all is done with excellence - so that guests will have a wonderful experience with God and new friends.

An assimilation team following the plan of Nelson Searcy will be put into place.  Church management computer software will be purchased, mailing list developed, and a deliberate follow-up, marketing plan put into place.

A weekday children’s club, children’s church, and children’s sermon are three points of emphasis that will be put in place almost immediately.

The Kaiser Model, as taught by the consultation team and explained in the DTP town hall meeting, will be the way the church is governed going forward.

The congregation will vote to accept or reject this report by October 20, 2013. All regular attenders will vote. If rejected the District will not work with the congregation in relation to the report since the congregation will have spoken. However, if accepted the District will provide whatever resources are within its power to give assistance for the congregation to achieve the prescription.

Submitted by:

Rev. Paul James

Rev. Stephen O’Dell

Rev. David Norman

Rev. Juanita Brooks

Cornerstone - DTP Consultation

Cornerstone Wesleyan Church

September 29, 2013

Strengths

1. Momentum

In his book Experiencing God, Henry Blackaby wrote that followers of Christ should discover where God is at work and then join Him. It is evident that Cornerstone Wesleyan Church (CWC) is such a place at this season.  God's Spirit is moving, resulting in transformed lives!  The team is very aware that their job is simply to address issues that bring frustration to a congregation that is experiencing many changes brought on by the movement of God.

2. Prayer

Many expressed that the congregation was known for its prayer meeting.  Sixty people recently attended a prayer service that focused on a severely injured attender.  The altars are being used more frequently as a place for meeting with God.  Many are discovering spiritual power and peace in doing so.

3. Pastor and Spouse

Pastor Rusty and Sally are perceived as a perfect fit for this congregation.  Rusty's messages are anointed, practical, interesting and used by God for life change.  His ability to move through the community, connecting with people from all walks of life is greatly admired.  He has a unique gifting from God to gather people.  Sally is loved and respected for her willingness to take on the systems and structures so desperately needed in a growing congregation.  Keeping up with the details brought on by a movement of God is almost impossible, yet with her lovely smile, she bravely tackles the "stuff" every day.

4. Children/Men/Connection Groups

These three programs are particularly successful in reaching people.  The children's ministry is growing rapidly and filling its newly renovated space.  Young families are attracted to its vibrancy.  Several men's groups are flourishing.  Wives and mothers joyfully speak of transformed husbands and sons!  Connection groups offer folks of all types and interests a place to belong.  Fellowship is vital at CWC.

5. Big Events/Guest Flow

During the past year, several big events have been extremely successful.  This has raised the visibility of the church and brought scores of guests through the doors of CWC.  Many have returned.  Assimilating new folk into the congregation has become a major priority.

Concerns

1. Systems/Structure/Communication

It would be fair to say that almost all with whom we spoke mentioned the lack of organization as the main thing that needs to be worked on.  The rapid growth and blessing of God has strained the systems/structure/communications and those involved almost to the breaking point.

2. Staff

Churches this size should have at least two full-time pastoral staff members and a church secretary.  CWC is playing catch-up in this area.  Much of the lack of organization, communication, and structure can be addressed by staffing the church properly for future growth.  Since the appropriate staffing level may be unattainable at present, some modification that addresses at minimum the need for both clerical support and ministry support should be implemented.

3. Finances

The giving is below average for a church this size.  In order to fund the ministry opportunities that God is giving, emphasis must be given to scriptural teaching on the tithe. Jesus speaks of giving more than any other topic, therefore we must study and obey His teachings to be blessed by God.

4. Facilities

The ongoing projects and renovations have taken a toll on the energy of the congregation.  Rapid completion of the many unfinished projects will free time and energy to invest in people and systems.

5. Discipleship

Because of the large influx of new believers into CWC, it is easy for spiritual growth and discipleship to fall through the cracks.  This leaves spiritual babies adrift in their new lives.  One of the systems that must be addressed is discipleship - moving individuals from spiritual new birth to spiritual maturity.

Prescription

1. Systems/Structure/Communication

Upon adoption of this report, the Local Advisory Council (LAC) and the ministry leadership team will immerse themselves in the eight systems necessary for a healthy church.  It is imperative that these systems (the weekend system, evangelism system, assimilation system, small group system, volunteer system, stewardship system and leadership system) are implemented.  All leaders will read the book or complete an audio version of Nelson Searcy's Healthy Systems, Healthy Church by December 31, 2013.

Cloud-based PowerChurch software that brings all administrative functions into one program will be subscribed to. An experienced consultant will be obtained to expedite the process by November 1, 2013.

In order to educate the congregation regarding the Kaiser Model of Church Governance, the district superintendent will offer a presentation during the DTP town hall meeting on October 12, 2013.  This will enable the congregation to understand who is in charge and how decisions are made.

Each quarter, a "church chat" will take place.  Led by the pastor, this will be a time of questions and answers.  It is believed that an informed congregation is a happy congregation.  Financial reports will be posted regularly and minutes from the LAC will be made available upon request.

2. Staff

A part time assistant to the pastor with gifts that are complimentary to the lead pastor will be hired to give attention to systems, organization, recruiting and leadership development. Additionally, the church will obtain a volunteer or part-time secretary who will focus on clerical details.  These individuals will be selected, hired and report to the lead pastor.  Both individuals will be in place by January 1, 2014.

The pastor and newly-hired assistant to the pastor will lead the church in implementing a ministry team that meets at least once a month for prayer, planning, goal-setting and accountability.  All ministry leaders will be recruited and trained by April 15, 2014.

Once leadership for the ministries is in place, a ministry fair will be held so that people can sign-up to serve in areas of expertise and interest.  This ministry fair will be held by May 1, 2014.

The pastor will continue his coaching relationship with David Cook.  CWC shall pay for this service.

3. Finance

The pastor will lead the church in a study of the book The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn.  Small group lessons, Sunday School classes, and sermons will all focus on this important biblical teaching.  There is a reason that the Jesus talks more about money than any other subject.  We must understand God's plan for giving.  This study will take place by February 28, 2014.

In addition, the Financial Peace course by Dave Ramsey will be offered to the church constituents and the greater Heuvelton area.  Attention will be given to money management and debt reduction.  The course will be completed by summer of 2014.

4. Facilities

CWC shall continue to maximize its current facility until it is no longer feasible to do so.  Some adaptions to the schedule of Sunday services and spaces will be necessary.  Children will need to spend the entire hour in children's classes and overflow cafe space will need to be utilized.  Only time will tell how long it will be until the facility is 75% full on a regular basis.  When that occurs, the congregation will seek an alternative site off-campus for their a.m. service.

Meanwhile, attention will be given to completing with excellence the projects that are now underway in the building.  Once the cafe/overflow space is complete and the sanctuary carpet installed, the biggest part of the renovation will be completed.   CWC is to be commended for paying cash for the egress, AC, chairs, etc.  In order, however, to quickly finish the renovations, the LAC and pastor should consider borrowing up to $20,000.

The front of the sanctuary is really cluttered and does not make a great impression when you first walk into the room.   Exploration and study should take place to reconfigure the platform.

5. Discipleship

It is imperative that CWC implement a Next Steps process to assist those that are new in Christ in moving toward maturity. A discipleship team will be formed to design and implement a clear and concise plan for intentional discipleship at CWC. The plan will include a definition of discipleship and the characteristics of a fully devoted follower of Jesus, as well as clearly identifying which connections or classes meet particular steps of discipleship.  Immediate attention should be given to launching a 6-12 week New Believers Class to be offered a minimum of twice in the coming year, beginning no later than January 2014.

Additional classes to be implemented will include baptism and membership. Other discipleship classes will be determined by the needs within the congregation. Classes/workshops to be considered would be premarital counseling and spiritual gift discovery.

Given the needs of the surrounding area, the pastor's experience with recovery ministries, and the presence of professionals with expertise in counseling, CWC needs to launch a recovery ministry such as Celebrate Recovery or another similar ministry by fall 2014.

THE CONGREGATION WILL VOTE BY OCTOBER 13, 2013 ON THE PRESCRIPTIONS (THIS INCLUDES REGULAR ATTENDERS THAT MIGHT NOT BE MEMBERS). IF ACCEPTED, THE DISTRICT WILL DO ALL THAT IT CAN 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. Paul James

Rev. Steve O’Dell

Rev. Juanita Brooks

Rev. David Norman

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