Notes

Outline

The Center for Clergy Excellence Texas Annual Conference 2006

PURPOSE Empower clergy with resources & skills to equip congregations to make disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world to the glory of God.

GOALS Lead clergy to be Spirit-led, faithful and fruitful Guide with Core Values *Radical Hospitality      *Passionate Worship *Faith-forming Relationships      *Risk Taking Ministry/Service *Extravagant Generosity      *Connectional Ministry *Fervent Prayer & Study of the Scripture Result = Vibrant congregations changing lives and reshaping futures for Jesus Christ

PRIMARY TASKS Affirm the giftedness of each clergy Equip clergy with resources for professional development Recruit gifted and talented candidates for ministry Provide resources for clergy to develop lay leadership in congregations

TASK # 1 Affirm the giftedness of each Clergy

WE SEEK Culture of enhanced spiritual leadership of all pastors Culture of support & encouragement for all pastors Processes, systems, & resources provided through the Board of Ordained Ministry to enhance pastoral skills

We Plan to Develop: Opportunities for participation in peer support and accountability groups Sabbaticals for Spiritual Formation & Renewal Marriage Enrichment Retreats Access to Counseling Services across the Annual Conference Spiritual Direction

TASK # 2 Equip Clergy with Resources for Professional Development

WE SEEK A culture which expects all pastors to become effective in making disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world in their settings A collaborative partnership among Conference agencies which will create, implement, resource, and coordinate processes for assessment, development, and exit (where appropriate) for all pastors

We Plan to Develop: Appropriate means for assessment and accountability Coaching opportunities Assistance in matching gifts and experience with ministry opportunities Ways to identify new church start pastors Leadership training and resources Assessment and inclusion of “best practices” from other annual conferences and secular organizations Define and manage exit strategies Develop an “Academy Beyond Seminary” for pastors in years 1 to 5

TASK # 3 Recruit Gifted and Talented Candidates for Ministry

WE SEEK A culture of call with emphasis on gifted, young persons from diverse backgrounds Proactive skills, approaches, and tools for recruiting ministry candidates A process that cultivates and keeps young persons interested in ministry

We Plan to Develop: Collaborative partnerships among Annual Conference agencies to identify, attract, and develop new clergy Seminary visits Identify and utilize “best practices” from other Annual Conferences Work within the connection to assist in providing training and financial resources for the local congregation Develop and promote a Conference-wide “Ministry Sunday” emphasis

TASK # 4 Develop Fruitful Lay Leadership

WE SEEK A culture of expectation that all clergy will develop lay leadership in the congregation A collaboration among Annual Conference agencies that will identify, attract, and train the next generation of fruitful lay leaders from diverse backgrounds

We Plan to Develop: Training opportunities that have a common language and practice, which reflect Biblical principles, Wesleyan tradition, and culturally relevant ministry A cadre of “re-vitalizing” pastors Strategies that utilize certified lay ministers

RESULTS:  TASK # 1 Increased numbers of Pastors: * Reporting satisfaction with their ministry * Involved in peer support & accountability groups * Reporting adequate resources for professional development

RESULTS: TASK # 2 Churches with discipleship systems that result in growth &/or transformation Churches growing in average attendance Lowering the average age of the congregation Congregational demographics better aligned with neighborhoods

RESULTS: TASK # 3 Increased number of gifted, young candidates for ordained ministry who are from diverse backgrounds Increased number of clergy prepared to provide spiritual and temporal leadership for new church starts and existing churches Lowering the average age of clergy

RESULTS:  TASK # 4 Increased number of pastors: * Equipping laity, youth, and young adults to participate in hands-on and connectional ministry * Leading congregations to participate in risk-taking mission, service, and justice ministry opportunities * Networking personally and with other congregations Serve as liaison between local church, district, conference, and general church to share best practices, resources, and knowledge