TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH DISCOVERY TEAM SUMMARY OF FINDINGS - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH DISCOVERY TEAM SUMMARY OF FINDINGS AND POSSIBILITIES FOR OUR FUTURE AGENDA Introduction Discovery Team Scope of Assignment Summary of Report Method and Process State of Trinity Financial
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS AND POSSIBILITIES FOR OUR FUTURE
AGENDA
INTRODUCTION
exists to know Christ and share His love.
Trinity Christian School and the Christian Community Counseling Center.
continue God’s work in our community.
groups was formed to address these issues.
INTRODUCTION THE DISCOVERY TEAM SCOPE OF ASSIGNMENT
The Church Leadership Council (CLC) approved and sanctioned an official group of church members, the Discovery Team, to:
Collect Data about the truth of our financial situation, attendance trends, and state of our facility Formalize conversations with potential partners so the conversations would be official, with the blessing of TUMC Learn if separation from the United Methodist Church (UMC) was possible, and if so, the steps to be followed Explore other options Present options and a recommendation to the CLC around the time of the General Conference, July 2020
INTRODUCTION SUMMARY OF REPORT Financial
Church: Giving is covering expenses School: Just a little profitable Endowment: A safety net of $700,000
Attendance
Church: Slowly declining School: A few empty seats in most grades, but some grades full
Debt
School has $2.2 million mortgage, and makes monthly mortgage payments just like a residence
Facility
Needs some attention, but nothing is unsafe or dire. A building campaign may be worthwhile.
INTRODUCTION SUMMARY OF REPORT
The written report details every aspect of the journey that has brought the Discovery Team to this
the process and our findings. Trinity is important to the United Methodist Church and The Discovery Team recommendation speaks to our current state. Our research shows that we are not in a desperate situation as yet.
Let’s seek God’s guidance to connect in the light and let Him steer Trinity into the future!
METHOD AND PROCESS
“adaptive leadership”
adjust accordingly
also overlapping and allowed for the process to be adaptive and flexible.
Phase 1 Adopt Purpose and Goals Phase 1 Adopt Purpose and Goals Phase 2 Data Collection and Observation Time Phase 2 Data Collection and Observation Time Phase 3 Current Reality Phase 3 Current Reality Phase 4 Assessment Phase 4 Assessment Phase 5 Solution Focused Phase 5 Solution Focused
METHOD AND PROCESS SUBGROUPS
DISCOVERY DISCOVERY
Christ Fellowship Kingdom Partnership Christ Fellowship Kingdom Partnership Community of Hope Community of Hope School/Church School/Church Big Ideas Group Big Ideas Group Digital Task Force Digital Task Force New Normal Group New Normal Group
METHOD AND PROCESS CHRIST FELLOWSHIP SUBGROUP
Why Kingdom Partners Support a Partnership with Christ Fellowship Financial resources to maintain and improve Trinity’s facilities; implement a robust security program Successful programs to grow the congregation and disciple members in any age bracket Conservative in their views on human sexuality Preserve the Trinity Name Continue at least one Traditional Sunday service as long as it is viable and well attended Strengthen and support Trinity Christian School and work to maximize enrollment The objective of the group was to consider Christ Fellowship, a local non-denominational church to acquire/merge/adopt and incorporate Trinity into their system. A majority of the initial work was done by a group of Trinity’s congregation, known as Kingdom Partners (KP). The Christ Fellowship Subgroup included two representatives from the Christ Fellowship Kingdom Partners.
METHOD AND PROCESS CHRIST FELLOWSHIP SUBGROUP
The CF Subgroup worked to gain a thorough understand of the opportunity by:
discuss the possibilities and ask questions about views on services, ministries and the school
discuss and understand concerns
are able to disaffiliate
the Book of Discipline regarding a path to disaffiliation from the UMC
Main Points of CF Letter of Understanding Preserve the Trinity Name Continue at least one Traditional Sunday service as long as it is viable and well attended Strengthen and support Trinity Christian School and work to maximize enrollment Continue Pumpkin Patch as long as Trinity Campus members support it and it remains profitable Repair and update the property; implement a robust security program Satisfy existing indebtedness Work to incorporate as many of Trinity’s mission organizations into the CF Mission
Have a Trinity member on the board of elders for one term for transition purposes
METHOD AND PROCESS COMMUNITY OF HOPE SUBGROUP
The Community of Hope Subgroup did not get very far. COH was in talks with St. Luke’s UMC, and not available to partner with Trinity right now. They gave us some great ideas, though!
New Partners are assigned to a small group or mission team and expected to participate.
“Connections Groups”
What’s in a name? Investment and responsibility.
“Partners” not “Members”
Sharing the Love of Jesus with Palm Beach County by supporting local missions
METHOD AND PROCESS CHURCH/SCHOOL SUBGROUP
IDEAS FOR TCS
Holy Spirit Lutheran
Christ Church Ft. Lauderdale The Village School of Naples Faith Lutheran UMAP
This DT subgroup’s objective was to discover as many “Best Practices” as possible from literature, websites, and meetings with other area churches with schools. They brought some great ideas to the team and to TCS.
METHOD AND PROCESS SUBGROUPS THAT WILL LIVE ON
Formed to consider and implement ideas for the Trinity Community to be more connectional.
Big Ideas Group
Currently working with church staff to explore different aspects of using digital formats and develop a digital marketing plan. The next meeting is Wednesday, July 29.
Digital Task Force
Research revitalization aspects and ideas that the Unstuck Group have presented in different podcasts/webinars.
New Normal Group
STATE OF TRINITY FINANCIAL CURRENT REALITY
STATE OF TRINITY FINANCIAL CURRENT REALITY
STATE OF TRINITY FINANCIAL CURRENT REALITY
STATE OF TRINITY FINANCIAL CURRENT REALITY
STATE OF TRINITY FINANCIAL CURRENT REALITY
TUMC Finances TCS Finances Financial Assets
A Financially Stable Trinity Community
Trinity’s finances are currently stable. It is suggested that we continue our efforts at right-sizing the campus, looking at the usage of the campus, and reviewing current designated accounts.
STATE OF TRINITY MEMBERSHIP & DISCIPLESHIP
STATE OF TRINITY MEMBERSHIP & DISCIPLESHIP
into the future.
STATE OF TRINITY 3 QUESTION CONGREGATIONAL SURVEY
When were you most excited
connection to our church? What was happening during that time in your life and in the life of our church?
connected with their family participating in strong programs, activities and ministries, and making friends.
What has changed in your life
that may have affected your sense of connection or excitement about our church?
those in leadership positions
What is one wish/hope/dream you have for the future of our church?
Spirit and scriptures to grow and develop spiritually, and a desire for more young families and people in general to attend the church and work together.
STATE OF TRINITY TRINITY VALUES VS. GENERAL CONFERENCE
values to provide a solid foundation for the church.
issues regarding human sexuality is an issue that cannot be dealt with until the vote in August 2021.
THE FLORIDA CONFERENCE & ATLANTIC CENTRAL DISTRICT PERCEPTION OF TRINITY
Trinity is which is in line with the Florida Conference decline.
in the top 100 churches for membership and top 90 in terms of worship attendance, and within the top 20 in both categories in the Atlantic Central District.
and worthy of sustaining.
TOP 20
Membership & Attendance
Atlantic Central District
THE FLORIDA CONFERENCE & ATLANTIC CENTRAL DISTRICT STANCE ON DISAFFILIATION
Can only be used for reasons of conscience regarding the current stance on human sexuality. There has not been a change to The Book of Discipline regarding this matter.
Disaffiliation using ¶2553
Close the church and school, and hope to negotiate a buy-back or sale to another entity - an unlikely outcome as the Conference desires a UMC presence here.
Close and Buy Back according to ¶2549
THE FLORIDA CONFERENCE & ATLANTIC CENTRAL DISTRICT SUGGESTIONS FOR MOVING FORWARD
Focus All Efforts on Revitalization
connection to Unstuck Group as a resource.
the District and Conference.
Explore Adoption by another UMC
currently successful UMC such as Community of Hope.
DISCOVERY TEAM OPTIONS FOR MOVING FORWARD
Do nothing and re-evaluate after the General Conference (Aug 2021) and the Annual Conference Vote regarding human sexuality Close the church and school, and take our chances
partnership with Christ Fellowship. Commit to a revitalization plan to become an exciting, thriving church community once again.
DISCOVERY TEAM OPTIONS FOR MOVING FORWARD
Do nothing and re-evaluate after the General Conference (Aug 2021) and the Annual Conference Vote regarding human sexuality Close the church and school, and take our chances
partnership with Christ Fellowship. Commit to a revitalization plan to become an exciting, thriving church community once again.
RECOMMENDATION COMMIT TO REVITALIZATION
What can our Church Revitalization Plan look like?
Ethos, Engage, Empower, Equip!
Become unified in our aspirations as a church community Become unified in our aspirations as a church community Engage the services of an
to help direct how we can move forward such as the Unstuck Group Engage the services of an
to help direct how we can move forward such as the Unstuck Group Empower the leaders, staff and congregation to create new ways of expressing God’s Love as we operate in a “new normal” Empower the leaders, staff and congregation to create new ways of expressing God’s Love as we operate in a “new normal” Equip our leaders, staff, and volunteers with leadership development that incorporates discipleship training Equip our leaders, staff, and volunteers with leadership development that incorporates discipleship training Develop healthier habits
relationships Develop healthier habits
relationships Develop a plan to “Right Size” the facilities, programs, and strategies Develop a plan to “Right Size” the facilities, programs, and strategies Create a Capital Campaign Fundraiser for the school and church Create a Capital Campaign Fundraiser for the school and church
RECOMMENDATION COMMIT TO REVITALIZATION
Churches leaders engage the Unstuck Group when they want coaching through things like:
➢ Strategic planning for uncharted territory ➢ Rapid change and leading people through it ➢ Unclear vision for the future ➢ Determining the real priorities now ➢ Reaching the next generation, especially with digital strategies ➢ Complexities of multi-site and/or mergers ➢ Under-performing or relationally dysfunctional staff team ➢ Lack of clarity around how to structure team
RECOMMENDATION COMMIT TO REVITALIZATION
RECOMMENDATION COMMIT TO REVITALIZATION
OPPORTUNITIES
Re-establish Trinity’s identity and core values, and proclaim that we are recommitting ourselves to Trinity’s mission and its future under the Lordship of Jesus Recommitting to be stewards of Trinity’s heritage, community and property Can start the process immediately UMC agreement to provide expertise, leadership continuity, and some financial support Will add a new level of energy and excitement as we move forward in mission with God
CHALLENGES
Similar efforts aimed at revitalization were made in the past but failed as the studies were done, but recommendations not implemented Will require expertise and a dedicated, persistent core of leaders and volunteers Does not rectify current facility needs or potential financial threats in the short term Possible dissension/skepticism from within the Trinity Community will require healing, buy-in, and unity Current COVID-19 prevention measures have disrupted church gatherings and present a challenge as we move forward
RECOMMENDATION NEXT STEPS
The Discovery Team is mindful that Trinity’s history has shown that past decisions have been rushed or not inclusive of all members of the church. To this end, the Discovery Team is recommends the following next steps prior to voting on whether or not to accept the Revitalization Pathway:
Discovery Team, who will make themselves available during this time.
recommends the Church Leadership Council (CLC) vote on developing and pursuing a Church Revitalization Pathway that includes a thorough yet attainable plan, dedicated resources (both financial and personnel), and leadership continuity and commitment.
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As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of All, who is over all and through all and in all. - Ephesians 4:1-6 (NIV)