Congregational Development

Congregational Development is a holistic approach to the development and growth of a congregations ministries, participation, and impact on its community and world.  Merging the studies of missions, evangelism, leadership, discipleship, and organizational development, Congregational Development seeks to extend the Gospel of Christ by supporting the work of congregations of Christians in their core tasks of making more and better disciples and having a greater and deeper impact on the world.
 

Nov. 5&6, 2010 in Lexington MA

more information and registration at: www.newenglandschool.org

You will find much of the information, materials and resources you need right here on the site! 

Here is an overview of the Congregational Development areas - click on one of the links below:

 

The work of Congregational Development is organized into three areas, depending on the lifecycle of the congregation.  Local congregations were not created to last forever, and they move through regular cycles of growth, leveling off, decline, and revitalization.  The work of Congregational Development is divided into three areas: starting new churches, supporting and revitalizing existing churches, and shepherding churches in decline and crisis.

The work of developing congregations is supported in the New England Conference of the United Methodist Church through five areas of resourcing:

 

 

District Superintendents can be a fount of helpful advice and guidance, and their support and permission is necessary for most development activities.  Keep them up to speed through regular and helpful communication, and involve them in praying for the work of your church.
 

click this link to find your District Superintendent: District Offices and Superintendents 

 

 

Our connectional structure has teams of people prepared to resource local churches in their work.  These teams on the Conference level include:

New Church Starts Committee

Local Church Transformation Team

Town & Country Committee (Small and Rural Churches)

Urban Ministries Committee

District Congregational Development Ministry Area Teams

 

 

This office is basically the work of our Director of Congregational Development, Curtis Brown.  He is committed to spending at least 1/2 of his time working directly with local churches, so feel free to call him out when you think he can be useful.  Curtis is also available for conversation about congregations, leadership or organizational questions:

Curtis Brown
Director of Congregational Development
978-682-8055 ext. 210 
curtis@neumc.org 

 

 

The Parish Consultant Network provides an independent pool of experienced consultants to local, district and regional church bodies.  This group has been a primary resource for congregational development for many years, and they continue to play a critical role in developing our churches. Contact Evelyn Johnson Moore, the coordinator, to begin an assessment and work process with our consultants.
 

Evelyn Johnson Moore
Parish Consultant Coordinator
978-263-1059
ejohnsonmoore@comcast.net

 

 

Many denominational resources are available to support local churches.  You can find many of the United Methodist resources online at:

Path 1 Center for New Churches - www.path1.org
The General Board of Global Ministries -  www.gbgm-umc.org
The Genral Board of Discipleship - www.gbod.org
Igniting Ministries - Rethinkchurch.org & 10thousanddoors.org
 

 

 

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congregational development office      978-682-8055 ext 210      curtis@neumc.org