Shift Network is a year-long process of training and coaching for local churches that focuses on five areas of faith development: Worship, Hospitality, Discipleship, Service, and Generosity. This coaching and training process helps congregations identify the five "shifts" they need to make to be vital, effective, and fruitful.
Face-to-face training and phone coaching sessions are led by the Rev. Rick McKinley, New England Conference Director of Congregational Development.
Watch a short video about Shift Network:
Shift Network from Rick McKinley on Vimeo.
This from a pastor who has participated: "Shift provides an intentional process for looking at where you are and
where you are going. This has given Thornton Heights an opportunity to take honest inventory of ministry in several areas. It is bringing to light areas for improvement that were not on the horizon." – Kathleen Towns, Pastor, Thornton Heights UMC, ME.
From a lay participant: “For many years I have been skeptic about religious training courses and whether they really change anything. I have found the SHIFT training quite different. I think that Phil Maynard has really thought through each of these SHIFTS. He presents his material well and in an interesting manner and has the background experience to back it up. And having to set goals and be accountable for them makes participants responsible to stay engaged. … Certainly for me (and I'm not a really outgoing person), I have been more focused on being welcoming to new people, and we have made it a point to publicize our intention of this at all church meetings.” – Nancy King, Leominster United Methodist Church.
Suncook UMC in New Hampshire started new small groups and events and enhanced their worship design. Read what they had to say about the Shift Network process here.
The next Shift Network process begins in August 2017 and continues until June 2018. There are six slots available for the 2017-18 session. Get the application here.