| Church Development Florida Conference Members Go Back To School
By Dr. Montfort C. Duncan Jr.,
Executive Director, Church Development
 This
past August nearly 30 people from the Florida Conference attended the
School for Congregational Development in Houston, Texas. It was a
fast-paced, information-loaded experience.
Of the 30 Florida participants, 22 attended
through the office of New Church Development—eight district
superintendents, one extended cabinet member and 13 pastors. Bishop
Whitaker also attended.
This school started in the early ’90s with 15
people. There were approximately 500 people at the August event.
Attendees had the option of choosing from among five available tracks—new
church, turn-around church, high potential church, district
superintendent/church developers and bishops. Training for each
specific track was provided by leaders in each area.
Those who attended have stated the usefulness
and viability of the school. It is sponsored by the Joint Committee on
Congregational Development of the Board of Discipleship and the Board
of Global Ministries. The school in 2003 will be held in Washington,
D.C.
As part of our conference’s discernment
process for potential new church pastors, this school is part of the
required curriculum for pastors who have completed stages one and two.
The practical nature and content of the school has proven every year
to be of great value to those who attend. This is one of the most
valuable experiences the general church offers for clergy and laity in
the United Methodist Church.
If you have any questions or if I can be of help
to your congregation, call me at 800-282-8011, extension 103. |
