| Transforming Congregations The OCT Director…What’s He Doing?
By Rev. Kendall M. Taylor,
Executive Director Office of Congregational Transformation
 There
is no such thing as a typical day for me. I am writing this from
Austell, Ga., where I am helping my father move to a new residence.
But wherever I am there are thoughts stirring in some part of my brain
about transformation and the people and congregations who will benefit
from it. I am wondering today if it would it be helpful for you to
know how the work of this office is proceeding? On the assumption you
are at least curious about it here’s a thumbnail sketch.
n Writing and reflecting–I
read. I interview pastors and lay persons. I write what I believe will
aid congregational leaders in connecting with God’s specific purpose
for them. Two new articles on the Conference Web site at http://www.flumc.org/OCT/index.htm
are Healthy Congregations and Categories of Congregations. The first
is a description of how a healthy congregation behaves. The second is
a tool for helping congregations define where they are in relation to
transformation. The congregation’s leaders decide which category
describes them and then learn some next steps in asking for help from
OCT. The healthy congregation is always “transforming.”
Preparation for interpretation of the OCT–in districts and local
churches.
Responding to e-mails and phone calls–More than 30 pastors and lay
persons have contacted me inquiring about transformation and how to
begin. I guide them, recommending initial studies by the pastor and
some key lay “influencers.”
Gathering a Transformation Team–The transformation of all churches
that decide to do it is more than one person can do. I am eagerly
searching for interested people willing to be trained in the skills
necessary to help a congregation along in the transforming process.
Conference Council on Ministries staff–I work with them as first
members of our transformation team
ACT–We will form an Academy for Congregational Transformation (ACT)
whose purpose is to train interested laity and pastors in the skills
of transformation. We will do this in partnership with seminaries, the
best sources of practical knowledge.
Until next time…phone calls and
e-mails are welcome at 1-800-282-8011, extension 109, or ktaylor@flumc.org.
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