ANTIOCH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH STRATEGIC PLAN

How did we get here? Congregational Survey Full day retreat Guided by The Spark Mill

GOALS AND IMPLEMENTATION 1.CREATE SUPPORTS AND PROGRAMS FOR OUR GROWING YOUTH COMMUNITY – Develop a Sunday School/Christian Education program Educate members to become Sunday School teachers Form Sunday School classes for each age group Investigate the investment in educational materials and resources – Develop a Youth Group program Find and prepare good leader(s) – Continue nursery, and Children’s Church until Sunday School is in place – Investigate the feasibility of building a playground to support the growing youth membership Committee Assignment: NEW

GOALS AND IMPLEMENTATION 2.GROW AND EXPAND OUR MISSION AND OUTREACH WORK. – Increase church participation in local mission work focused on the specific needs of our community Contact local community resources to determine significant community needs Expand Neighbors Helping Neighbors to serve more people Continue supporting Angel tree, Salvation Army, school supplies, food pantry, etc. Increase gleaning garden opportunities – Continue regional mission trips – Boost outreach by offering more programs at church including meals – Empower individuals active in our church to increase responsibility for our neighbors Committee Assignment: Mission and Outreach

GOALS AND IMPLEMENTATION 3.CONTINUE TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDIVIDUAL SPIRITUAL GROWTH – Increase participation in Bible Study groups and small groups Recruit new lay leaders for small groups – Create a plan for individuals to connect with small groups, Methodism 101 class, service opportunities Create educational opportunities for new attendees including a Methodism 101 class Develop a spiritual resource list to include readings, books, and movies – Focus on uplifting others in need through personal connection Create a personal plan for church members to make weekly contact by phone/card Committee Assignment: Worship/Hospitality + Pastor

GOALS AND IMPLEMENTATION 4.FORM A LEADERSHIP AND SUCCESSION PLAN FOR LAY PARTICIPATION – Institute a Mentor Program for anyone new to a committee or position to increase knowledge and skills – Survey congregation to determine interest level and specific areas of interest to increase participation and decrease burnout Use survey information to more effectively match jobs with talents Committee Assignment: Nominating

GOALS AND IMPLEMENTATION 5.ESTABLISH A SOUND FINANCIAL PLAN GEARED TOWARDS GROWTH. – Increase financial transparency and accountability Post weekly collections information Publish budget and progress towards budget – Develop a capital plan for buildings and facilities including budgeting, fundraising, and timelines and seek approval from the congregation. Potential expansion items include: fellowship hall, classrooms, and a playground Committee Assignment: Finance

Where do we go from here? 1.Circulate the plan and seek feedback. a)Today, this presentation, is a first step b)Post it to our website for easy access c)Hold a ‘community forum’ to talk about the Goals in depth 2. Take the plan apart into the various committees and have them detail their steps to move things forward. a)For example, the Finance Committee 3. Input their plans into the document in order to document all steps. 4. Regularly check in with the document in committee meetings to watch your progress and keep your focus on the right areas.

Where do we go from here? 1.Circulate the plan and seek feedback. 2. Take the plan apart into the various committees and have them detail their steps to move things forward. a)For example, the Finance Committee has already begun… i.Any expenses that are not regular/monthly and that are over $50.00 must be approved before money is spent. – Tessie to create a form for this – Alan to announce – Treasurer and Chair responsible for review and approval. ii.Handling offerings on Sunday morning – Form for Sunday offering to include – cash collected, number of checks and 2 signatures. – Finance Committee to serve with Financial Secretary as “tellers” each week. – Wanda to create this form.

Where do we go from here? 1.Circulate the plan and seek feedback. a)Today, this presentation, is a first step b)Post it to our website for easy access c)Hold a ‘community forum’ to talk about the Goals in depth 2. Take the plan apart into the various committees and have them detail their steps to move things forward. a)For example, the Finance Committee 3. Input their plans into the document in order to document all steps. 4. Regularly check in with the document in committee meetings to watch your progress and keep your focus on the right areas.