Strategies in Local Mission Carol Cartmill Executive Director of Mission and Outreach

A Vision for Local Mission Aligns with the purpose and vision of the church - to build a Christian community where non-religious and nominally religious people are becoming deeply committed Christians - to be used by God to transform communities 10,000 Reasons capital campaign - lifting 10,000 children out of poverty

Journey to Know, Love and Serve God & Others Mission service is a dynamic part of an individual’s discipleship The nature of a sending God; we are sent Narrative arc of the story of God and our role in fulfilling God’s redemptive purposes God doesn’t send angels – God sends us

Emergency aid to reduce immediate suffering In our early years, we sowed seeds of generosity and cultivated a spirit of giving to needs beyond the walls of our church Relief

Individual Betterment Services and tools aimed at equipping individuals with skills and abilities to provide for their own basic needs We moved toward more intentional engagement of people – resources began to follow relationships

Community Development Sustainability and outcomes that lead to the long-term development of people and communities

Relationship Mutual design Leadership capacity Resources

Going Deeper Choosing where to concentrate your efforts: A geographic area Initiatives that match the gifts and calling of your particular church

Focus on a neighborhood Transitioned our Christmas in October campaign to work in the neighborhood surrounding one of our partner schools

Focus on a school Provide tutors, school uniforms, supplies, teacher support, playground equipment, books, tutors, room parties, incentive bags, and backpacks with food for the weekend

Focus on what you do well Programs that holistically support the education of children

Educate yourself and congregation Identify issues in your community People in need walking through your doors Utilize data and resources from your community agencies Study other churches and non-profits

Develop a long-term mindset Our work involves humility and patience Hone your conflict tolerance and resolution skills The impact of people who stay for the long haul Trust-worthiness and respect take time to develop

ABCD – asset-based community development Local assets are the primary building blocks of sustainable community. Building on the skills of local residents, the power of local associations, asset-based community development draws upon existing community strengths to build stronger, more sustainable communities for the future.

Mutually Designed Plan Partners are at the table to work on solutions – it’s not about us! Plans must be sustainable – so that we do not create a culture of dependency Then…we move to the resource conversation. It all starts with identifying the assets already within the community. Every community has assets!

Leadership Capacity We cannot move faster and beyond the capacity of indigenous leadership We must increase our own capacity by developing leaders Be on the constant look out for people who are leadership material Don’t under-estimate the capacity of people The majority of our leaders started with an entry-point opportunity Train for cultural sensitivity Safe gatherings and background checks

Resource Development Use of special drives and campaigns Operating budget Easter grant Candlelight Christmas Eve Memorial & legacy gifts Parties Club events Outside sources

Accountability and Transparency Congregants have access to information – know how funds are spent Annual report Progress reports via Pastors’ E-Notes Celebrations in worship Process for vetting new ministries and funding requests We cultivate similar practices with our partners Ask for progress reports and financials

Measuring Outcomes Metrics Evaluations What do we measure? When to grow, stop or transition a ministry

Final Thoughts Cast a compelling vision Start where you are and grow incrementally Get to know your community and develop deep relationships Work collaboratively Utilize your strengths Continually develop people Evaluate and tweak Be humble and patient Celebrate God’s goodness