The Forward Focus

The Forward Focus is a Process: To study the “ministry potential and vitality of a church” Requires an extensive study of past, present & potential for ministry Based on Paragraph 213 of the UM Book of Discipline

THE FORWARD FOCUS ¶ 213. Since every congregation is located in a community in some type of transition, every local church is encouraged to study its congregation’s potential. Upon the request of the congregation, the district superintendent shall appoint a study task force to assist in

THE FORWARD FOCUS an extensive study of the past, present and potential ministry of that local church. Alternatively, the district superintendent may appoint such a task force when the future viability of the congregation is in question or whenever he/she deems it necessary for other reasons. 

The Forward Focus is a Process: To study the “ministry potential and vitality of a church” Requires an extensive study of past, present & potential for ministry Based on Paragraph 213 of the UM Book of Discipline Not just about closing churches

THE FORWARD FOCUS The process is designed to: Encourage churches to regularly study their community Guide the local church leadership in gathering data Lead to reflection on the ministry potential and vitality of the local church

THE FORWARD FOCUS The process is designed to: Create an ongoing conversation with members of the congregation to ensure their input Increase the ministry capacity of the local church for years to come

THE FORWARD FOCUS ABOUT THE PROCESS Generally 90- to 120-day process Key questions answered: Who are we? Who is our neighbor? What are we here for? What are we going to do about it?

THE FORWARD FOCUS ABOUT THE PROCESS What is studied? Unique missional opportunities & needs Present ministries of the congregation Number of leaders & their leadership styles Growth potential

THE FORWARD FOCUS ABOUT THE PROCESS What is studied? Fiscal and facility needs Distance from other UM churches & other churches Other matters that impact the church’s ability to fulfill the mission of the church

THE FORWARD FOCUS Key elements of the process: Prayer Team 2 Chronicles 7:14 – If my people who belong to me will humbly pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land. (CEB version)

THE FORWARD FOCUS Prayer Team Begins undergirding the process with prayer as quickly as possible after the congregation commits to being a part of the process

THE FORWARD FOCUS Key elements of the process: Prayer Team Pastor and/or Lay Chairperson Forward Leader

THE FORWARD FOCUS Forward Leader Trained individual assigned by the DS to offer guidance and instruction to the forward team as to “HOW” to compile, analyze and report the gathered information that is required. Facilitate/coach the process. The answers come from Forward Team and the congregation.

THE FORWARD FOCUS Key elements of the process: Prayer Team Pastor and/or Lay Chairperson Forward Leader Congregational Specialist Forward Team

THE FORWARD FOCUS Forward Team The identified group from the congregation Carries out the needed tasks between congregational meetings Completes worksheets Analyzes findings Compiles & presents reports for all congregational meetings

THE FORWARD FOCUS Key elements of the process: Prayer Team Pastor and/or Lay Chairperson Forward Leader Congregational Specialist Forward Team Congregational Meetings

THE FORWARD FOCUS Congregational Meetings Open for the entire church to attend A dynamic part of the overall holy process Gather congregational input – an important part of the process

THE FORWARD FOCUS Congregational Meetings Session 1 – Orientation to the task Session 2 – Evaluation of ministry and identity of the church Session 3 – Evaluation of finances & facilities Session 4 – Team report, including recommendations

THE FORWARD FOCUS Key elements of the process: Prayer Team Pastor and/or Lay Chairperson Forward Leader Congregational Specialist Forward Team Congregational Meetings

OUTCOMES THE FORWARD FOCUS Clear idea of next steps for your congregation in consultation with DS An informed discernment of God’s will for your congregation Reclaim a healthy process for the how the congregation should work