Bishop’s Address Annual Conference 2009

We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that has been granted to the churches of Macedonia; for during a severe ordeal of affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For, as I can testify, they voluntarily gave according to their means and even beyond their means, begging us earnestly for the privilege of sharing in this ministry to the saints – and this, not merely as we expected; they gave themselves first to the Lord and, by the will of God, to us. - II Corinthians 8:1-5

A Rich Generosity Increased giving during the 1st Quarter Faithfulness to 100% Mission Share Giving A commitment to the connection Disaster Response, Missions & Extra-mile giving. Taking advantage of the opportunity to witness to our faithfulness.

Commitments of the Leadership Putting vital leaders in vital settings. Monitoring the impact of our programs and initiatives Producing reliable reports. Celebrating Faithful, Effective & Fruitful ministry.

The Story of Statistics - 2008 2,353 Baptisms 2,512 Professions of Faith Disciples are Being Made!

Baptisms – Down 74

Professions of Faith – Down 412

The Story of Statistics - 2008 38 % of Our Congregations (329) had ZERO baptisms. 49% of Our Congregations (427) had ZERO Professions of Faith.

Membership – Down 1,850

Attendance – Down 900

The Good News 31% of our Churches (266) are Growing! 32% of our Churches have increased Attendance!

Regional Growth - Baptisms Greensburg District – UP 5% Butler District – UP 9% Pittsburgh District – UP 28%

Regional Growth – Prof. of Faith Indiana District – UP 40%!!

Regional Growth - Attendance Greensburg District – up 1.5% Pittsburgh District – up 2.9%

The Story of Statistics New Trends emerging Signs of Faithfulness But much work to be done to ignite, sustain & grow the church!

A Positive Foundation A New Climate & Attitude A Clear Mission, Vision & Core Value An implemented Strategic Plan sprouting new & revitalized ministry. Defining & evaluating Faithful, Effective & Fruitful Clergy

A Positive Foundation Growth of Continuing Education Opportunities Leadership Incubators NCD, Healthy Churches, Racism Training, Poverty Simulation Increased communication & Accountability A structure to fulfill our mission.

Clear Learnings Focusing on the Local Church Congregations deciding to Grow! The Spirit blowing in our midst! Don’t decide to Decline & Die! God is NOT through with us yet.

Areas of Focus for Transformation The UMC Four Areas of Focus The “Believe Again” Implementation Team The Next Strategy????

Developing Principled Christian Leaders Targeting laity as a focal point for 2009-1010. Bishop’s Study Team on Lay Ministry The formation of a Laity Cabinet

Creating New Places for New People & Revitalizing Existing Congregations Development of an Intentional, Comprehensive Strategic Plan for New Church Starts Nurturing of “Parenting” Congregations Strategic Conversations about re-vitalization CFA/CCN Budget Development

Ministry with the Poor Support of the Six Regional Mission Projects legislation. A Local Church Action Plan for the Poor A commitment to the communities where our churches are located. A full plan shared at the 2009 Charge Conference

The Global Health Initiative Casting a wider net Bed nets Plus! Imagine KNOW Malaria! Safe water, sanitation, & medical follow-up

The Global Health Initiative Partner-to-Partner Relationship with Zimbabwe Saving Lives in Sierra Leone “Bed Net” Project The Global Health Campaign to prevent the killer diseases by raising $75 million denomination-wide.

Dismantling Racism Opportunities for sensitivity & training Filtering the work into the pew and from the pew into the community. Doing good, doing no harm, & staying in love with God.

Building on a Solid Foundation Making Disciples Igniting & Sustaining a Passionate Spiritual Connection Loving One Another

Building on a Solid Foundation Out of weakness comes real strength The hallmark of a Western Pennsylvanian. The time is now. Bringing to completion this act of grace. Igniting & Sustaining a Passionate Spiritual Foundation

Transforming the World I want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that has been granted to the churches of (Western Pennsylvania); for during a severe ordeal of affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For, as I can testify, they voluntarily gave according to their means and even beyond their means, begging us earnestly for the privilege of sharing in this ministry to the saints – and this, not merely as we expected; they gave themselves first to the Lord and, by the will of God, to us. (II Corinthians 8:1-5)