1. The Forward Focus

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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. 

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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?

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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)

12. 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

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

14. 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.

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

16. 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

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

18. 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

19. 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

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

21. 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