1. Bishop’s Address Annual Conference 2009

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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.

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

6. Baptisms – Down 74

7. Professions of Faith – Down 412

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

9. Membership – Down 1,850

10. Attendance – Down 900

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

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

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

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

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

16. 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

17. 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.

18. 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.

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

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

21. 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

22. 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 Charge Conference

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

24. 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.

25. 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.

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

27. 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

28. 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)