1. The Yellowstone and the Rocky Mountain Conferences Of the United Methodist Church

2. The Mission of the United Methodist Church  The mission of The UMC is to “Make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” (Matt 28:18-20 & Matt 22:36-40)

3. Vital Congregations Project  This mission is achieved through vital congregations that equip and empower people to be Disciples of Jesus Christ in their homes and communities around the world.

4. Vital Congregations Project in Response to Call to Action  The VITAL CONGREGATIONS PROJECT was developed in response to the CALL TO ACTION.

5. A Call to Action  The adaptive challenge and recommendations

6. CRITICAL ADAPTIVE CHALLENGE FOR THE CHURCH  To redirect resources to foster and sustain vital congregations

7. Vital Congregations Are:  Spirit-filled, forward-leaning communities of believers that welcome all people (Gal.3:28)

8. Vital Congregations are:  Places where Disciples of Jesus Christ are made through the power of the Holy Spirit. (Matt. 28:18-20 )

9. Vital Congregations are  Communities that serve like Christ through justice and mercy ministries. (Micah 6:8, Luke 4:17-21

10. Vital congregations share five characteristics 1. Inviting and inspiring worship 2. Engaged disciples in mission and outreach 3. Gifted, equipped and empowered lay leadership

11. Vital congregations share five characteristics 4. Effective, equipped and inspired clergy leadership 5. Small groups and strong children’s programs and youth ministry

12. Every Local Church Participates by 1. Setting Numeric Goals 2. Establishing Action plans to Achieve the Goals 3. Sharing Stories

13. How to Enter Your Numeric Goals  Enter their goals in five areas on the umvitalcongregations.org web site. 1) Average Weekly Attendance 2) Professions of Faith 3) Small Groups 4) Members in Mission 5) Dollars Given to Mission

14. Setting Goals  Go to the “setting goals” tab and find their church through the methods provided.

15. Setting Goals  You will find statistics for the last few years and projections for the next in the five areas being measured.  This is where you enter your numeric goals on the chart provided.

16. Validation of Goals Yellowstone and Rocky Mountain Cabinet Members  The DS is then asked to review the local church goals and approve them as valid and possible. This validation process should be connected to the action plans that each church will be submitting to each district superintendent.

17. Goals to General Conference Bishop Elaine J. W. Stanvosky  These goals, action plan, and stories about their outcomes will be taken by Bishop Elaine to the 2012 General Conference.

18. Rocky Mountain Conference  Our conference will begin to participate in Vital Signs beginning on Jan. 1, 2012.

19. Vital Signs Dashboard  In order to get the RMC signed up to participate in the Vital Signs dashboard reporting process we need to provide to GCFA 1. Church name 2. GCFA number 3. Email for the church contact

20. Weekly Report  The Contact person at each local church will receive an email each week that will be invited them to enter their data

21. www.umvitalcongregations.org