BEING CHURCH TOGETHER
“Connecting local churches together in mutual ministry”
“Responding to national and global disasters”
“Church camp and youth events”
“Supporting local churches and ministers with the search and call process”
“Ecumenical outreach and cooperation”
“Ministering to local church pastors”
“Consultation for situations when a local church needs help”
“Prophetic witness”
These are just a few of the responses that the Vision Team has heard during Listening Sessions when participants are asked what is needed from a middle judicatory (i.e., association and conference). The Vision Team is holding these Listening Sessions to assist it in developing the recommendation it will bring to the Conference Annual Gathering in September. Our goal is to reimagine and reconstruct an organizational model of the church that faithfully fills the vision that God has placed on our hearts: a connected, covenantal church living the mission of Jesus Christ throughout our communities, states, and local region.
This new structure is intended to replace the six entities that currently exist – five associations and the conference – with “one nimble, and responsive judicatory that is both faithful in mission and responsible in stewardship.”
There have been nine Listening Sessions so far and six more are scheduled during the remainder of March. If you haven’t already participated, the Vision Team would appreciate your making time to attend one. You can find the schedule HERE. There are two other ways to get involved: complete the following SURVEY or send an email to ocuccvision@gmail.com. We hope to hear from as many members of the Conference as possible. We also request your prayers as we take your input and use it to design the new structure.
Current members of the Vision Team are: Patricia Battle, Dan Busch, Dan Doty, Mark Frey, John Gantt, Cathy Green, Tom Kagy, Ian Lynch, Carl Robinson, Jared Ruari, Karl Ulrich, Terry Williams. Other members of the Conference serve on one of three working groups studying “Best and Standard Practices Resource,” “Form and Structure Plan,” and “Finance and Stewardship.”
Blessings and peace,
Cathy Green
Moderator, Ohio Conference
green.cjm@gmail.com