Report of the Study Committee:
Weak or Declining Churches
The committee met five times since last Annual Conference to complete its assignment.
At an adjourned session of Annual Conference, October 22, 2005, Carl Shank gave a detailed presentation of the Natural Church Development assessment survey. Most churches were represented by a pastor(s), elder(s) or other church leaders. As of February 10, 2006, five churches are in various stages of using the NCD church health evaluation tool. Several others are giving serious thought to using it in the future.
At the adjourned session the Duties of the Board of Church Health were passed at first reading. The committee made a few non-substantive changes to help clarify the language and intent.
We hereby recommend that the 123rd Annual Conference adopt the following at second reading:
Duties of Board of Church Health
(1) The Board of Church Health shall monitor the health of Particular Churches.
(2) It shall approach, based on its discretion, Particular Churches to offer assistance for strengthening church health.
(3) It shall provide counsel and resources for the self-assessment of the health of Particular Churches.
(4) It shall provide a list of recommended consultants to Particular Churches needing assistance in moving toward stronger church health.
(5) It shall offer training and seminars to promote church health.
(6) It shall inform the Ministerial Relations Committee if a matter threatening the pastoral relationship becomes evident at a Particular Church receiving Board of Health assistance and shall assist a Particular Church at the request of the Ministerial Relations committee.
(7) It shall in cooperation with the Board of Directors assist particular churches to close when necessary.
(8) In the event of a church closing it shall consult with the Board of Church Extension regarding the feasibility of planting a new church in the same area.
(9) It shall develop sources of financial assistance for Particular Churches who cannot afford church health resources.
(10) It shall receive and disburse monies designated for church health.
Committee to Study Weak or Declining Churches: Byron Widger, Chairman; Carl K. Spackman, Secretary; Carl C. Cassel, Ronald W. Reed, Greg A. Uhrich, John C. Vandegriff (Richard T. Paashaus, Robert A. Sloan, Robert H. Zentz from the Strategic Planning Committee).