| Dear Congregational Leaders: |
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This packet represents some of the ministries that benefit the whole body named the Church of the Brethren. As
a leader in your congregation, please share this information as widely as possible to increase awareness and understanding
about all these district and denominational gifts, services and activities. Use it to help plan your outreach budget
for the coming year.
Paul reminds us in I Corinthians that it is important for those in the church to make full use of a variety of
gifts. However, the presence of an assortment of gifts, services and activities is not just for variety's sake.
The same God is the giver of all these gifts, and their purpose is for the benefit of the whole body of Christ.
Your congregation's support of these ministries allows our Church of the Brethren agencies to live out Christ's
ministry in many ways. Below are suggestions for ways you can do this. |
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Pray for a different ministry each month. |
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Distribute the materials to those responsible for planning your outreach budget (witness commission, stewards'
commission, church board, leadership team, etc.) and provide adequate time to discuss the ministries represented. |
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Create an outreach bulletin board and post the information about the various ministries. |
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Educate your congregation about the outreach ministries they support by highlighting one each month during a "ministry
moment" in worship or through a Sunday school class. |
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Invite persons in your congregation who have direct contact with a particular agency or ministry to share their
experiences and first-hand knowledge. |
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Summarize the information contained in this packet in your church newsletter and commit to talk about each ministry
over time. |
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Invite an agency representative to visit your congregation and make a presentation.
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In conclusion, as your congregation plans its outreach budget for 2008, we ask you to prayerfully consider your
support of the ministries of your denomination. The same Spirit who activates the gifts of the members of your
congregation is manifested in these ministries. And when you have made your decisions about allocating your resources,
please fill out the official reporting form and return it as instructed.
Together, as the body of Christ, we continue the work of Jesus for the common good.
Thank you! |
Congregational Outreach Planning
Worksheet
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