Title: Disciples begin novel approach at funding new churches
Date: July 1, 1998
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: news@cm.disciples.org
98b-36
INDIANAPOLIS (DNS) -- A stronger financial base for establishing new Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) congregations is the purpose of a novel effort called Vision Builders. Vision Builders is the promotional and development arm of the denomination's New Congregation Establishment ministry.
The Rev. Deborah Thompson began June 1 as Vision Builders director. She headed the New Congregation Establishment office for the past seven-and-a-half years. Her ministry involved working with organizing committees for new church starts and helping train pastors and supporters in their work.
"In my work with NCE we were continually frustrated by inadequate funding for new congregation establishment. I believe Vision Builders will address that concern," Thompson said.
The new effort has identified five areas of work. The first is already underway. A Bible study, "Go! The Mandate of Jesus for the People of Today," is now available through Christian Board of Publication, St. Louis. The five-session study on the Great Commission was written by the Revs. Ron Allen, Indianapolis, and Rick Spleth, Lewisville, Texas. The study was edited by Homeland Ministries President Ann Updegraff Spleth.
Secondly, the new office hopes to develop a network and provide resources to assist builders clubs in regions and areas across the denomination. Although the names of the clubs are different from place to place, they share the same purpose. The clubs will help support new congregations financially. The goal is to have at least 2,000 members in these groups by the 1999 General Assembly.
Vision Builders will also provide a way to help regions, congregations and areas with abundant financial resources to support new congregations in needier places. For instance, a congregation might give a percentage of its campaign for building improvements to help a new congregation in another location.
Building on the success of Volunteers in Mission programs, Vision Builders will also include volunteer church building opportunities. A pilot program is expected to begin in 1999. Retired Bluebonnet Area Minister Charles Babcock will serve as volunteer coordinator and construction site manager.
The fifth piece of Vision Builders will be the promotion of planned giving to fund new church starts. The Elijah Legacy will be coordinated with the Board of Church Extension and the Christian Church Foundation.
The opening and staffing of the Vision Builders office is being underwritten by $253,000 in gifts directed to assisting the new church funding effort. For more information, contact the Rev. Deborah Thompson, Vision Builders, Disciples Center, PO Box 7030, Indianapolis, IN 46207; phone 317-635-6500, ext. 532.
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