870-423-2505
400 Eureka St.
P.O. Box 267
Berryville, AR 72616
Steve and I had the privilege of spending last week at Subiaco as we began Connected In Christ (CIC) training. Rev. Michael Roberts directs CIC. The clergy go to two retreats during each year in this two-year process. In the second year, members of the congregation go to four sessions that cover much of what the clergy cover. We are very excited about being a part of CIC. We believe that CIC can help us here at Berryville UMC accomplish many good things because we, as clergy and laity, learn to vision for the future. Steve and I are in the thirteenth group, so approximately 216 clergy and their congregations have completed the process or are in their second year.
The stated mission of CIC is to facilitate the connections needed for faithful and fruitful ministry.” These connections include: connecting pastors to pastors in covenant relationships, connecting clergy and laity together into leadership teams, and connecting leadership teams to a coach who provides insight, encouragement, and accountability.
Statistics show that 93% of congregations reported an increase in Professions of Faith last year. In addition, over half of congregations participating in CIC are larger in terms of worship attendance than they were when they started the process. Most CIC congregations report growth in terms of missional focus and involvement. Because of CIC, our Conference has seen increases in membership for three years in a row, and increases in worship in three of the last four years. For the last two years, we have received more members than we have removed. Pastors report that they feel more connected, more supported, and better equipped for ministry as a result of their involvement in CIC. In addition, leadership teams in congregations continue to give praise for the leadership insights they receive through the team training seminars. They say they are more focused on the mission of the church, more hopeful about the future, and better equipped to lead for faithful and fruitful ministry.
Conference support of CIC is paramount. It is a primary reason that our Conference has been able to receive three million dollars in Grants from the Lilly Endowment. Involvement of clergy and leadership teams in CIC is making a difference in the outlook for the future of our Conference and therefore our congregations. And we are hopeful about the future of our church.
Grace and
Peace,
Rebecca