Frequently Asked Questions for Connectional Ministries
1. Please discuss in more detail the new funding structure? You stated the plan will provide for additional funding at the district and local level. How will this affect local churches?
The funding structure does provide for additional funding at the district level. Currently $6,000 per district is budgeted for use by each district connectional ministries to assist them in responding to local church needs to be better equipped and connected for the ministry of making disciples of Jesus Christ.
2. In the new structure are we using the gifts and graces of more or fewer persons? What is the role of the conference nominating committee?
The Conference Connectional Ministries will have fewer members than the current structure has among the Boards and Agencies of Connectional Ministries. Having 12 active District Connectional Ministries teams connected to the Conference Connectional Ministries will broaden the participation. The structure ensures that both are more closely connected to local congregations and thus more responsive.
The conference nominating committee will receive the nominations from the DCMs and include them in their report to the annual conference.
3. Is the flow chart that was shown available on-line or elsewhere?
Yes, The flow chart is listed under the title of this page or by clicking this link
4. Some commissions and other conference groups go on, year after year, operating ineffectively. One commission's report this year basically states, "We hope to be more effective next year." How will this new structure guarantee more accountability on the part of commissions? How will the new structure guarantee increased effectiveness?
The DCMs will report annually to the CCM and all the committees of the CCM will report in writing to the CCM by the February meeting. The CCM will report to the Annual Conference each year.
5. Will the propose structure change go to the judicial council before the annual conference vote?
No. The judicial council will not rule on a proposal, only on an action of the Annual Conference. After AC it will be sent to the council and we anticipate they will rule on it at the October meeting.
6. Will the current plan or transition plan have alternative plans in place if the proposed plan does not adequately supply the local church needs?
The transition plan calls for ongoing evaluation of the structure in order to ensure its effectiveness as well as a comprehensive evaluation at the end of the quadrennium. Any needed adjustments will be proposed to the AC.
7. In the nominations for the DCMs how will we ensure that persons with fire in their bellies for specific areas are on the CCM?
The persons on the DCM will know each other well enough to be sure that the persons nominated from their body to the CCM will have fire in their bellies.
The makeup of the current DCMs is very encouraging.
8. When will we know that this new structure will comply with the Book of Discipline?
Hopefully, we will know following the October meeting of the judicial council.
9. What about potential conflict between a board and the ministry area under which it is located?
Hopefully, there will be a minimum of conflict because the boards are made up of members of the ministry areas. In addition, careful attention will be given to the transition from the current structure to the new structure to ensure a complete understanding of the current work being done.
10. According to the conference reports the CCM will only meet twice a year. I’m concerned that is not often enough to initiate ministries at the conference level. What is your response?
The CCM is not limited to two meetings a year. That is a minimum. They may meet more as needed. We expect they will need to meet more often using various technologies such as conference calls, webinars, etc.
11. When a person is appointed to a CCM vacancy during the first term of the one leaving-will he/she finish out the term and still be eligible for 2 more 4 year terms?
If they fill the vacancy during the first half of the quadrennium they will be eligible to serve one additional quadrennium. If they fill the vacancy during the second half of the quadrennium they will be eligible to serve two additional quadrennia.
12. Page 61 the pre-conference materials states the CCM will be made up of 24 people, 2 from each district. It also states 50% laity and 50% clergy. So a district will have only 1 laity on the CCM! Right?
No. Each of the four ministry areas of the CCM will have at least 24 people. That means there will be 8 persons from each district serving on the CCM. The 50% break down is a recommendation.
13. Will there still be yearly forms in charge conference where the local church can have a voice in districts/conference elections?
We have not developed one but that is a good idea. We will look at this possibility.
14. Can a person serve two quadrennial terms on both the District and Conference Connectional Ministries consecutively?
Yes.
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors. The People of The United Methodist Church.
