October 2011

Impacting Congregations for Good

For almost two years we have been working hard in the Ohio Conference through Church Development and Congregational Vitality to "Impact Congregations for Good." We are working to inspire leaders, help congregations find new vitality and a new mission for this new day of being the church.  Throughout the Ohio Conference there are many opportunities to get a team together from your church and attend some training and leadership development.

Church Vitality Roadshows - are a unique opportunity to bring together a team of at least 3 people and the pastor to learn together about vitality and leadership.

 

Pastors Leadership Groups - we are piloting 2 leadership groups for Pastors who are meeting regularly to learn from each other.

 

New Church Starts - we are supporting and coaching new church pastors and congregations throughout the Ohio Conference.

If you are interested in any of these opportunities, please be in touch with me and I can get you connected.

I am also available to individual congregations to offer guidance and conversation about vitality, governance, vision and mission.

If you are planning leadership retreats in 2012 and are looking for a new way to think about leadership and vitality, I am available to come and help in that discussion.

In my continued call to "Impact Congregations for Good" I look forward to working with any congregation and pastor throughout the Ohio Conference.

Please give me a call at 937-658-3389 or email me, and we can talk about working together.

Jim Oates

Church Development/Congregational Renewal Coach

Congregational Renewal/Church Development Coach

Jim Oates is the Coach for Congregational Renewal/Church Development for the Ohio Conference. 

His job is to create a culture of vitality, growth, and evangelism across the Conference.  Gathering networks of leadership from new and renewing churches, Jim helps apply training, accountability, and resources to settings where there is a passion for vitality.

Contact Jim by email or phone (800-282-0740, Ext. 205 or 614-885-0722, Ext. 205)

The Ohio Conference Congregational Renewal/Church Development ministry is supported by your Strengthen the Church offerings. 

Ready… Set… Strengthen the Church

In June each year, many UCC congregations receive the Strengthen the Church offering. This special offering provides each member and congregation an opportunity to grow the future of the United Church of Christ as the life giving message of God’s extravagant welcome is shared.  And half of your offering stays right here in Ohio to support ministries such as Congregational Renewal/Church Development.

Promotion materials are sent to your church each April.  If your church does not receive them, please call United Church of Christ Resources at 1-800-537-3394.

• Mr. Tim Smith - Chair and Board Liaison

• Rev. Barry Bordenkircher - NWOA

• Mr. Hank Stonerook - CSEOA

• Mr. Jim Eller - SONKA

• Rev. Jayne Ryan Kuroiwa - WRA

• Rev. Peter Wiley - EOA

• Ms. Peggy Hollenbeck - CSE Alternate

• Rev. David Plant - NWOA

• Rev. Brice Thomas - SONKA

• Rev. Jeff Shultz - EOA Alternate

• Mr. Jim Oates - Conference Church Development/Congregational Renewal Coach

• Rev. Robert Molsberry - Conference Minister

Church Development Funding Application:      Word       PDF