wfn.org | New spirit marks mission funding session

["Wilma Shuffitt"<wshuffit@oc.disciples.org>]

Date: May 11, 1998
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: Clifford L. Willis
Email: CWillis@oc.disciples.org
on the Web: www.disciples.org

98c-26

               INDIANAPOLIS (DNS) -- A different format and an emphasis on
worship gave a new spirit to this year's meeting of the Commission on
Mission Funding. Basically unchanged, however, is the overall
recommendation on how Basic Mission Finance funds will be distributed in
the next biennium.
 
               The 12-member commission of the Christian Church (Disciples of
Christ) met in Indianapolis April 26 - May 2.

               Committee chair, the Rev. Jerry Porter, Smithville, Mo., said the
commission began its meeting by agreeing to leave the basic formulas for
allocating the shared mission fund of the church the same. "Several changes
were made at the 1996 meeting, so we pretty much kept the status quo," he
said.

               Those basic formulas allocate about 40 percent of the funds to
regions, 48 percent to general units and 10 percent to Disciples-related
universities and seminaries. Two percent will be put in a "Mission
Imperative and Adjustment Fund." Grants from that fund can be used to
remedy budget inadequacies and for projects related to the denomination's
mission imperatives.

               The commission estimates a 1.3 percent increase in BMF giving
from 1997 to 1999, and a 1.1 percent increase from 1999 to 2000. Giving
has remained relatively flat in past years, posting a .67 percent increase from
1996 to 1997. BMF gifts in 1997 totaled $20,064,899.

               The format of this year's meeting was markedly different because
representatives of the 72 Basic Mission Finance recipients were not present.
At past sessions each region, unit or school made individual presentations of
their group's needs and proposed budget to the commission. This year only
three presentations were made on behalf of all regions, general units and
higher education institutions. Written reports also were submitted as part of
the process. Questions from the commission were relayed via fax and/or e-mail. 

               The change of format was a recommendation of a task group of the
General Board which considered ways to change the pressure-filled and
sometimes confrontational feel of past gatherings.

               Porter said each day began with worship and communion. A Christ
candle remained burning throughout the meeting as a reminder of Christ's
presence both with the group and with the entire church. Commission
members were seated in a comfortable circle instead of behind tables filled
with stacks of papers. The commission chair said several members
commented on how the worship, the lighted candle and the overall
atmosphere set a better spirit for their discussion.

               Each group receiving funds is now receiving a follow-up phone call
from a member of the "Mission Funding Response Team." If there is general
agreement about the recommendations, they will be sent to the General
Board for approval. If there is felt need for major adjustments in allocations,
a full meeting of the commission and all the recipients will be called.

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