wfn.org | Disciples begin novel approach at funding new churches

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

Date: July 1, 1998
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: Clifford L. Willis
Email: CWillis@oc.disciples.org
on the Web: http://www.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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