Urban ministry survey cites need for training, support
Apr. 2, 2007
NOTE: Photographs available at http://umns.umc.org.
By Linda Bloom*
NEW YORK (UMNS) - United Methodists are committed to urban ministry but want more training on how to provide that ministry.
They also want more networking opportunities so that those ministering to urban neighborhoods can learn from and support one another.
Such were key findings of a denominational survey conducted during the winter, with 808 local churches and 20 United Methodist bishops responding.
Called "Shaping the Future of Urban Ministry," the survey was conducted by the Office of Urban Ministry, United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, and the related National Urban Strategy Council, with assistance from the denomination's Board of Discipleship.
The results will be used in a revised and refined urban ministry plan tentatively called "Holy Boldness: Pathways to Transformation" for presentation to the 2008 United Methodist General Conference, the denomination's top legislative body.
Diane Johnson, staff executive for the Office of Urban Ministry, said many respondents expressed hope for the future of their congregations and dedication to their church neighborhoods. She sees a need "to continue to train around community assessments."
Of the 808 local church respondents, 57 percent were clergy and 43 percent lay. Responses were fairly evenly divided between men (54 percent) and women (46 percent). A separate survey was sent to United Methodist bishops.
The changing face of urban churches
Just over half of the respondents described their church as an "urban congregation in a neighborhood with a changing population." The majority were churches in a city of more than 100,000 people.
"We are very unlike our neighborhood, even though many live within eight to 10 blocks of the church," one respondent explained. "Many post-World War II homes are being sold for the first time in decades. Our average age is over 70 ... (and the) average age of the community is 36-37 (years)."
Congregations were described as primarily Euro-American, 46 percent; multicultural, 16 percent; African-American, 14 percent; Asian-American, 2 percent; and Latino/Hispanic, 2 percent. Less than 1 percent were Native American and 19 percent did not specify their congregation's ethnic characteristics.
One church respondent noted attempts to reach out to new populations in the neighborhood, writing that "we have seen an increase in Mandarin-speaking members of the community and are developing a Mandarin-speaking ministry."
Most churches reported having space for worship, social events and community-based activities, with "talented members" and good community relations. At least half said their congregations also have a commitment to justice, spirit of compassion for and with marginalized communities, and a willingness to change ineffective patterns of ministry.
Training needs
Respondents cited the need for training to set up strategic plans, gain a better understanding of urban theology and urban evangelism, and learn how to transition from a homogenous congregation to a heterogeneous, multicultural one.
"We are located on a boundary line between the stable community whose people have built and maintained the church over the past 40-plus years and a very ethnically-culturally-economically mixed community," one respondent wrote. "We are trying to reach people on both sides of the boundary."
Johnson perceives that some churches do not know how to access resources related to urban theology. Others have done strategic planning but "still haven't been able to make progress in their ministry," indicating a need for assistance on how to execute their plans.
The survey results show a desire to network more closely with others in urban ministry.
One church, for example, is "in an ideal location to become a strong multicultural congregation" and is working to achieve that despite financial pressures and no models of intentional multicultural congregations in its conference.
"I believe that in urban centers where United Methodist congregations are in close proximity to each other, a cooperative parish-style ministry would be highly effective," one respondent suggested.
Assets for the future
Space is a tangible asset and respondents expressed a willingness to use their facilities for community-based activities. They also count their faith and Wesleyan heritage as assets.
"While many of our members are young, poor and financially stressed, we do have dedication and desire on our side," one respondent wrote. "We also have some good relationships with local leaders and partnerships that help us to carry out the ministries that we could not afford."
More than half believe their congregations have a promising future, but others say that future depends on leadership or working more cooperatively with other congregations.
"I'm not sure that the congregation I currently serve really wants to last past its current generation," one pastor wrote.
Others were more positive. "We grow because we're real and we're a church that needs people who want to do something meaningful," wrote another. "Our population is messy, our worship is a bit messy and a bit formal and everyone is responsible. We spend very little on looking good."
The 20 bishops who completed the survey also stressed the need for training, along with mentors or coaches for pastors and other church leaders. Assistance in strategic planning would help urban churches be more creative in their ministry, they believe.
Though most urban churches are in decline, the bishops expressed a desire for new urban churches, along with the need for funding to pay for capital improvements.
Support and commitment
Lay and clergy respondents made it clear they need the support of their conferences and the denomination as a whole.
"A commitment must be made by the denomination that urban ministry is important. The congregations do not need more information; they need action," one respondent wrote.
"I know God has not left the city," another respondent declared. "The spirit in our people as they come to trust God is so strong. They need some way to know in a larger way that the church stands with them and for them, as the incarnation of Jesus stand with them."
The denomination's previous urban ministry plan was approved by the 1996 General Conference and reaffirmed in 2000. "It was time for us to continue to add to it," Johnson said. "We're really excited about this plan because it has goals and action steps."
For more information, contact Johnson by e-mail at dhjohnson@gbgm-umc.org.
*Bloom is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in New York.
News media contact: Linda Bloom, New York, (646) 369-3759 or newsdesk@umcom.org.
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United Methodist News Service Photos and stories also available at: http://umns.umc.org
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