Questions: 1) will the yearly meeting office provide financial assistance to get things like, but not limited to, demographic studies
2) will a "point person" be designated at the yearly meeting office to consult and troubleshoot around issues such as implementation strategies for developing the vision. Essentially, I think it is important to establish early on is this a totally "grass roots" effort on the part of the regional pastors and their respective church congregations or will the greater organization of EFC-ER be equal partners in this endeavor. If not equal partners what will the organization EFC-ER commit in terms of "buy in" and resources? If EFC-ER is not in a position to provide assistance, and that could well be the case, those who choose to be part of this endeavor will have a much better idea of what they will need to accomplish. It is the difference between setting a house on a pre-made foundation and having to dig the foundation yourself. I believe it is crucial to ask and answer these questions early in the process to avoid unfulfilled expectations, disappointment, and, even feelings of abandonment. I think if everyone knows the "ground rules" going in it will avoid potential pitfalls for the future.
Response: YM is behind us. We are partners in the matter. We are still at the beginning stages and so specific assistance has not yet been discussed. Our plan for now is to ask the seven churches to budget some money to give toward the effort. We will use this money to get things going. We want 10 by 2020 to be closely connected with YM but are planning on taking the brunt of the expense ourselves right now to avoid unfulfilled expectations, as you've suggested. The chain of command (so-to-speak) is that David Mabry is going to head up the campaign, Ron Ellyson is the district superintendent over the 7 CO churches, Dr. Wayne is our area superintendent, Dr. John is general superintendent. This campaign will also need to have close ties to EP&E.
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Questions: Along those same lines has any thought been given to which a model may be best for church planting in this area given our resources and circumstances? I'm sure as professional pastors all of you are much more versed than most of us regarding the various models out there. Has one been discussed ? What are the advantages/disadvantages over other possible models ?
Response: Great question! A lot of thought has been given to this. Would like to answer this question at a later time, though.
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Questions: While prayer and financial support are generally key ways the laity is asked to assist is there other possible roles for laity ?
Finally, has any thought been given to assembling a focus group of laity to get some ideas as to how they view the vision and, more importantly, their thoughts on how they can best contribute to the vision.
Response: Another great question. There is a lot of wisdom in this. This question has led us to form a 10 by 2020 committee formed by a few of our pastors as well as a layperson-representative from each of the seven churches. We'd like to have this group in place by January, 2010.
