Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Southwest Region Summit A Vision for Compassionate Ministries

1. Nazarene Compassionate MinistriesSouthwest Region SummitA Vision for Compassionate Ministries Presented By: Althea C. Taylor November 18, 2008 Point Loma Nazarene University San Diego, California

2. A Year of Observations • Two Distinct organizations • Institutional Church of the Nazarene • Institutional Compassionate Ministries Center • Three Scenarios Present • Places where relationships are strained • Places where relationships are unified • Places where relationships are indifferent

3. Church Resurrection Life, Death, Burial, Resurrection Class Struggle Haves & Have-Nots Financial (Have) Social Justice Politics of Jesus Called to Speak to SJ issues CMC Resurrection Tangible expression of the significance Christ’s life on the issues of humanity Class Struggle Caring for those marginalized by society Financial (Have-Not) Social Justice In some instances, we are falling short. (Relief vs. Liberation) Shared Themes

4. Our History • The Church of the Nazarene has compassionate ministries as an integral part of its DNA. • The Church of the Nazarene was birthed through tangible expressions propelled by the themes of resurrection, class struggle, and social justice • As time progressed CMC’s were born to address a shift that was occurring as some wanted to distance themselves from social services.

5. A Theology of Compassion • Compassion an essential element of Christlikeness • Signs of the Kingdom (Matthew 9:35-37) • The “Church”** - God’s Strategy for transforming the world **I am defining the church as “the people of God” wherever they are called to serve

6. Signs of the Kingdom Jesus’ Example • The Blind Man • Matthew 20:30-34, Mark 10:46-52 • Woman at the well • John 4:10 • Healing of the Crippled Man • John 5:1-16 • Woman with issue of blood • Matthew 5:25-29

7. The Vision • We [Church of the Nazarene & CMC’s] are flip sides of the same coin • The “Church” is God’s strategy for transforming the world • CMC’s are separate legal entities but they are an extension of the strategy utilized to bring about transformation in our communities. • To encourage and experience an environment of collaboration as we establish the “Kingdom” on earth as it is in heaven. {tangible signs of the Kingdom}

8. The Challenge • Articulate a strategy for strengthening our compassionate ministry centers • Articulate a strategy for encouraging and building strong collaborations between the “Church” and CMC’s. • Possible Barriers • Administration – Theology of Compassion • Apathy from some of our churches, CMC’s, districts • Articulate a strategy for every local congregation to be engaged in compassionate ministries.

9. Opportunities • To develop a resource guide for District Superintendents, CMC’s, and Churches to provide guidance with maintaining healthy relationships as organizations grow and continue to meet the needs of their communities through acts of compassion and as advocates for social justice.

10. Social Justice (what will this look like) on the SW Region Righting wrongs (simple definition) Analyzed from multiple levels Having (creating) intentional opportunities for political and social justice conversations Understanding: social justice is an imperative for the church. Cannot be afraid to take a stance on controversial issues Silence is not a viable option Picking and choosing cannot be the way forward What does (social justice) mean in my local context Tell the story Extending Grace Honoring justice

11. Assimilating & Engaging the Church (local & district), Compassionate Ministries, and University (PLNU) for Effective Ministry to our Communities • Local, district, and regional coordinators for communicating the story of compassion on our district. • District coordinator involved at district advisory level meetings (occasionally) • Intentional conversation opportunities for raising awareness of compassionate ministries • Move the poor to the front of the church (of our theology) • Requirements for Licensing and ordination process: How are you engaged in compassionate ministries?

12. Assimilating & Engaging the Church (local & district), Compassionate Ministries, and University (PLNU) for Effective Ministry to our Communities (cont’d). • District Summit: convening opportunities for dialogue across the region • Recognition of organizations working collaboratively in compassionate ministries (matching resources) • Training, Transition, Troubleshoot (possibility for University involvement) • Creating a team for conflict resolution • Coaching Team (for new pastor/new ministry site) • Training for start up ministries

13. Sustaining Ministry:Outside the Box Funding and other Resources • Shift in strategy for identifying and procuring funding • Reevaluate how we are supporting our ministries • Ministry should dictate the size of the church • Form income generating ministries (doing business differently) • Identify human resources from within your church who are trained in finances, entrepreneur, directing the ministry. • We cannot depend solely on the church to build, develop, fund and/or support ministries (not just money) • Promote stewardship regardless of resources even as we find other ways to financially support our ministries. • Help CMC who are interested access funding • Creative structures for sustainable ministries • “tent-making” • Volunteers

14. How Will We Leave Footprints for Succession • (To be determined)