Four priorities, other key efforts approved for Connectional Ministries

By Allison Trussell

FLORENCE—The Rev. Millie Nelson, director of the Conference Connectional Ministries, presented CCM’s report, both by video and in person during the June 7 business session.

Nelson emphasized four priorities as identified by the cabinet that CCM will take up: developing leaders, engaging our communities, connecting with and growing disciples, and measuring and evaluating current realities and missional possibilities.

Potential actions to center their work on the four priorities were creating a lay academy in the conference; acknowledging the theological and sociological meaning of jubilee in the life of the conference; creating a sharing hub for ideas, resources, ministries for ministry leaders; offering a quarterly discipleship training across the conference; connecting intentionally with local churches lay leaders; educating local churches about ministry grants; and creating an Outreach page on the conference web site with ideas local churches can use to engage their communities.

“Moving forward, centering our work on the four priorities will make a difference in our churches, in the lives of the members of our congregations, in the communities we serve. It will help us leverage what we have learned through this trial [of the COVID-19 pandemic] to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”

The full report of Connectional Ministries can be found at https://www.umcsc.org/home/wp-content/uploads/AC2021-Action-Items-Report-web-6-3-21.pdf