AWF Conference Cabinet Summary

(Dr. Jeremy Pridgeon) - The Cabinet of the Alabama-West Florida Conference met in a regularly scheduled session in Montgomery on November 14-16. We participated in the Incubator process, continuing to explore ways of creating alignment in our ministry teams across the conference. There are many groups participating in Incubators throughout the various districts, each focusing on issues pertinent to the mission of the church. Teams are engaged in conversations about the development of new faith communities, collaborative ministry approaches that draw on the best of our connection, ways to address pressing social issues such as poverty, missional movements and initiatives that call us to action as the body of Christ, among others. We want to emphasize the SEND model for all of our congregations, as we Seek, Engage, Nurture, and Deploy leaders across the conference for the work of ministry in the world.

One emerging thought in our work that we would offer for conversation in the conference is "How we might create a culture of multiplication in the conference?" Is it possible for existing congregations to become the source for identifying new missional communities? We are of the belief that this "horizontal" approach has the capacity to go "viral" in an organic replication where congregations embrace the Great Commission going into all the world and making disciples of Jesus.

Additionally, spirited discussions were held about the financial condition of the conference, our districts, as well as local congregations. As an annual conference, we are $200,000 in arrears on the health insurance and pension for our clergy. As we continue to make the adjustment to the direct billing for pension and health benefits for clergy, it is becoming apparent that there are churches that will not be able to sustain full-time pastoral leadership, while carrying the benefits piece, as well as the connectional giving. These churches are feeling financial pressure that will necessitate changes in the pastoral leadership that is provided until the economic health of the congregation improves.

We celebrate that our connectional giving has improved 8% over last year at this time, as it stands at 57.55%. We would emphasize that the connectional ministry giving is a means to give to the Lord, supporting our shared ministries of the annual conference, and the first benevolent responsibility of our churches.

We established a task force to aid in communication and transparency to provide greater clarity around the benefits piece for clergy. It is clear there is still misunderstanding around the various components included in the direct billing that will be addressed. Additionally, the task force will explore whether years of service to the annual conference should be a factor for receiving benefits in retirement for clergy, perhaps establishing a minimum number of years served for eligibility.

Discussions about the Vital Congregations website and goal-setting for our congregations were held and will be shared with the churches by the superintendents. Reports were heard from a task force studying Ministry Fruitfulness. Preliminary discussions were also held about the upcoming appointment season, particularly with regard to the pastoral/church profiles and developing consultation schedules with clergy.

Overall, the Cabinet celebrates the work of our congregations in the conference, even amid the difficult challenges we are facing, particularly in the economic environment. The "glory sightings" of the Lord being revealed in the lives of United Methodists give us all hope as we share together in the mission of the church to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. We offer our prayers of support and encouragement for the conference. And, as we enter a season of Thanksgiving, we are grateful for the privilege of serving with you, the outstanding clergy and laity of Alabama and West Florida .