Washington Pacific District Church of the Nazarene GRAPHIC

Washington Pacific District
Mission Initiative

Resourcing the development of healthy churches

By Cultivating:

Christ-like Leaders

Strategic Networks

Missional Vision

Continual Renewal

Cultivating Christ-like Leaders

“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

We envision the District partnering with local churches to provide TRAINING in Spiritual Formation through various District teams (NYI, NMI, Sunday School and Ministerial Development) to both clergy and laity.

We envision the District encouraging local churches in the HONORING of their pastor/pastors through the encouragement of spiritual, emotional and physical health and engaging pastors in a process of personal renewal and when needed rehabilitation and restoration.

We envision the District partnering with local churches to AFFIRM, EQUIP and MENTOR those called to ministry through the Board of Ministerial Development.

Have you heard “the call?”

The church has a special ability to create an environment where people of all ages can hear the ‘call’ of God to a life of ministry. This is nothing less than the realization that we have not ‘chosen’ an assignment, but through the hand of God it has somehow ‘chosen’ us. We have been invited to serve as ‘Christ’s ambassadors, as if God were making His appeal through us.’

Every ‘Christ-like leader’ is touched by this burning passion. It is our hope that we would not only create opportunities where God can speak, but then take seriously the responsibility to affirm, equip and mentor those He calls.

We can ‘affirm’ those called by helping them find a place of service. It is very important that we understand the principle of ‘parallel simultaneity.’ In the past we expected people to be thoroughly trained before they invested in others. Today’s leader needs ‘on the job’ training.

We can ‘equip’ those called through the myriad of educational opportunities that are available today. Those called to ‘full-time’ ministry need to connect to our District Board of Ministerial Development.

We can ‘mentor’ those called as we partner them with fellow pastors and servants.

Spiritual Formation

The mission of every leader should be that of growing in Christ-like character. An effective teacher/leader ministers out of the overflow of a full life. For this to be accomplished, leaders need to develop spiritual practices that will encourage a daily connection to Jesus.

Honoring Pastors and Leaders

Ask any pastor and they will quickly admit that they are in ‘over their head.’ Yes, they can trust the power of the Spirit to give insight and strength, but they also need a congregation to come along beside them and ‘lift them’ into their assignment.

There are all kinds of ways that churches can encourage their pastors and leaders:

Support your pastor and leaders in prayer;

Develop a ‘Pastoral Support Team’ that will provide affirmation to your leader/leaders each month;

Remember your pastor and his family on special days (birthday, wedding anniversary, anniversary with the church, etc);

Support your pastor and leaders as they explore new avenues of ministry;

Help your pastor develop a plan for a ‘sabbatical.’

Encourage your pastor to take advantage of a ‘mini-sabbatical’ through NNU;

Take an active role in being a booster to your pastor’s children. Attend one of their sporting events or school concerts;

Make sure your pastor is taking a ‘day of rest’;

Review the pastor’s compensation to make sure it is in line with the community standard;

Plan ahead so your pastor can attend a regional or national Pastor’s Conference;

Encourage your pastor to attend ‘lifelong learning’ opportunities in your area.

Cultivating Strategic Networks

“Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. And on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better; for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, NLT).

We envision the District RESOURCING local churches through the various Auxiliaries/Alliances/Departments such as Sunday School, NMI, NYI and their various divisions.

We envision the District MOBILIZING Church Planting Teams and Transitioning Church Teams and well as other teams determined to be necessary by the needs of local churches.

We envision the District ORGANIZING herself into smaller regional groupings to increase effectiveness. We realize that for growth to take place pastors must be equipped and encouraged to minister and mentor one another.

Existing Networks:

Children
Teens
Multi-lingual/ethnic
Creative Local Missions
Spiritual/Prayer Support
Educational Opportunities
Missions/Work and Witness

Potential Networks:

Church Planting
Evangelism
Education
Prayer/Spiritual Support
Material/Idea Resources

Cultivating Missional Vision

We envision the District CREATING PURPOSEFUL STRATEGIES which will encourage a ‘Great Commission’/’Great Commandment’ focus in all local churches as we seek to reach spiritual seekers.

We envision the District COMMUNICATING a clear vision to reach western Washington for Christ at District gatherings and events.

We envision the District CELEBRATING with local churches as we work together to facilitate the birthing of new congregations.

Cultivating Continual Renewal

We envision the District CALLING local churches to prayer.
We envision the District SUPPORTING ongoing assessment of local churches and their ministries.
We envision the District FREEING churches to utilize relevant models in evangelism and discipleship.

Spiritual renewal through structural renewal —
Three questions:

When was our church building last remodeled/renewed?

How does it appear to the people in the community?

What does the interior décor suggest to the current congregation?

Next generation thinking —

“There is no substitute for reaching youth in our search for church renewal. Every alternative will ultimately lead to corporate death.”

Three tests:

Does our church budget reflect a preference for children & youth?

Do our facilities and equipment show that we expect to conduct a major ministry for, and with, the upcoming generation?

Is the general attitude of our church conducive to creating a welcoming attitude toward children, youth, and their parents?

Three commitments:

Prayer – that God will restore children, youth, and their parents to our churches.

Faith – that the next generations will excel in assuming and fulfilling the Great Commission.

Expectation – that the best days of our local churches, our district, and our denomination, are in the near future!

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Washington Pacific District Mission Initiative

Washington Pacific District
Mission Initiative