fm future ministry:
enabling spiritual leadership in all our communities
Welcome
to
fm consultation
fm Panel Members
- The Rev Chris Goacher (Convenor) *
- The Rev Steve Dick (GA Chief Executive Officer) *
- Joyce Ashworth *
- The Rev Alex Bradley (for Ministerial Fellowship) *
- Dawn Buckle
- The Rev Cal Courtney
- Dot Hewerdine *
- The Rev Dr Ann Peart (Principal, Unitarian College) *
- The Rev Don Phillips
- The Rev Linda Phillips
- The Rev Bob Wightman *
* denotes fm Core Group Members
fm Core Group
The Core Group will act as the driving force behind the ideas coming from the full Panel, prioritising the work in hand and gaining resources for it.
This Group will therefore form an important link with EC, and will have responsibility for outward
communlcation with Districts and Churches and for general publicity through the Inquirer and Unitarian.
Background to fm
- Future ministry started as a joint project between the Denominational Support and Ministry Commissions under the
title of Ministry for all Congregations. It was initiated by the General Secretary, Jeff Teagle, with Dot Hewerdine and the Rev Bob Wightman.
- Jeff Teagle undertook statistical research showing membership of all our congregations, with fluctuations in numbers over several periods of time. These statistics were analysed by the Executive Committee (EC) and will continue to provide vital information.
- The results show a 3:1 ratio of congregations in moderate decline and those in more serious decline. A group of Unitarians have been meeting to explore possibilities for progressing this project and they now form the fm panel
- The fm panel hopes that all congregations will recognise the importance of this issue and. will engage fully in the dialogue towards enabling spiritual leadership in all our communities.
GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDELINES
All congregations and groups are urged NOW to take the following steps:
- Carry out a SWOT analysis on your congregation/group using the worksheet provided in this pack
- Read the printed version of the John Relly Beard Lecture which Jeff Teagle delivered at the Hatfield Meetings
- Use the lecture to promote discussion within your congregation/group
- Attempt to define ministry as your group understands it
- Consider the differences between Ministry and ministry
- Draw up your group's requirements of spiritual leadership
- Indicate your outcomes on the Response Sheet (click here) provided and return it to Essex Hall by 31st May 2007
