The Mission and Ministries Planning Council seeks to discern the will of God regarding proposals for new points of mission submitted by congregations and districts within the Church of the Brethren.

What is it?

A channel through which congregations and districts may initiate and be involved in new mission and ministry projects of the General Board. The design of the General Board, adopted by the 1997 Annual Conference, provides this channel for congregations and districts to become directly involved in the initiating, planning, funding of, and working with new mission and ministry projects.

Who is it?

• Stan Noffsinger (Chair), General Secretary of the General Board
• Belita Mitchell, Moderator, Annual Conference
• James Beckwith, Moderator-Elect, Annual Conference
• Jeff Neuman-Lee, General Board Chair
• Bruce Holderreed, General Board Member Representative
• Steve Abe, District Executive
• Joan Lowry, District Executive
• Jon Kobel, Staff

Process:

Receiving: The Council receives new mission and ministry ideas from congregations and districts.

Reviewing: The Council:

• will prayerfully, openly and cooperatively gather information in its review of mission and ministry ideas.
• will meet with representatives of sponsoring groups to explore the proposal.
• seeks above all else to mutually and faithfully discern the will of God.

This process will include opportunities for questions and explanations from all parties involved and may continue over several meetings. Counsel and assistance in broadening the scope and appeal of the mission or ministry may be offered by the Council.

Recommending: The Council will report to the General Board and make recommendations on all proposals considered

The Council may offer positive recommendations on the proposal, or several integrated proposals; make a negative recommendation; offer observations to the Board based upon its conversations and work with representatives of the originators.

Discernment Questions

The Council welcomes all new proposals from congregations and districts.

Matters to be considered:

1. How is the project expressive of biblical faith and practice?
2. Describe the new mission or ministry proposal.
3. What are its goals and purposes?
4. How do you propose to go about this project?
5. What is the anticipated tenure of the project?
6. In what ways are you aware of God's presence or leading in this mission or ministry?
7. What financial and human resources can you provide or have you identified to support this project? What financial and human resources do you expect from the General Board?
8. How might this mission or ministry impact the denomination?
9. How might this mission or ministry impact the communities to whom the work is directed?
10. How is this mission or ministry consistent with the values and identity of the Church of the Brethren?

Excerpt from Polity approved by the 1997 Annual Conference.

Information packets and worksheets/applications may be obtained from: