Have You Defined Your WIGs?

Conference is over. The dust has settled. For those of you who attended Conference, how are you doing with your WIGs (Wildly Important Goals)?

As you may recall, WIGs are the one or two actions that if completed effectively, will drive the success of your mission. What one or two goals would significantly change the trajectory of your church? Have you had time to discuss this concept with your leaders? If you have, I would love to hear what you are considering to be your church's WIGs!

If you have not had the chance to have that discussion yet, perhaps you can jump-start the conversation asking your leaders to read The 4 Disciplines of Execution, especially part I. This may require a meeting just to process the disciplines defined in the book. It could be a good topic for Governing Boards/Elder Retreats.

I will be visiting with each ministerial group in our District in January to continue the conversation. I am excited and expectant to see the churches in our District grow in attendance, spiritual depth, effective discipleship and financial strength!

I will be praying for you as you press into transformational execution.

Summit Grove Needs Your Help!

Summit Grove would like to invite you to help us make our grounds and buildings look the best they can. We have a large list of work projects that need completed in the next few months and many on-going projects we could use help with. We need volunteers and financial support to complete many of these projects. You may have special skills we could use to fix our buildings and update our facility. Phill Stumpf from the Elizabethtown Alliance Church has volunteered to help Summit Grove organize these projects. If you want to do the work yourself or bring a group of people down, we would like to help you coordinate the projects you want to complete. 

Please contact Phil (Phillips6887@gmail.com, 717-640-4160) to find out what projects are available or with any other questions regarding these opportunities.  

Missiology and Polity Courses

2019 is almost over, but enrollment is still open for missiology and polity courses at www.cmallianceu.org.

ALLIANCE STRATEGIES IN MISSION (ASIM)
Who Needs ASIM?

Provisional workers pursuing ordination, consecration, or vocational ministry with The Alliance, and church leaders interested in learning more about Alliance history in international ministry.

What Are ASIM Benefits?

• Historical and current C&MA mission strategies developed and evaluated by veteran missionaries, educators, and denominational leaders

• Fulfills ordination/consecration missions awareness requirements

Available ASIM Dates:

November 3, 2019–January 18, 2020 (allows one week off for the Christmas holiday)

ALLIANCE POLITY

Who Needs the Polity Course?
Candidates for licensing who did not graduate from an Alliance institution, students enrolled in the Ministerial Study Program, Alliance college/seminary graduates who did not take a course in Alliance Polity, workers transferring into The Alliance from another denomination/association, or prospective Alliance Missions candidates.

What Are Alliance Polity Benefits?

• Familiarizes students with the significance and history of The Alliance

• Imparts our Alliance vision and core values and enables students to provide competent pastoral leadership and care to a local Alliance congregation

• Gives students the tools necessary to lead their church to participate locally, regionally, and internationally in Alliance global missions

• Fulfills the licensed ministry requirement for an approved course in Alliance polity and distinctives (Uniform Policy on Licensing and Certification, Section E3 of the C&MA Manual)

Available Polity Dates:

Part One
November 3, 2019–January 18, 2020 or December 8, 2019–February 22, 2020.

Part Two

October 20, 2019–January 4, 2020 or December 1, 2019–February 8, 2020

Join the North Metro Cluster

If there is not a local gathering of Alliance workers in your area, or if you would like to add an additional point of connection, you are welcome to participate in the North Metro Cluster.

This group of Alliance workers gathers once every two months for networking, sharing of resources, encouragement, and prayer. Each gathering typically has a theme in the area of ministry skills or soul care/ spiritual formation. The November 7 gathering at Derwood Alliance Church will be around global missions engagement and will be facilitated by Tony Escalante, Director of EnVision El Salvador, and Jonathan Thornton, Missions Pastor at Great Commission Community Church.

Gatherings usually take place at one of the Alliance churches in Montgomery County, MD or DC, last from 10 am - 12 pm, and are followed by lunch out for those who are available.

If you would like to be added to the communications for this group, contact Jen Ashby a jen.ashby@derwoodalliance.org.

LIFE 2019 Summary

LIFE 2019 drew 5,848 in total (registration + quizzers + LIFE team + special guests) from across the United States, Puerto Rico and 2 distinct missionary groups from Africa and Europe. We added 133 quizzers for the front portion of the week for the first time since Phoenix in 2004. We had 74 volunteers through the week and leaned into a LIFE team of 61. LIFE raised over $125,000 for the Myanmar orphanage through an offering.

We experienced a significant move of the Holy Spirit throughout the week during worship, teaching, seminars, and experiences. We were able to ‘track’ specific responses through the LIFE App.

We received notice that 361 felt a specific call in ministry. This was a representation of 172 different churches from 25 different districts or Alliance associations. Dan Boal, Alliance Youth, and Amy Roedding, Candidate Recruitment and Development (CRD), provided a follow up for these and 336 students and 92 adults attended. We followed up by providing these known responses to the specific group leader, district missions mobilizer, district superintendent, CRD and our colleges.

We had 296 respond to salvation or re-dedication on the App as well and followed up with the group leader on these, 133 for salvation and 163 responding on re-dedication and questions.

Throughout the week students and leaders filled our 53 seminars (over capacity), prayer experience and justice experiences. The prayer experience, now available for groups to replicate in their local setting, focused on listening prayer, Spirit led prayer, and resting in the presence of God. The Justice experience focused on global concerns that traps families and individuals in human trafficking. We are working to provide the design and content of the Justice Experience. Additionally, LIFE provided 16,236 hours of service as we partnered with 29 different organizations at 41 different project locations across Central Florida.

The LIFE planning team expanded to over 40 young Alliance leaders from 18 different districts and 2 associations. They formed nine teams and worked together for about 18 months. This was by far our most diverse leadership team.

We are humbled to be a part of the marvelous work of God’s Spirit.  1 Corinthians 3:6-9

Scott Wakeley
DIRECTOR | LIFE OFFICE OF THE C&MA

Making Room for the Important

District Conference 2019 is in the rear view mirror. You have already reengaged with your whirlwind. Now is the time to engage in the 4DX process. Now is the time to schedule a time to think more deeply about your Wildly Important Goals (WIGs). I encourage you to do that with the elected and influential leaders in your congregation. Be willing to ask the difficult questions and push yourselves to identify what is truly the most important goal your church could establish and then begin to consider how you can influence the achievement of that goal. Put it on the agenda of your next board meeting and get the conversation going.

The 4 Disciplines of Execution is not a program. It is a new way of thinking about effectiveness in achieving the mission that Christ gave us. I don’t believe we need to invest a lot of time in trying to develop a great mission statement. Jesus already gave that to us.

18 Then Jesus came close to them and said, “All the authority of the universe has been given to me. 19 Now go in my authority and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. 20 And teach them to faithfully follow all that I have commanded you. And never forget that I am with you every day, even to the completion of this age.”
Mt. 28:18-20 The Passion Translation

I believe we need to invest our time, prayer and energy in seeking to discern what we can do that will have the greatest impact in accomplishing Christ’s mission.

As you identify your WIGs and you define the lead measures, I would like to hear about what you have come up with! Please send an email that briefly outlines your thinking and your plans. I may be able to use what you offer to assist other churches in working through this same process.

The total population of our district is 16,321,467. Studies suggest that no more than 3 million of them are churched. Our mission field is over 13 million people. I don’t believe we can afford to be satisfied with business as usual. Would you join me in seeking the direction of the Lord for our Wildly Important Goals?

Upcoming Events at Summit Grove

Snow Tubing Youth Retreat, February 7-9, 2020

Be part of a Snow Tubing Youth Retreat sponsored by Summit Grove! Special guest speakers will be sharing at the retreat. A Worship Band is also part of the retreat held on the grounds of Summit Grove! Click here for more information.

Aaron Shust Concert, April 18, 2020

Click here for more information and to get tickets!

Bible Quizzing

Bible Quizzing has a rich history in our district. Many young people credit Bible quizzing with helping them become grounded in Christ and guiding them throughout their lives. Would your church consider putting together a Bible quizzing team? This year it is easier than ever because all ages are invited. A team could be as small as one parent and one child. This is an opportunity for the older to teach the younger by example about the lifelong impact of memorizing scripture. Teams practice at their local church and then travel to quiz meets at other Alliance Churches on the second Saturday of each month, September through December and February through April. This year, our quizzers will be memorizing the books of Hebrews, 1 Peter, and 2 Peter. If you would like more information, please contact Nels Anderson at dacquizzing@mac.com.

The Gathering: A New Approach

On September 20 we will be coming together as a district family to pray, but did you know that the format has changed? Instead of broadcasting The Gathering live, we will provide churches with a pre-recorded video guiding the entire service. This means that there will not be a live site, but rather all churches will follow the video.

We hope this change creates a more flexible atmosphere for corporate prayer by enabling churches to pause the video and take as much time in prayer as their setting requires. Additionally, the new format will allow for churches with a poor internet connection to participate by using the video! All District Churches are encouraged to participate as a site or partner with other nearby churches. If your church is participating, please click here so we can send you the video. We will list your church as a site on our website so other churches may join you if they need to.

Alliance Peacemaking Level 1 and 2 Training

As Alliance people, we believe that we are called to respond to conflict in a way that is remarkably different from the world.

Level I - Resolving Everyday Conflict

August 14, 2019
Location: TBD
Contact: Metro District - office@metrocma.org

November 2, 2019

Glenview Alliance Church
10037 Susquehanna Trail S.
Glen Rock, PA 17327

Contact: Jeff Bean at jeffrey.bean@gmail.com

Level 2 - Conflict Coaching

September 24-25, 2019
Metro District Office
275 Sussex Ave Ste B, Newark, NJ 07107-3120
* Completion of the Level I training is a prerequisite. The cost will be $275 with a $25 discount for registrations by August 30. Registration will open soon!

DEXCOM Recap

The District Executive Committee met at the District Office on June 11, 2019 for a regularly scheduled quarterly meeting. In addition to prayer, DEXCOM reviewed and discussed reports from District committees and personnel.

The following were among the actions taken by DEXCOM:

• Addressed any remaining issues raised by the Committee on Legislative Review from District Conference 2018.

• Addressed issues initiated by the National Office/ Church Ministries regarding shifting costs and a Key Initiatives Document.

• In the area of District finances, DEXCOM approved budget adjustments, reviewed the investment policy, and adopted a recommendation to move from a fiscal to a calendar year as of January 1, 2020.

• In the area of policy, DEXCOM adopted a Chaplaincy Endorsement and Funding Policy, and empowered the District Superintendent to draft language for a change in the Staff Benefit Plan, which will then come back to DEXCOM for final approval.

• Appointed an individual to fill an unexpired term on LO&CC.

The next meeting of DEXCOM is scheduled on September 17, 2019.

LAUNCH One-Day Preview

LAUNCH is a 2-year discipleship training initiative to equip leaders to move from implementing discipleship programs to developing a culture of discipleship within your church community.

The One Day Preview will give you a basic overview of the LAUNCH Program. The One Day Preview is FREE and packed full of great material and each attendee will find out all the details of the 2 year LAUNCH process. You can benefit from the 2 year LAUNCH Process. We encourage you and your team to attend the One Day Preview.

When: July 17, 2019 from 9:00am-3:30pm

Where: The Plant Church - 125 Glasgow Terrace Mahwah, NJ.

Register Now for the Alliance Legal and Culture Conference This Fall

From the Corporate Secretary's Office

Every Alliance leader faces a world where the legal landscape is growing increasingly complex. As a church pastor, you seek to wisely navigate issues such as same-sex marriage, gender identity, church facility use, the ministerial exception, legal liability unique to The Alliance, and so on. We can help.
The Alliance Legal and Culture Conference will provide up-to-date legal, political, and cultural information presented in a way that is immediately applicable for you, your leaders, and your legal counsel. We have brought together the best thinkers and communicators who will speak to these vital issues from an Alliance perspective.

WHERE: Conveniently located at the Hilton Cincinnati Airport (7373 Turfway Road, Florence, Kentucky) outside of Cincinnati, Ohio

WHEN: September 27-28 (9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. on Friday and 9:00 a.m.-noon on Saturday)

COST: Registration is only $109 until July 31, 2019; after that the price is $129. Lodging is $119 per night and includes a hot breakfast buffet and complimentary airport shuttle. Lunch will be provided on Friday.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Please register here no later than August 22. For more information, see the attached file or contact Gary Friesen, frieseng@cmalliance.org, or Sue Close, closes@cmalliance.org.

600mHz Sennheiser Rebate

By now you should have heard about the 600 MHz frequency spectrum changeover taking place soon. This may mean that some churches will no longer be able to use their current sound equipment. Please take a moment to watch this video from Sennheiser, an Alliance Purchasing Program audio equipment partner. It explains how to check your church’s cur-rent equipment to see if it falls within the range that will change, as well as a rebate program running through March 31, 2019, but has now been extended to July 13, 2020. As of that date, it will be illegal to use sound equipment in the 600mHz range.

Erik Hansen, pastor of Technical Arts at Grace Church in Middleburg Heights, Ohio, shares his experience with the Sennheiser rebate program:

Grace Church purchased six channels of wireless equipment this spring to replace our main wireless mics in our auditorium, which were in the 600MHz range and due to be phased out within the next year due to the new FCC regulations. Sennheiser made the process extremely easy—and the rebate, special pricing, and 5 percent donation to the GCF were icing on the cake. The deal through the Alliance Purchasing Program turned an upgrade that would have been a major headache and a significant cost into a great experience and a much better price than expected. This purchasing deal is a great opportunity for churches to get excellent-quality equipment at a lower price point in order to steward resources well!

To order your replacement wireless systems, please contact Brian Gowing, Audio/Video/Lighting Project coordinator for the Alliance Purchasing Program, at (734) 677-8555 or brian@greatlakesdistrict.com. Brian can help with evaluating your system needs and walk you through the ordering process. Please remember that through the Alliance Purchasing Pro-gram you get special pricing from Sennheiser, which also contributes 5 percent of each sale to the Great Commission Fund.

The Alliance Purchasing Program: Saving Together to Reach Further

(You will need to log into MyCMA to view this page.)

You Did it!

GC DAY MATCHING GIFT CHALLENGE: BIG NEWS!

The Great Commission Day matching challenge has been met-but The Alliance family says, “We’re not done yet!”

We are thrilled to announce that the $500,000 matching grant challenge for Great Commission Day has been met. As of Friday, June 7, the Alliance family has given $570,000 to the offering, and the generous Alliance donor has released the $500,000 matching gift.
$280,000 of the $570,000 was presented by Alliance churches and individuals who brought their offerings to Alliance Council earlier this month-nearly doubling what was offered at Council 2017.

Thank you, Alliance family! Your generosity has unleashed more than $1 million to launch these new workers to live and work among the world’s least reached and most overlooked peoples.

So . . . does that mean we’re done?

The Alliance family has made it clear: WE CAN DO MORE. Even before the matching chal-lenge had been met, God was working in the heart of an Alliance Metropolitan District church that was seeking Him for guidance. Moved by His Spirit and inspired by this historic opportunity, this church was prompted this week to donate $400,000 as a challenge gift for the U.S. Alliance family to give beyond what they believed possible. The church’s pas-tor writes, “We hope this will encourage Alliance people to ‘be courageous’ and step into the Jordan with us.”

Together, we’re making great progress in proclaiming Jesus where His name has yet to be heard. If God’s Spirit is whispering “we’re not finished,” and you want to accept this church’s challenge to help solidify our sending momentum, give today.

Urgent Request for Financial Support for One of Our International Worker Couples

Jeff and Betsy Lawrence, one of our international worker couples, are currently in the U.S. due to their daughter's health issues but anticipate a return to Papua in mid-July.  When they return, they will be moving to Wamena. Due to this city’s remoteness, the cost of living is going to be higher for them as everything is flown in.  In addition, they are going to have to fully furnish their home there.  They will need to buy everything from dishes and other kitchen items to bedroom furniture, and large appliances, such as stove.

They have a way of ordering and shipping the items from the capacity of Indonesia, but they need the finances to do so.

Would you help these international workers by giving? Below is the information on ways to give and special instructions from Jeff and Betsy.

Mail your check to the address below:
C&MA
8595 Explorer Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80920

Note: Please add mm Lawrence outfit funds on the memo. This is important so the monies get properly to them and not the general fund.

Let them know you are sending them money!  Please send an email to Jeff and Betsy at jeffandbetsy82@gmail.com and let them know how much you are sending so they can plan accordingly (they don't usually know what is in their support account for at least 30 days or more).

Jeff and Betsy estimate that they will need between $1,000-$1,500.

Please make sure to send any money by July 1st.

Thank you for your support!

New Alliance Purchasing Program Partner

From Ken Baldes, Vice President for Operations/Finance

The NuQuo Group has recently joined the Alliance Purchasing Program. NuQuo has insider knowledge of the copier and printer industry that allows them to secure better terms, conditions, and pricing on copiers and printers from major manufacturers than clients could get on their own. The company recently assisted the National Office in selecting and negotiating the terms, conditions, and pricing of our new copiers—which is anticipated to save us 21 percent over the next five years.

I am confident that a call to NuQuo will result in significant savings for your district and churches too. To learn more, visit NuQuo's website.

NuQuo Group

• Has a heart to serve the Alliance family

• Will provide districts, churches of any size, and supporting organizations (including camps) access to negotiated national pricing on copiers and printers from major manufacturers (and greater savings when churches purchase together)

• Offers clients contract support as well as ongoing support throughout the term of the contract

• Will donate a portion of their sales to the Great Commission Fund.

To learn how much you can save, contact Bo Higby at NuQuo Group at (208) 830-5617 or email bhigby@nuquo.com. Along with other Alliance Purchasing Program partners, Bo will be an exhibiter at Alliance Council 2019 and present a Friday morning seminar, Church Re-sources to Help Grow Your Budget. I urge each district to send a team member to this seminar, where participants will also hear from Tithe.ly, Stewardship Payroll Services, AMD/8x8, Digital Audio Labs, T-Mobile, and ECFA. This is a great opportunity to learn how these partners can help your district, camp, or churches.

For a complete list of partners, visit Alliance Purchasing Program (log-in to MyCMA required to view page).

For questions about NuQuo or the seminar, please contact Ken Baldes at (719) 265-2128 or baldesk@cmalliance.org.