Here is the Challenge
Many, if not most, denominational organizations are facing a long-term trend that is radically changing the way they finance their work. Some denominational organizations have recognized this trend and are responding to it by multiplying their denominational funding streams. Other denominational organizations are in denial about the funding transformation that is occurring, and are failing to intentionally multiply their funding streams.
A decreasing, yet myopic, number of denominational organizations are hanging on to the concept of one foundational funding stream composed of basic assessments to congregations by the denomination, or basic allocations to the denomination from congregations. They are doing this in spite of the facts, and in spite of warnings from their accountants, researchers, strategists, and some leaders within their denomination.
Continue reading "Multiple Funding Streams for Denominational Organizations" »
Here is a typology of denominations I have been working on. What do you think? Where is your denomination? What is missing? What additional definition is needed?
Emerging Denomination: This is a denomination, or a region or judicatory within a denomination, which was organized during the last 15 years, or has experienced a radical restart in the past 10 years, and is significantly empowered by its current vision. It is probably focusing on one of several emerging models for denominational organizations.
Institutionalized Denomination: This is a denomination, or a region or judicatory within a denomination, which focuses on the institutions, programs, and management aspects of being a denomination. It seeks to build long-term loyalty to the denominational organizations, and uses this as a test of fellowship for ministers and congregations.
Missional Denomination: This is a denomination, or a region or judicatory within a denomination, which has figured out how to be on a continual transformational mission that takes the denomination and its affiliated congregations into new frontiers of mission and ministry with a mission adjusted to meet the context it serves.
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Russian Baptists and Barack Obama
Baptist statement on the election victory
Commentary
We know that many of our friends in the USA are disappointed that John McCain did not win the presidential election. We Russian Baptists too are concerned that the struggle for Christian values--for the family and against abortion--may have suffered a setback through the Democratic victory.
At the same time, we are very hopeful that the victory of a Democratic president might lead to better relations between the USA and Russia. We hope that the war in Iraq can be ended soon, and that the USA might again become a part of the “concert” of European nations. May the USA see itself as a partner and not as a country apart and aloof from other nations. We do not want another Cold War.
Continue reading "Russian Baptists on Election of Barack Obama" »
I am currently working on an article that looks at mega and non-mega congregations in relationship —even contrast—with one another. Since I am working on it on a presidential election day, voting analogies seem appropriate; or, I cannot get them out of my mind. I want to throw a concept out and allow you to chew on it and send your best reflections back in my direction. [Let me know if and when I need to duck.]
Mega congregations are like the popular vote. Non-mega congregations are like the Electoral College vote. Mega churches draw the large numbers. Non-mega churches saturate all the geographic areas and people groups as if they were states with Electoral College votes. It is the Electoral College vote that determines the winner.
Continue reading "Mega and Non-Mega Congregations" »
I am not a candidate for vice president of the United States this week. As a result, and according to be my personal criteria for candidates for vice president, I will now never be a candidate for vice president—much less president. You may not agree with my criteria for who is qualified to serve as vice president. That is fine. I may not agree with your criteria, but I would fully respect your right to have your own criteria and to support candidates and vote accordingly.
Neither candidate of the two major political parties meet my criteria for vice president this year. Not Biden or Palin. In the past almost 30 years only two vice presidents have met my criteria. Bush the elder and Al Gore.
Continue reading "Chance to Be Vice President Lost" »
Annie Vivian Kelly died on Thursday, October 30, 2008. I attended her graveside service in Wilmington, NC two days later. Aunt Annie V. was born on April 26, 1917, just 33 days before John F. Kennedy. She was preceded in death by her five brothers and two sisters. One of her brothers was my father, George Woodrow Bullard. Further, the husbands and wives of each of her siblings are also deceased, along with Annie V’s husband who died at age 55.
A generation of the Bullard family is now gone. No one is left. We are on to the next generation of Bullards. Seventeen of them are still alive. Three have already died. They range in age from 58 to their mid to late 70s. I am the youngest, but only by a few months.
Continue reading "A Generation is Gone" »
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