Urban ministry survey cites need for training, support
By Linda Bloom*
April 2, 2007 | NEW YORK (UMNS)
United Methodists are committed to urban ministry but want more training on how to provide that ministry.
They also want more networking opportunities so that those
ministering to urban neighborhoods can learn from and support one
another.
Such were key findings of a denominational survey conducted during
the winter, with 808 local churches and 20 United Methodist bishops
responding.
Called
"Shaping the Future of Urban Ministry," the survey was conducted by the
Office of Urban Ministry, United Methodist Board of Global Ministries,
and the related National Urban Strategy Council, with assistance from
the denomination's Board of Discipleship.
The results will be used in a revised and refined urban ministry plan
tentatively called "Holy Boldness: Pathways to Transformation" for
presentation to the 2008 United Methodist General Conference, the
denomination's top legislative body.
Diane Johnson, staff executive for the Office of Urban Ministry, said
many respondents expressed hope for the future of their congregations
and dedication to their church neighborhoods. She sees a need "to
continue to train around community assessments."
Of the 808 local church respondents, 57 percent were clergy and 43
percent lay. Responses were fairly evenly divided between men (54
percent) and women (46 percent). A separate survey was sent to United
Methodist bishops.
The changing face of urban churches
Just over half of the respondents described their church as an "urban
congregation in a neighborhood with a changing population." The
majority were churches in a city of more than 100,000 people.
"We are very unlike our neighborhood, even though many live within
eight to 10 blocks of the church," one respondent explained. "Many
post-World War II homes are being sold for the first time in decades.
Our average age is over 70 … (and the) average age of the community is
36-37 (years)."
“I know God has not left the city. The
spirit in our people as they come to trust God is so strong. They need
some way to know in a larger way that the church stands with them and
for them …”
–Survey respondent
Congregations were described as primarily Euro-American, 46 percent;
multicultural, 16 percent; African-American, 14 percent; Asian-American,
2 percent; and Latino/Hispanic, 2 percent. Less than 1 percent were
Native American and 19 percent did not specify their congregation's
ethnic characteristics.
One church respondent noted attempts to reach out to new populations
in the neighborhood, writing that "we have seen an increase in
Mandarin-speaking members of the community and are developing a
Mandarin-speaking ministry."
Most churches reported having space for worship, social events and
community-based activities, with "talented members" and good community
relations. At least half said their congregations also have a commitment
to justice, spirit of compassion for and with marginalized communities,
and a willingness to change ineffective patterns of ministry.
Training needs
Respondents cited the need for training to set up strategic plans,
gain a better understanding of urban theology and urban evangelism, and
learn how to transition from a homogenous congregation to a
heterogeneous, multicultural one.
"We are located on a boundary line between the stable community whose
people have built and maintained the church over the past 40-plus years
and a very ethnically-culturally-economically mixed community," one
respondent wrote. "We are trying to reach people on both sides of the
boundary."
Johnson perceives that some churches do not know how to access
resources related to urban theology. Others have done strategic planning
but "still haven't been able to make progress in their ministry,"
indicating a need for assistance on how to execute their plans.
The survey results show a desire to network more closely with others in urban ministry.
One church, for example, is "in an ideal location to become a strong
multicultural congregation" and is working to achieve that despite
financial pressures and no models of intentional multicultural
congregations in its conference.
"I believe that in urban centers where United Methodist congregations
are in close proximity to each other, a cooperative parish-style
ministry would be highly effective," one respondent suggested.
Assets for the future
Space is a tangible asset and respondents expressed a willingness to
use their facilities for community-based activities. They also count
their faith and Wesleyan heritage as assets.
"While many of our members are young, poor and financially stressed,
we do have dedication and desire on our side," one respondent wrote. "We
also have some good relationships with local leaders and partnerships
that help us to carry out the ministries that we could not afford."
More than half believe their congregations have a promising future,
but others say that future depends on leadership or working more
cooperatively with other congregations.
"I'm not sure that the congregation I currently serve really wants to last past its current generation," one pastor wrote.
Others were more positive. "We grow because we're real and we're a
church that needs people who want to do something meaningful," wrote
another. "Our population is messy, our worship is a bit messy and a bit
formal and everyone is responsible. We spend very little on looking
good."
|
Diane Johnson
|
The 20 bishops who completed the survey also stressed the need for
training, along with mentors or coaches for pastors and other church
leaders. Assistance in strategic planning would help urban churches be
more creative in their ministry, they believe.
Though most urban churches are in decline, the bishops expressed a
desire for new urban churches, along with the need for funding to pay
for capital improvements.
Support and commitment
Lay and clergy respondents made it clear they need the support of their conferences and the denomination as a whole.
"A commitment must be made by the denomination that urban ministry is
important. The congregations do not need more information; they need
action," one respondent wrote.
"I know God has not left the city," another respondent declared. "The
spirit in our people as they come to trust God is so strong. They need
some way to know in a larger way that the church stands with them and
for them, as the incarnation of Jesus stand with them."
The denomination's previous urban ministry plan was approved by the
1996 General Conference and reaffirmed in 2000. "It was time for us to
continue to add to it," Johnson said. "We're really excited about this
plan because it has goals and action steps."
For more information, contact Johnson by e-mail at dhjohnson@gbgm-umc.org.
*Bloom is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in New York.
News media contact: Linda Bloom, New York, (646) 369-3759 or newsdesk@umcom.org.
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Resources
Community and Institutional Ministries
Holy Boldness Urban Academy |