President’s Update message, January 2006

In our planning for the new year we have spent significant time with our pastors and office staff defining goals and objectives to guide our mission for 2006 in Upper Columbia Conference. The work of the church is diverse and growing. The goals and objectives fill scores of pages.

Administratively we have identified “Ten Big Ideas” which we believe deserve particular attention. I share them with you here and invite your comments and prayer support.

1. Appoint a commission to develop long-range strategic plans that address mission alignment of every entity, department, employee, and church member. Also look at issues of accountability, leadership development, role and purpose of the conference office resource center, and resource allocation and distribution.
   
   
2. Support and nurture of church planting initiatives providing mentoring, networking, definitions, and evaluations.
   
   
3. Revitalize long existing churches that have plateaued or declined in growth and vitality through development of a focused and intentional plan of renewal.
   
   
4. Solidify and secure the current financial turn-around by maintaining restraint in spending and continuing to build reserves to recommended levels.
   
   
5. Stop educational enrollment declines and closure of schools and evaluate academic and spiritual outcomes. Continue the KEEP scholarship/endowment program and provide marketing resources for Adventist education.
   
   
6. Strengthen pastoral support and pastoral leadership development. Intentionally increase the percentage of new and younger pastors on our team.
   
   
7. Study ways of more effectively integrating the contribution of supporting ministries in the mission of the organized church. Minimize duplication of effort, improve lines of communication, and develop strategies for cooperation rather than competition.
   
   
8. Improve Human Resources functions at the conference office as it relates to all of our employees including recruiting, referencing, orientation, mentoring, and evaluation.
   
   
9. Increase access to and availability of conference resources to local churches and local schools particularly those with a proven history of significant growth and effectiveness.
   
   
10. Update our physical plant keeping it representative and functional.

These ten big ideas along with hundreds of other goals and objectives will serve to keep us focused on the mission God has assigned us. I believe the 2006 year will be the best yet as we continue to be faithful in preparing for the Lord’s soon return.