Connectional Table and General Council
on Finance and Administration
Joint Program and Budget Dialogue Team
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Team Members:
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Connectional Table:
Earl Bledsoe
Ray Hamill
M. Lynn Scott
Dora Washington |
General Council on Finance and Administration:
Irma Clark
Andy Hernandez
A. Lynn Hill
Ray Moseley |
Statement of Purpose:
The Joint Program and Budget Team is a joint task group with membership from both the Connectional Table and the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA). The purpose of the Team is to develop and implement multiple methods to encourage dialogue with budget stakeholders within the United Methosdist connection, and to integrate the team's findings into the joint 2006 budget development process of GCFA and the Connectional Table.
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Web-based surveys to a broad spectrum of stakeholder groups. |
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Structured dialogue sessions with key stakeholders. |
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Ongoing feedback of dialogue findings. |
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Dialogue Session Overview:
Purpose: Through a conversational exchange with key stakeholders, we intend to discern both the capability and the willingness of church members and leaders, lay and clergy, to underwrite and sustain the connectional structures and programs of The United Methodist Church. Furthermore, we would hope to gain a sense as to our progress at combining ministry and resources to more effectiviely make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Operating Assumptions: While the Team will create the final design the dialogue sessions, the following assumptions will provide a mutual foundation of understanding from which to build.
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The dialogue sessions wil be designed as a structured form of communication that will emphasize respectful and attentive listening about deeply held beliefs and experience regarding giving and spending within the connectional church. |
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The dialogue sessions will be designed as an informed discussion fostering understanding and common meaning about the mission and budget of the general church. |
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The objective of the dialogue sessions will be to better understand the point of view of all stakeholders including that of the Connectional Table and GCFA. |
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A secondary objective of the sessions will be to establish positive relationships with and between all stakeholders without creating pressure of change other's views. |
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The dialogue sessions will be facilitated by team members whose role will be to provide context, identify discussion themes, and aid the process of dialogue toward the session objectives. |
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Team Approach/Emphasis
The Team envisions:
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A process where true dialogue is practiced, where all perspectives are valued, and where a mutuality of purpose is embraced by all. |
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A change in perspective from an environment of scarcity to one of plenty/abundance. |
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A new way to budget that is positive, faithful, and theologically sound. |
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Stakeholders
The Team, through conversations with the leadership of the Connectional Table, the General Council on Finance and Administration and the Council of Bishops, has identified a working list of budget stakeholders within the United Methodist connection. The Team acknowledges that this list is not complete and will continue to build other groups, as neccessary, into the process. This list includes:
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Connectional Table |
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Staff and directors of program boards and agencies |
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Conference Treasurers |
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Presidents of Councils on Finance and Administration |
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Directors of Connectional Minitries |
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Council of Bishops |
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District Superintendents |
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Chairs of the Order of Elders and Deacons |
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Annual Conference lay leaders |
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Local church leaders |
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Seminary administrators |
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Retired Bishops and pensioners |
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