D. The linking unit of connectionalism in an annual conference is the district. District events that linked people beyond their local church in ministry or for training were once common.[1] These ongoing experiences built up community through mutual involvement in covenantal ministry. Districts have become impoverished over the years by moving participation up to the conference level or downward toward congregationalism through clusters or clergy covenant groups. District linking functions once built Methodist social capital by linking people not for a task but in a covenant relationship of responsibility with expectations and accountability.
QUOTE [1]
NOTE
DISCERNMENT QUESTIONS
RESOURCES
[1] The quote is a selection from David O. Kueker’s Fuller Seminary Doctor of Ministry project submitted in September, 2007, entitled Diagnosis, Dialogue, and Decision: A Threefold Process of Revitalization For the Illinois Great Rivers Conference.
It is shared here in recognition of its 12th Anniversary along with comments to update and provide perspective on the material. The original project was a Training Manual/Study Guide of three Seminars supported by three chapters of research and an Introduction. The material is available for download at www.disciplewalk.com/Resources.html. In 2009 it was provided for purchase as a softcover book entitled Designing Discipleship Systems: Christian Disciple Making For Any Size Church, Any Theology through CreateSpace.com.
[2][3] [4][5] [6][7] [8]
All Scripture quotations are from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, and 1971 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Please review the page How and Why We Use Quotes.
[1]Examples: mission saturation events, New Life Missions or Key Events.