General Board Business Item #GB-13-0822

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in North Carolina General Board Report

Current Staff: John M. Richardson, Regional Minister Valerie Melvin, Assoc. Regional Minister, DWM (Half-time) Jimmy Elks, Assoc. Regional Minister, Youth Ministries & Camp Manager Bob Kennel, Coordinator New Church Establishment (Volunteer) Lisa Tedder, Finance Manager Congregations: 137 in North Carolina 2 in South Carolina 139 – Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 177 – Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ International 316 – Total Congregations The regional ministry of the Christian Church in North Carolina primarily relates to the 139 congregations noted above. The 177 congregations of the Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ International, located in North Carolina and Virginia, relate to their primary middle judicatory (the eight Districts represented in North Carolina and Virginia and the bishops that lead each of the respective Districts). Only two of the pastors of the 177 congregations have ministerial standing with the Christian Church in North Carolina, although all the congregations are listed under North Carolina in the Year Book & Directory. The ecclesiastical structure and the offices of General Bishop and the District Bishop are not recognized by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), although personal and collegial relationships have been developed and maintained with some of the individuals who serve in these offices from generation to generation. Will these two distinct ecclesiastical bodies of the Disciples of Christ ever become one? My hope and prayer is they will. When, how, and why that happens remains to be seen. Certainly our pro-reconciliation/anti-racism mission priority gives the historical relationship of these two Disciples of Christ traditions an important place in the life and ministry of our church. Leader development is on-going. We host annual workshops during our regional assembly and our biannual academy for leader development, which focuses on issues congregations need to address on the transformational journeys. The Lay Academy—a two-year course of study, with refresher courses offered twice a year—is hosted by Barton College for church members who desire more in depth training in biblical study, church history, pastoral care, theology and spirituality. Leadership skills are learned through experiential events for young leaders in youth fellowship groups and in a cooperative event hosted by the South East Regional Fellowship for young leader

development. And, our Disciple Women are continually developing their leadership skills under the leadership of the Rev. Valerie Melvin. After having the largest number of participants ever in our summer camp and conference ministry in 2006, our number of participants have declined each year since, even though we have improved our regional camp facilities and staffing. The decrease in youth participants is a financial challenge; however the greater concern is the declining numbers of youth in our local congregations. Jimmy Elks is beginning his third year as our regional camp manager and the regional associate leading our youth ministries. Several congregations in our region are being intentional about transformation, in a variety of ways. This past summer we introduced the HOPE Partnership Congregational Transformation experience to the Region. 46 congregations participated in the introduction event. But only four congregations decided to participate. Those four congregations and pastors report very positive feedback. It was disappointing that more did not participate. A few other congregations have designed their own congregational transformation journey and are going it alone. We are in discussion regarding second offering this year for a region wide congregational transformation program. Congregations engaged in mission are healthier, whatever the size of the congregation. For several years, First Christian Church, Rocky Mount, NC has hosted annual YAM JAM—the gleaning of sweat potato fields, giving the harvested potatoes to local food pantries. Last year the farmer with whom they partner decided to give the whole field of potatoes to the gleaners—even volunteering to plow up the potatoes on the morning of the harvest. Last fall YAM JAM volunteers harvested over 15 tons of sweat potatoes in less than four hours, for regional and local food pantries. However, helping congregations understand the importance of being engaged in mission is challenging. Over the past ten years we have established 16 new congregations. All but one continues today, although most have not experienced significant growth, they are all engaged in mission. There is one exception. New Generation Christian Church in Wilson’s Mills, NC, pastored by Addie Rawls, has experienced significant growth in just over two years of existence. The congregation recently purchased their second church building, having outgrown the first building during their first year. First Zo Christian Church in Charlotte is an example of a congregation filled with energy, but very few resources—which is typical of many new congregations. Yet this group of Zo people from Myanmar is incredibly excitement about being church. They are a powerful witness to the Good News. Our newest congregation is in the planting stage in Durham, a city which has been without a Disciples of Christ congregation for several years. I am grateful to the constant encouragement Bob Kennel gives to our new church pastors.

During the coming years, our region will enter into a regional transformational journey. The General Board Report from the region of North Carolina will, I pray, reflect at least the beginnings of our journey. . Recommended Action: The General Board receives the report from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in North Carolina.

Annual ordination service of the Goldsboro-Raleigh District of the Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ International

Gleaning of sweat potato field provides over 60 tons of potatoes annually for regional and local food pantries. Hosted by First Christian Church, Rocky Mount, NC

HOPE Partnership for Congregational Transformation Experience in North Carolina

Camp Caroline, North Carolina

HOPE Partnership for Congregational Transformation Experience – Closing Worship