Cal-Pac RenewalCal-Pac Renewal

Statement of Faith and MissionStatement of Faith and Mission

PROPOSALPROPOSAL

Previous CPR Previous CPR Mission StatementMission Statement

“ “As persons who believe in the deity of As persons who believe in the deity of Jesus Christ and the authority of Jesus Christ and the authority of Scripture, we provide opportunities for Scripture, we provide opportunities for spiritual renewal and revival by promoting spiritual renewal and revival by promoting fellowship, education, and fellowship, education, and experience of experience of God’s graceGod’s grace, love and justice within the , love and justice within the California-Pacific Annual Conference.”California-Pacific Annual Conference.”

A Broader VisionA Broader Vision

Can you see Cal-Pac, as a Can you see Cal-Pac, as a conferenceconference,…,…

1.1. Glorifying Christ,…Glorifying Christ,…

2.2. Honoring Honoring allall His Word,… His Word,…

3.3. And worshipping Him in And worshipping Him in growinggrowing numbers?numbers?

'Call to Me, and I will answer 'Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do mighty things, which you do

not know.' not know.' (Jer 33:3)(Jer 33:3)

A Conference in DeclineA Conference in Decline

Cal-Pac has 374 Churches of which 81% Cal-Pac has 374 Churches of which 81% are in declineare in decline

We are losing 2000 or more members per We are losing 2000 or more members per year as a conference.year as a conference.

Aging demographics indicate that the rate Aging demographics indicate that the rate of loss will increase.of loss will increase.

Many Churches are living off the Many Churches are living off the endowments and investments of the past; endowments and investments of the past; others are closing or soon will be.others are closing or soon will be.

A Denomination in DeclineA Denomination in Decline American Methodism grew every American Methodism grew every decade from 1790 to 1970 and always decade from 1790 to 1970 and always at a pace faster than the general at a pace faster than the general population growth. population growth. But From 1970 to present we have But From 1970 to present we have lost members every decade from a lost members every decade from a high in 1970 of 10.7 million down to 8.4 high in 1970 of 10.7 million down to 8.4 million in 2000. million in 2000.

Source: http://www.gcah.org/membership.htm Source: http://www.gcah.org/membership.htm

What has gone Wrong?What has gone Wrong?

Progressive TheologyProgressive Theology

The BibleThe Bible is no longer revelation from God. It is is no longer revelation from God. It is now a collection of subjective stories about God. now a collection of subjective stories about God.

JesusJesus is no longer God Almighty and therefore is no longer God Almighty and therefore the only Way to heaven; he is now simply a the only Way to heaven; he is now simply a good man and Christianity is simply a path to good man and Christianity is simply a path to God but not the only one. (God but not the only one. (religious pluralismreligious pluralism))

The GospelThe Gospel is no longer “repent of your sins and is no longer “repent of your sins and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ your only hope believe on the Lord Jesus Christ your only hope of salvation”. It is now focused on the pursuit of of salvation”. It is now focused on the pursuit of political peace and social justice.political peace and social justice.

The Bishops’ Mission The Bishops’ Mission StatementStatement

““The Mission of the Church is to make The Mission of the Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the disciples of Jesus Christ for the

purpose of transforming the world.”purpose of transforming the world.”

What has been the effect of What has been the effect of Progressive Theology? Progressive Theology?

It is emptying the pews!

Books Documenting the Books Documenting the DeclineDecline

1.1. Exodus:Exodus: Why Americans are Why Americans are Fleeing Liberal Churches for Fleeing Liberal Churches for Conservative Christianity. (Conservative Christianity. (By By David Shiflett)David Shiflett)

2.2. The Rebirth of Orthodoxy: Signs The Rebirth of Orthodoxy: Signs of New Life in Christianity (By of New Life in Christianity (By Tom Oden)Tom Oden)

A Movement in DeclineA Movement in Decline

United Methodism lost 65,000 members from United Methodism lost 65,000 members from 2002 to 2003. The North Central, Northeast, and 2002 to 2003. The North Central, Northeast, and Western jurisdictions (all theologically Western jurisdictions (all theologically progressive) reported a decline in membership for progressive) reported a decline in membership for every single annual conference.every single annual conference. Source: Newscope, Feb 18th issue, 2005 Source: Newscope, Feb 18th issue, 2005

In Oregon from 1990-2000 evangelicals grew In Oregon from 1990-2000 evangelicals grew from 300,000 to 400,000 while mainline from 300,000 to 400,000 while mainline denominations lost about 9% of their members.denominations lost about 9% of their members. Source: http://www.wweek.com/story.php?story=5791Source: http://www.wweek.com/story.php?story=5791

Question:Question: Why are Why are progressive denominations progressive denominations

in decline? in decline?

They have become They have become unsure who Jesus is.unsure who Jesus is.

Answer:Answer:

Seven Keys to Growing ChurchesSeven Keys to Growing Churches

1.1. The Salesman must:The Salesman must:

2.2. Believe in his productBelieve in his product

3.3. Believe people need it.Believe people need it.

4.4. Understand his customers Understand his customers needs.needs.

5.5. Get the product rightGet the product right..

6.6. Be a living example of it.Be a living example of it.

7.7. Sell or market it effectivelySell or market it effectively

8.8. Persevere.Persevere.

Getting the Jesus rightGetting the Jesus rightThe First Step to Church GrowthThe First Step to Church Growth

Jesus:Jesus: “Who do you say that I am?” “Who do you say that I am?” PeterPeter: “Thou art the Christ! The Son of the living : “Thou art the Christ! The Son of the living

God!”God!” Jesus:Jesus: “Blessed are you Simon Bar-Jonah, for “Blessed are you Simon Bar-Jonah, for

flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter (you that you are Peter (petrospetros, a pebble) and on , a pebble) and on this rock (this rock (petrapetra,rock or boulder) I will ,rock or boulder) I will __________________ _______and the gates of Hell shall not prevail _______and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it!” (Matthew 16:15-18)against it!” (Matthew 16:15-18)

build Mybuild Mychurchchurch

To Craft a Mission Statement To Craft a Mission Statement 1. We must focus on the doctrines that 1. We must focus on the doctrines that

get Jesus, the Bible and the Gospel “right” get Jesus, the Bible and the Gospel “right” thereby resisting error.thereby resisting error.

2. We must seek and implement those 2. We must seek and implement those principles of God that release the principles of God that release the powerpower of of God.God.

3. We should select a BIG goal: Growing 3. We should select a BIG goal: Growing our individual churches and the Cal-Pac our individual churches and the Cal-Pac conference as a whole.conference as a whole.

Why should We Care?Why should We Care?(A digression)(A digression)

Progressives are largely motivated by a Progressives are largely motivated by a compassion for mankind, no matter how compassion for mankind, no matter how much else they may get wrong. We can much else they may get wrong. We can afford to be compassionate to them.afford to be compassionate to them.

The Methodist church is John Wesley’s The Methodist church is John Wesley’s offspring. He would want us to fight for its offspring. He would want us to fight for its character and health. His prayers still character and health. His prayers still reverberate in Heaven. His life should reverberate in Heaven. His life should inspire and compel us. inspire and compel us.

God’s Power Principles, pt 1God’s Power Principles, pt 1

1.1. Getting Jesus rightGetting Jesus right. “Upon this rock I will build my . “Upon this rock I will build my church.. Whatever you bind or loose on earth will be church.. Whatever you bind or loose on earth will be bound or loosed in Heaven” (Mt 16:18-19)bound or loosed in Heaven” (Mt 16:18-19)

2.2. The WordThe Word: “If you abide in Me and my words abide in : “If you abide in Me and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will and it shall be done for you, ask whatever you will and it shall be done for you.” (John 15:7) you.” (John 15:7)

3.3. Intimacy with the Savior:Intimacy with the Savior: “If you abide in Me and my “If you abide in Me and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will and it shall words abide in you, ask whatever you will and it shall be done for you.” (John 15:7) be done for you.” (John 15:7)

4.4. Unity:Unity: “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. (Mt 18:19)done for them by My Father in heaven. (Mt 18:19)

1.1. PreamblePreamble• • Get Jesus rightGet Jesus right

•• Get the Bible right Get the Bible right

• • Get the Gospel Get the Gospel right right

2. Mission Stmt.2. Mission Stmt.• • UnityUnity

•• The Word The Word

• • Intimacy with Intimacy with Jesus Jesus

•• The Mission The Mission

The Mission StatementThe Mission Statement

Our mission is to unite the voices of likeminded Cal-Pac clergy and laity for

the purpose of renewing our conference — its shepherds and their flocks — in a deeper reliance upon the full Word of God, in the experience of a more intimate walk with the Savior, in a more determined effort to reach the

Lost with the Gospel, and in the growth of conference membership.

Unleash the power of God –– Ask for something BIG

Fiery PreachingFiery Preaching

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are needed to see this picture.

Billy Graham, 1949 L.A. RevivalBilly Graham, 1949 L.A. Revival

““Now the parable is this: The seed is the Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.” (Luke 8:11) word of God.” (Luke 8:11)

The Mission RestatedThe Mission Restated

Our conference is in decline. We have been losing members at an alarming rate. We believe that a renewal of our Wesleyan

heritage’s emphasis on fiery evangelism, heartfelt worship, and Biblical fidelity — with

much prayer and kindness — will not only stop the hemorrhaging but reverse the

decline altogether. We long to be pleasing to Him, to grow our churches, and to see the

Holy Spirit fall in power upon Cal-Pac. This is our hope, our prayer, and who we are.

God’s Power Principles, pt 2God’s Power Principles, pt 2 PrayPray.. Now this is the confidence that we Now this is the confidence that we

have in Him, that if we ask anything have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. (1Jn 5:13-14)that we have asked of Him. (1Jn 5:13-14)

Act.Act. Therefore whoever hears these Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on him to a wise man who built his house on the rock the rock

1. What Can CPR do?1. What Can CPR do? “unite the voice of likeminded Cal-Pac

clergy and laity” CPR general email group site CPR theology group site CPR website with resources Establish data base Newsletter focused on M.S. themes Use the Stmt. Of Faith & Mission to recruit Attend the CPR events.Attend the CPR events. Look to the Holy Spirit to work REAL unity .Look to the Holy Spirit to work REAL unity . _____________________________________

2. What Can CPR do?2. What Can CPR do? “a deeper reliance upon the full Word of

God” CPR Daily Bible Reading ScheduleCPR Daily Bible Reading Schedule Biblical Apologetics EventBiblical Apologetics Event CPR Theology SiteCPR Theology Site Bible Memorization PushBible Memorization Push CPR Pastors continually sell their congregations CPR Pastors continually sell their congregations

on the trustworthiness of the Scriptures.on the trustworthiness of the Scriptures. Traveling Apologetics Lay SpeakerTraveling Apologetics Lay Speaker _____________________________________

Genesis 1:1 = The Big BangGenesis 1:1 = The Big Bang The Universe had a beginning!The Universe had a beginning!

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are needed to see this picture.

An actual picture of the universe’s heat distribution An actual picture of the universe’s heat distribution (microwave) just 400,000 years after the Big Bang(microwave) just 400,000 years after the Big Bang

(13.3 billion years ago!) (13.3 billion years ago!)

3. What Can CPR do?3. What Can CPR do? “the experience of a more intimate

walk with the Savior” Prayer and Healing Conferences (fall & summer)Prayer and Healing Conferences (fall & summer) Personal devotional life. Promoting the idea of Personal devotional life. Promoting the idea of

drawing close to Jesus not for what we need drawing close to Jesus not for what we need Him to do but for who He is. Seeking His Face.Him to do but for who He is. Seeking His Face.

Promote prolonged Praise & Worship Promote prolonged Praise & Worship ExperiencesExperiences

Holiness. “A Plain Account of Christian Holiness. “A Plain Account of Christian Perfection” by John WesleyPerfection” by John Wesley

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4. What Can CPR do?4. What Can CPR do? “a more determined effort to reach the

Lost with the Gospel” Connect with the Board of Evangelism; keep the Connect with the Board of Evangelism; keep the

board in evangelical hands.board in evangelical hands. Pastors constantly sell the idea of “bring your Pastors constantly sell the idea of “bring your

friend to church”friend to church” Promote the mechanism of a regular alter call.Promote the mechanism of a regular alter call. Pastors, free up time so you can be in much Pastors, free up time so you can be in much

prayer (prayer (The The Power Principle) to seek the Power Principle) to seek the leading of the Lord for how to develop your leading of the Lord for how to develop your “market” for His “product”. “market” for His “product”.

Attend events on this subject when you detect Attend events on this subject when you detect the power of God will be there.the power of God will be there.

5. What Can CPR do?5. What Can CPR do? “renewing our conference”

Volunteer for Cal-Pac Boards & CommitteesVolunteer for Cal-Pac Boards & Committees Pastors identify evangelical congregants and Pastors identify evangelical congregants and

recruit for district & conference service.recruit for district & conference service. Identify upcoming voting situations and be ready Identify upcoming voting situations and be ready

with CPR candidates.with CPR candidates. Be ready for the next General Conf. Delegate Be ready for the next General Conf. Delegate

selection in 2008 selection in 2008 Find a way to influence the selection of DS’s, the Find a way to influence the selection of DS’s, the

next Bishop, and the CST Board of Trustees next Bishop, and the CST Board of Trustees

6. What Can CPR do?6. What Can CPR do? “grow our churches and grow

conference membership” Pray! Pastors, want to grow your own church? Pray! Pastors, want to grow your own church?

Start praying for another’s church to grow. Start praying for another’s church to grow. Allocate the time to pray and seek His face.Allocate the time to pray and seek His face.

We can track CPR churches to see if, as a whole, We can track CPR churches to see if, as a whole, they grow. To see, if the power of God is with they grow. To see, if the power of God is with us.us.

If so, find a way to leverage that data for greater If so, find a way to leverage that data for greater influence on the direction of Cal-Pacinfluence on the direction of Cal-Pac

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Shall we accept Shall we accept this Statement of this Statement of Faith and Mission Faith and Mission

as is..as is..

OROR

Should we Should we discuss it further?discuss it further?

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