Models are not perfect, but they can be useful representations of the way something can look. A key principle to remember is that the hardest model to change is one that works.In the spirit of looking for useful models, Glenn asked the individual churches to share where they are in their churches. He wanted to know their successes, what is working, where they are "stuck," and their biggest surprises since the last conference in January.
Second Baptist shared their success in that there has been a more
active participation in the homeless nursing home ministry. It has been an example of their vision for the year "Increase through Release." Their prison, homeless, and children's ministries are what is working. Second Baptist has seen an increase of participation from 1/2% to 2%. They are having a difficult time working with other churches to consistently spread out the ministry to the homeless during different time slots. The biggest surprise is in the Live, Laugh, and Love among the sick and homebound children. The children are coming to the church as a result of church children reaching out to them.
Second Baptist shared their success in that there has been a more
active participation in the homeless nursing home ministry. It has been an example of their vision for the year "Increase through Release." Their prison, homeless, and children's ministries are what is working. Second Baptist has seen an increase of participation from 1/2% to 2%. They are having a difficult time working with other churches to consistently spread out the ministry to the homeless during different time slots. The biggest surprise is in the Live, Laugh, and Love among the sick and homebound children. The children are coming to the church as a result of church children reaching out to them. 
Pleasant Valley is seeing success in meeting needs and in the leadership supporting the effort. There has also been an increased focus on the River City Ministry. They are seeing people come to the Lord. Their distribution list is being used by many churches to spread communications in order to meet needs in the community. Pleasant Valley is also part of the team that decides where contributions to the Rice Depot go. What is working is the growth of trust with the local government. It has been a surprise that the founder and leader of a key ministry, Howard Gardner has died in the middle of a criticial period of the ministry.
Fellowship Bible has been able to impact South Mid-Town in developing an after school program. Fellowship commissioned a study to design the program, and they are working on the steps to initiate the program in October. The adopt a class program and prison ministry have also been a success. The after school program, Step Encourager mentoring program, and Community Health Clinic are working. They are stuck in successful communication within the church and building deeper relational bridges through projects in South Mid-Town. The surprise has been that they have underestimated the negative impact that the move to the new campus would have on the focus and energy of the volunteers.
Geyer Springs Church has had success in building a strong relationship with the Otter Creek Elementary School. They are working on taking ownership of the school by meeting needs, building relationship with staff, and reaching out to the students. It has been difficult to get people to volunteer on a regular basis. They were surprised by the entry of a new principal. They are uncertain of what the status of the new relationship will be.
Summit has had success in building relationships.They are working on building the small group ministry to the community. They are doing this through the use of a large grill and moonwalk that they can operate in various places for large groups of people. They are really moving ahead within certain areas, but they need to expand the small groups into other areas. Suprisingly, people in the church are starting to stand up to share their story which is leading to the starting of various ministries.
Summit has had success in building relationships.They are working on building the small group ministry to the community. They are doing this through the use of a large grill and moonwalk that they can operate in various places for large groups of people. They are really moving ahead within certain areas, but they need to expand the small groups into other areas. Suprisingly, people in the church are starting to stand up to share their story which is leading to the starting of various ministries.Our host, Promiseland has been successful in finishing the Dream Center and their Reach Out 
Now program. They have started a church plant that is flourishing in Jacksonville. They are working on the housing and after school programs. They are having a difficult time with fundraising for the House of Hope which involves mentoring and housing for teen girls. Also, they have been unsuccessful in getting the word out about who Promiseland is and what they do. They only have one or two partnerships. The economic crisis has been a surprise. People are having to choose whether to spend the gas on going to work or going to church. Promiseland is now picking up people from their homes, but this does not answer the greater economic needs.
Now program. They have started a church plant that is flourishing in Jacksonville. They are working on the housing and after school programs. They are having a difficult time with fundraising for the House of Hope which involves mentoring and housing for teen girls. Also, they have been unsuccessful in getting the word out about who Promiseland is and what they do. They only have one or two partnerships. The economic crisis has been a surprise. People are having to choose whether to spend the gas on going to work or going to church. Promiseland is now picking up people from their homes, but this does not answer the greater economic needs.
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