1996 Book of Discipline: Paragraph 213| General Conference 2000

¶ 213. A Process for Assessment of Local Church Potential--In static, declining, or changing population areas, local churches may take the opportunity to study their congregation's potential. A study task force may be appointed by the bishop to do an extensive study of the past, present, and potential ministry of that local church upon the request of the congregation or the district superintendent or when the average worship attendance falls below fifteen persons. The task force shall be composed of an equal number of lay and clergypersons and shall include persons from that congregation.

1. This study shall include, but not be limited to: a) unique missional opportunities and needs of the community; b) present ministries of the congregation; c) number of leaders and style of leadership; d) growth potential of the surrounding community; e) fiscal and facilities needs; f) distance from other United Methodist churches; g) number and size of churches of other denominations in the community; h) other items that may impact the church's ability to fulfill the mission of the Church as stated in Chapter One, Section I.

2. The findings shall be published and presented to the congregation with recommendations as to how to increase the local church's potential. Those invited to the presentation shall include: the members of the congregation, the pastor(s), the district superintendent, and members of the district board of church location and building (¶¶ 2518, 2550).

3. The members of the local church shall consider the recommendations and adopt a response to them. The district superintendent shall report the results of the study and the congregation's response to the cabinet, with recommendations for the allocation of conference staff, resourcing, financial support, or other resources needed to undergird the congregation's efforts to reach its recommended potential. Such annual conference support shall be committed no longer than three years.



	1996 Discipline ¶ 213
	¶ 213. A Process for Assessment of Local Church Potential--In static, declining, or changing population areas, local churches may take the opportunity to study their congregation's potential. A study task force may be appointed by the bishop to do an extensive study of the past, present, and potential ministry of that local church upon the request of the congregation or the district superintendent or when the average worship attendance falls below fifteen persons. The task force shall be composed of an equal number of lay and clergypersons and shall include persons from that congregation. 1. This study shall include, but not be limited to: a) unique missional opportunities and needs of the community; b) present ministries of the congregation; c) number of leaders and style of leadership; d) growth potential of the surrounding community; e) fiscal and facilities needs; f) distance from other United Methodist churches; g) number and size of churches of other denominations in the community; h) other items that may impact the church's ability to fulfill the mission of the Church as stated in Chapter One, Section I. `2. The findings shall be published and presented to the congregation with recommendations as to how to increase the local church's potential. Those invited to the presentation shall include: the members of the congregation, the pastor(s), the district superintendent, and members of the district board of church location and building (¶¶ 2518, 2550).` `3. The members of the local church shall consider the recommendations and adopt a response to them. The district superintendent shall report the results of the study and the congregation's response to the cabinet, with recommendations for the allocation of conference staff, resourcing, financial support, or other resources needed to undergird the congregation's efforts to reach its recommended potential. Such annual conference support shall be committed no longer than three years.`
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1996 Discipline ¶ 213