Compassionate Generosity MAT
The Compassionate Generosity Mission Area Team's mandate will focus on encouraging local churches and clergy in matters of stewardship and benevolences, as well as securing the financial resources necessary to underwrite the ministry of the Conference, the National Setting and Global Ministries. The Compassionate Generosity Mission Area Team (or MAT) will assume the mission interpretation responsibilities formerly entrusted to the Commission for Church in Society and World Mission, as well as those responsibilities given to the Stewardship Education Committee and the Finance and Budget Committee. This MAT identifies, recruits and trains Our Church’s Wider Mission (OCWM) Ambassadors who help interpret OCWM in local churches. Click here for more information
Prophetic Integrity MAT
The Prophetic Integrity Mission Area Team’s mandate will focus on educating local churches and clergy with respect to matters calling for the public voice of the church. The Prophetic Integrity Mission Area Team (or MAT) will assume the social justice and advocacy responsibilities formerly entrusted to the Commission for Church in Society and World Mission, as well as, those given to the Resolutions Committee. This MAT manages the resolution process through Annual Meeting. Click here for more information
Faith Formation MAT
The Faith Formation Mission Area Team seeks to empower local churches and clergy in facilitating their worship, education and call. To achieve this vision we participate in leadership in the following conference wide work and services:
- Youth Initiatives: Creating networking possibilities for Conference youth in person and/or online or through social media. Developing a youth event in conjunction with the Michigan Conference Annual Meeting. Gathering Association representatives (adults and youth) to meet for planning youth events regionally and conference-wide. Promoting regional and national youth events.
- Comma Work: Reminding clergy and churches about discernment: Discernment is the art of listening to our inner selves and learning to recognize (discern) movements that arise from the Holy Spirit within us. SING Groups, Communities of Practice, and retreats may all be a part of this work.
- Partners in Education (PIE): Are available to help local congregations with ministries of education! Offer workshops to help leaders in congregations plan and develop vibrant ministries of education.
- STEM (Systematic Training for Effective Ministry): Supporting and connecting with the work of STEM, whose mission in partnership with the Christian Church (DOC) is: to equip lay leaders, Christian educators, and licensed ministers to carry out their varied ministries through Biblical study, spiritual formation, and by developing leadership skills. The Ecumenical Lay Leadership Task Force is also a part of this venture.
- Networking Secretaries: MICHOSSN – Michigan Office Support Staff Network Michigan is coordinating with the National United Church of Christ Office Support Staff Network (UCCOSSN) and encourages all church office staff to connect as well.
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Vital Growth MAT
The Vital Growth Mission Area Team’s mandate will focus on UCC identity, local church evangelism, member retention, parish revitalization, new church starts, marketing and advertising. The Vitality and Growth Mission Area Team (or MAT) will assume the responsibilities formerly entrusted to the Commission for Church Development and the Communications Committee. New church and new ministry starts are a major part of this MAT. Much of the work of this MAT is coordination with the Center for Progressive Renewal.
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