Imagine Indiana Q&A

April 28, 2008

PLEASE NOTE: The following are questions that Imagine Indiana received in response to the March 30, 2008 WebCast. Questions that were similar or related to the same issue were combined. If you e-mailed a question it may not be reflected in the exact wording you submitted. Please note the answers to see if they adequately address your personal question.

Following the posting of this list the Imagine Indiana Design Team will continue to monitor the email account and will attempt to respond back to the email sender.

Q –Is line 22 on page 42 indicating that the 2008 NIC local church contribution of $9,180 was estimated to increase $5,820 to $15,000 (12 x $1,250)?
	A – Estimates for the cost of Active Clergy insurance have been modified from the original submission in the Imagine Indiana report. We moved from a 2 tier arrangement (single/family) as in the earlier scenario to a 4-tier arrangement (single, couple, parent/1 child, and family) as a method of reducing the costs increase in NIC. New numbers from HealthFlex made this possible. The resulting figures allowed a more moderate increase for NIC clergy and churches than originally calculated. The numbers presented are in 2008 dollars. In other words, this would be the cost if the Conferences had merged their health plans on January 1, 2008. For SIC clergy and churches, overall costs should decrease in a combined Conference. However, a salary modification will be required, similar to the one that took place in 2005. Prior to 2005, every SIC church with a full-time appointment shared the cost of clergy insurance with the clergy personally. The clergy and the church both paid a portion of insurance costs based on the clergy salary. At Annual Conference Session, 2004 the motion was passed that all churches would pay 100% of the insurance costs of the clergy beginning in 2005, regardless of the coverage the pastor elected (family vs. single) and regardless of salary. As part of that motion came the recommendation that the clergy would take a one-time salary adjustment in 2005 to offset the additional costs to the church budget and the decreased cost to the clergy personally. As a result of this change, the SIC CAC (Conference Average Compensation) decreased. If the Imagine Indiana plan were to be implemented, there would need to be a salary adjustment recommendation to offset the adjustments that were made in 2005. For example, if the clergy was asked to pay $250/month personally and the church was asked to pay $250/month less, then the clergy should receive a one-time salary adjustment of $3,000. This would be a net zero effect on the local church budget (not considering annual increases)
Q –Does the South Indiana Conference currently have a conference wide mandatory property insurance program?
	A – No
Q –What is the total appraised/assessed value for all local church buildings, parsonages and other local church property for both conferences?
	A – We have not done an appraised or value assessment on our property. There is not a need for this at this time.
Q –So, what is the plan that will allow all of us to be “hearing the same thing” as it regards the answers to the 100+ questions as well as the others you will be receiving?
	A – There were over 130 responses via e-mail. Many of the questions were duplicates or similar. We are developing this Q & A Sheet.
Q –The packet identified that the District Resource Centers will have 2 DS's, 1 AA, and a Coordinator for Congregational Ministry. In the presentation last night it was stated that the Coordinator for Congregational Ministry would / could also be called "the Assistant to the DS." Was this a misspeaking? If so, disregard the below. If this is the intended direction then, I have some concerns. On page 20 the graphic to the structure show the Coordinator of Congregational Ministries as a colleague and partner to the 2 DS. This makes sense since the new roles of the DS are being better defined and the energies better focused. This allows for the programmatic piece to be focused and the administrative piece to also be focused. It would make sense that these need to be from "equal colleagues" because they would enhance, support and help each other in their respective focus. I would have a concern if this role of Coordinator of Congregational Ministries is simply an assistant to the DS that the ability to truly focus the respective areas and energies would be limited.
	A – We see the staffing at the District resource center to be defined by the District. We offer a possible model which would include a staff person devoted to congregational program support. The duties of each person will depend on the strategic needs of the unique district.
Q –Will the Conference Committees (such as Conference Council on Youth Ministry, Young Adult Ministries, etc.) be formed into one committee, or will they be regional (i.e. more connected to the Resource Centers)?
	A – These larger ministries will be a part of the Conference Leadership Table connected through their representative leader who will sit at the leadership table.
Q –How does combining the conferences better facilitate clusters?
	A – Our recommendation is the local congregations will be the focus of our organization with the expectation they will work together to address the larger mission in the communities in which they are located. The clusters will be driven by the desire to accomplish together what an individual congregation cannot do alone.
Q –Is the 10% tithe additional money or part of what is being spent presently?
	A – The tithe is the basic support upon which we propose the funding of all basic ministries will be supported. Not additional.
Q –How will this merger if it comes to fruition increase membership and make disciples when the talk is only about money?
	A – By having one vision, one organization led by one leadership team we will more effectively keep the focus on making disciples for the transformation of the world. The focus on money comes from the continued questions from people. The Imagine Indiana Team has attempted to respond to questions when asked.
Q –How will the North Indiana and South Indiana foundations be combined?
	A – We don’t know because the foundations are in discussion about how they will address this issue. All three foundations are free standing corporations and their boards will have to make those decisions in consultation with each other.
Q –What consideration is being taken for small churches that are having trouble paying bills now, when they are asked to pay 10% of their income?
	A – The clustering of churches is expected to be a support and accountability relationship with all churches. A particular congregation will work in partnership with other congregations in order to help each other do together what they cannot do apart. We expect a struggling congregation will find help, support and encouragement in this way.
Q –Are there other conferences across the USA uniting or is Indiana the only one?
	A – At least 8 have already merged or reorganized and several are in the process of uniting. We have talked with the eight that have merged/re-organized.
Q –Where else is this structure being implemented?
	A – This is a new structure based on a variety of other conferences. We have tried to include what has been successful in other places, but also adapting to our own Indiana unique ministry.
Q –How will this structure improve the appointment process?
	A – There will be a larger pool of pastors and congregations to be considered.
Q –For District committee meetings, how will they be structured, will persons have to drive to the regional office which could be a 60-90 minute travel time?
	A – The Districts will determine this when they organize.
Q –Will the local or student pastors be absorbed into a larger congregation staffed by the larger church?
	A – Not necessarily. Pastors will continue to be deployed based on congregations needs and pastors skill. This will be true for local and/or student pastors.
Q –How will the cluster impact the smaller congregation with local or student pastors?
	A – The student pastor will not be walking alone but in relation to others in their cluster.
Q –How will the role of the District Superintendent change with the merger?
	A – It is expected the DS will be relieved to focus more on local church ministry and clergy support. The proposed structure will require the District Superintendent and congregations change from the current patterns of operation. This change will have to take place in the context of the DS and District determining the priority of attention and stewardship of time of the District Superintendent.
Q –How many churches are represented by the two conferences?
	A – 1,219 as reported by the 2007 Conference Journals.
Q –How will the conference employees be re-deployed? Will each have to re-apply, competing against new applicants for their jobs?
	A – These questions will have to be answered after the conference determines locations of resource centers, conference office organization, number of staff and the employees who determine to remain with the conference.
Q –Some areas of Indiana do not have churches that are 'close' by or in the same community. Currently, the 2 closest UMC to me are 15 miles away in different directions. The next closest is about 20 miles away. None of these churches are in the same city or community. Only one is in the same county. I've also served churches in the current South Conference and some of the distances are even further away. Has the design team looked at the issue of church distances and whether ministry clusters would be viable in all circumstances?
	A – We understand there will be some unique situations like you describe. These situations will be determined in consultation with the DS and the specific congregations. The clusters will be self selected.
Q –The word concept must be used in the document of accountability, “of whom, for whom”. Will it happen for and in those in higher levels of function and salary by lower levels, or will it always be higher strata of leadership evaluating lower strata?
	A – One of the key elements being proposed is accountability through the clergy covenant group. This would be peers working in relationship with each other for support and accountability. This would not be hierarchical as you imply.
Q –What opportunity will be given at annual conference to amend the proposal?
	A – When the report is placed in the hands of the conference body it becomes the property of the body. Motions to amend will be at the will of the body. If there are differing amends across the conference representatives from both conferences will need to meet and reconcile the differences for approval at a subsequent Annual Conference session.
Q –A vast number of our churches are served by part-time and full-time local pastors. How will this plan affect the deployment and support of local pastors?
	A – They will continue to be deployed as all of our pastors through the appointment process.
Q –When will the budget be released and what was the delay?
	A – A 2010 budget will be properly placed before the 2009 Annual Conference Session. Since we are not one conference the 2008 Annual Conference Sessions will be acting on their 2009 budgets. The 2010 budget for a new conference will need to be based on the decisions of the new conference.
Q –What will the camping program look like after the merge? Which sites will we keep?
	A – These questions will be addressed by the Camping Program leadership if the Imagine Indiana proposal and recommendation is approved by both conferences.
Q –Do I understand correctly that clusters will be formed by churches self-choosing participants?
	A – Yes, that is the proposal.
Q –Who will determine how pastor’s salaries in the North Conference need to be adjusted based on the change in health insurance?
	A – Charge Conference sets the pastors salary. Cabinet in consultation with CFA and group insurance will prepare information for the church. The District Superintendent will be working with the congregations during the fall 2008 charge conferences for adjustments if the Imagine Indiana proposal is approved.
Q –Will we see more specific plans about how the changes in conference and district offices/resource centers will take place?
	A – We expect more information will be developed and presented at the 2009 Annual Conference.
Q –Are we willing to live with a budget that fits within the tithe income as you stated in your presentation?
	A – That will be the decision of the Annual Conference.
Q –How will churches be held accountable to cluster participation?
	A – By the churches in their cluster in consultation with their DS.
Q –I am really pleased that you have utilized Webcast and interactive technology to help us connect around this plan. Well done! Is it expected that more and regular use of this kind of technology -- including use of new media -- would be an integral part of our proposed new conference?
	A – Yes.
Q –What happens when this vote is taken and the outcome is not in favor of the merger?
	A – We will continue to function under our current organization.
Q –Still have a cabinet?
	A – Yes
Q –Do you feel that the South Conference is more conservative?
	A – No
Q –If so, do you think they may hold us back from heading in a more realistic direction?
	A – No
Q –Where does the North Indiana Capital Fund drive for camping fit into the plan?
	A – It will continue to its completion. The Team has discussed the impact on the total camping program in the event a new conference is created.
Q –Will there be a “lending library” arrangement among the 5 resource centers?
	A – We don’t know. That will be determined by the Districts.
Q –What kinds of closure events are scheduled for the North or South conference session in the event that 2008 is the last year they meet separately?
	A – We have not begun planning this yet.
Q –Conference leadership team; does it have a comparable group in the present conference?
	A – It has some comparison to the CCOM and Strategy Council. But is a new configuration of our organization.
Q –What is a Resource Center & who staffs it?
	A – It is the location where two DS’s offices will be located, along with other staff and resources a District may determine is needed for its ministry.
Q –Since we don’t get 10% income from congregations now, how is that going to be changed?
	A – We expected increased stewardship education for people to grow to tithing as a part of their discipleship which will be reflected in more faithful support of the whole ministry of the church.
Q –About property insurance – as a former chair of trustees, is there a better way to get insurance at a lower cost….can we get insurance locally?
	A – This question is too specific to answer for all. The plan proposes a statewide property insurance program including all churches so we can leverage our size for a better rate for all.
Q –Will the assistants to the district superintendents be involved in a consultative manner in the appointment process?
	A – That will be determined by the DS and Bishop in consideration of the other duties and responsibilities assigned to the Assistant DS.
Q –How do you see this impacting the capitol fund campaign for improvements to the NIC campground facilities?
	A – We have continued to encourage the campaign to move forward.
Q –How will the merger affect employees of the conference? (job loss)
	A – This will be impacted by any individual employees’ willingness to relocate, reconfiguration of job responsibilities and the number of staff needed to support the ministry.
Q –How will facilities be affected? (closings)
	A – We don’t know.
Q –How will the conference wide programs, especially camps and similar programs be affected?
	A – The larger program agencies in both conferences have been in consultation together and are already co-operating. We expect such consultation to continue to expand resulting in answers to this question.
Q –Will clusters dilute the positive impact of strong churches?
	A – We don’t believe so, but expect that collaboration of Ministry between churches will be a positive witness and strengthen Ministry of all churches in a cluster.
Q –How will this affect my ordination candidacy?
	A – You will continue the process. The Ordination candidacy process is proscribed by the General Conference. It should not change.
Q –What is the expectation of itinerant pastors itinerating from one end of the state to the other?
	A – The Bishop and Cabinet do not now arbitrarily move pastors from one end of the state to another. Each appointment decision is made in consultation with pastor, PPRC, DS this process will continue.
Q –How will this effect the clergy covenant groups?
	A – Each clergy covenant group will determine how they will accommodate the change of location of a pastor in their group.
Q –How will you ensure the participation of all churches in clusters?
	A – By encouragement and expectation that they will be in a cluster.
Q –How does church planting play into this merger?
	A – We have in the report a specific section on new church development. We expect this to be one of our top efforts and commitments.
Q –At this time being a retired minister with 22 years of experience, our heath insurance is taking $340.00/month. How will this change?
	A – As we know medical costs for everyone continues to escalate. The pension and benefits group of the conference will continue to work hard to try to keep benefits cost in control. Premiums will continue to increase as medical costs increase. The decision about a new conference will not change this fact.
Q –How fluid may clergy covenant groups be?
	A – We expect they will be as fluid as a particular covenant group chooses to be.
Q –Ministers move, and may find themselves in a group that does not “click” how will that be handled?
	A –The clergy covenant groups are self-selected. They, as a group, will determine how to care for and relate to each other. If a person determines he or she does not “click” in a group the covenant group will want to deal with that in a caring and Christian way.
Q –In going from 18 districts to 10, is there a concern that resources may be spread too thin, especially the DS’s time and talents?
	A –This will require a total new way of functioning. We will expect District Superintendents to work differently and utilize their time and energy focusing on local churches and clergy support. This also means congregations will need change their expectations and demands on the DS. This is one reason why the congregational clusters and clergy covenant groups are essential for this new way of ministry.
Q –Who will be voting?
	A –All members of the Annual Conference who are present at the session of the Annual Conference per Book of Discipline.
Q –How strong of a possibility is it that African-American congregations will receive appointments of Non-African American Pastors?
	A –All appointments are determined by availability of pastors and congregations.
Q –Define resourcing congregations. Where are they located other than New Albany?
	A –The determination of the District Resource Centers location will be determined by the 2009 Annual Conference Session. Resourcing congregations means focusing staff, materials and other efforts to enable the congregations to make disciples of Christ for the transformation of the world.
Q –Will there be a senior district superintendent?
	A –That is not a definition we have used or considered.
Q –Will these cluster groups truly foster unity, how do we prevent competition among local UM churches?
	A –This will be determined by the attitude of pastors and congregational leaders with the commitment of the people of each congregation as they address the mission to make Disciples of Christ for the transformation of the world.
Q –How many people do you guess will lose their jobs because of this merge?
	A –We do not know. Many will choose to not relocate when offices move and responsibilities are redefined.
Q –Will this plan encourage the merging of smaller churches?
	A –That will be a decision by the individual churches as they work within clusters to be in effective ministry to make disciples.
Q –Who will buy the conference centers?
	A –We don’t know. They are not for sale yet until the Conferences determine to become one and decisions are made to the location of Resource Centers.
Q –Assistants to DS to clergy only?
	A –The role of the assistant is to assist the DS with administrative, program, effort, and other duties as assigned. This may not be exclusive of clergy.
Q –If a cluster of local churches end up with a larger congregations taking on a lion’s share of decisions, etc. where would the smaller congregations be able to turn to for accountability and a mediator if needed?
	A –These kinds of issues would be handled in the covenant relationship fostered in the content of the cluster. It is expected that congregations of all sizes will be able to work in collaboration and cooperation as they focus on the common mission to make Disciples of Christ for the transformation of the world
Q –Under a unified conference, when it comes time to vote for delegates to the quadrennial, do you anticipate the same time allotment for the voting OR will it take an extra half day?
	A –This time allotment is determined by the Annual Conference Sessions committee. The 2011 Annual Conference will determine this.
Q –When would new conference go into effect, if approved? I thought I heard 2009 and then someone said 2010.
	A –The Imagine Indiana Design Team expects a transition period to put all the organizational structure together. If the plan is approved by both Indiana Area Annual Conferences this spring, a joint special session of both conferences will be held on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008 at the Indiana State Fair Grounds in Indianapolis to establish a basic operational structure and to celebrate the union of both annual conferences into one conference. The 2009 Indiana Annual Conference session, tentatively scheduled to meet at Ball State University in Muncie Wednesday-Saturday, June 24-27, 2009, will be the first session at which time conference members will elect officers, set an operational structure, adopt a budget for calendar year 2010 and make other decisions required for the new conference. Beginning Jan. 1, 2010 the two previous conferences will be functioning as one conference.
Q –How soon will the administrative staff for the conference and districts know whether there will be jobs available for them or they will need to look for something else?
	A –As soon as staff positions have been defined and determined. We expect as a part of the transition team, a personnel procedure will be developed to help guide the current staff in their personal decision making. The timeline will be developed in consultations following a final decision of the two conferences to adopt the recommendations of the Imagine Indiana Design Team.
Q –What are the responsibilities of the Administrative Assistants and District Assistants?
	A –These will be determined in consultation with the DS appointed to the District.
Q –What will happen to the extra District Superintendents?
	A –The Bishop will work to develop an orderly transition for the DS’s
Q –Can the report, as presented to conference for the approval, be done in sections so that the main program can be adopted if one section bogs down in controversy?
	A –The Recommendations are in a sequence and will be handled as such. The Annual Conference body will determine how they will move these through the process of discussion, amending and approval.
Q –What will be the impact on the Cabinet and the appointment process?
	A –It will be a lot of work for them as they work with the church clusters. But it will be helpful to them to see a church in the larger relationship of ministry in context with other congregations.
Q –What happens when churches and or pastors do not choose to participate in the cluster and covenant groups?
	A –The cluster clergy covenant groups are based on our common commitment to ministry to our community and the world. If a church or pastor chooses not to participate they will be depriving themselves of support, collaboration and ministry partnership. Likewise a congregation choosing not to participate in a cluster will be depriving themselves of the collaboration, support, and encouragement from their sister churches.
Q –Will all mission projects be local (cluster) or will there be Indiana Mission projects as well?
	A –We expect the clusters to become a primary way for people to get directly involved in mission outreach in a variety of ways. As United Methodists we fully understand the power of connecting together to be in larger mission to the world. There will be local, state, national and world mission opportunities. Our best example is Operation Classroom which has been local congregation driven from the beginning but has broaden the congregations involved in their sense of world mission.
Q –How can you be so certain that tithing will be effective under the one conference model when it has NOT been effective under the two conference model?
	Our expectation is for pastors and congregational leaders to teach, practice and model good stewardship which includes tithing. As local churches experience the spiritual growth from these Christian disciplines of stewardship, the tithing principle will evolve as the way to fully support all of the ministries of the church both local and world wide.
Q –What criteria are used to select churches to be placed in ministry clusters?
	A –We expect the natural relationship churches have in their community will be the primary factor. Then each congregation will offer their unique gifts to the relationship as they work together to address our common mission to make Disciples of Christ for the transformation of the world.
Q –Are we considering change because it is the exciting and the open opportunity?
	A –As Bishop Coyner has indicated the only reason we should do this is for our mission. No one is requiring us to create a new conference and there is no crisis driving us. This process has developed out of a long standing conversation in both conferences. Both conferences have taken the last three years to seriously consider the possibility of address a full ministry in a unified way for the whole state of Indiana and beyond.
Q –Compare the numbers of administrative and resource personnel at the 5 district resource centers and the Indianapolis conference center with the numbers required for a north conference and a separate south conference.
	A –We expect there will be fewer personnel. There will be a re-alignment of personnel to the resource center level to put these staff close to congregations. There may not be a significant savings depending on how a district organizes itself for effective ministry.
Q –How will the member churches of the 5 districts be determined?
	A –According to The United Methodist Book of Discipline, the Bishop and Cabinet will determine the boundaries of the Districts.
Q –Have the locations of the district offices been determined?
	A –No
Q –If each district creates its own structure, wouldn’t it make sense if we follow some uniformity so that each district has some continuity?
	A –There will be some basic structure for each district as prescribed by the Book of Discipline. Beyond that we expect each district will respond to the needs unique to its churches and areas. They will organize to work effectively.
Q –How will churches that do not tithe be held accountable?
	A –As a member of a cluster we expect that the partner churches in the cluster will work with and help that church become more effective in its ministry.
Q –Please explain “how” this will fill our churches.
	A –We expect the congregation clusters and clergy covenant groups will challenge, encourage and hold accountable each other to our mission to make disciples of Christ for the transformation of the world. The goal is not to “fill our churches” but call people to become disciples of Jesus Christ. Each congregation is ultimately responsible for their own growth. The conference will resource and support them in this endeavor.
Q –Missouri Methodists merged east and west Missouri into one conference two years ago and Missouri population is close to Indiana’s population. Have you examined the Missouri merger?
	A –Yes, we visited with the Missouri Conference along with seven other conferences. This was helpful in forming the report and recommendations.
Q –Would the Design Team support a hard copy of Q & A being included in the pre-conference mailings and possibly included in “Together”?
	A –Yes
Q –Will coordinators of Congregational Ministry be Elders or laity?
	A –Our expectation is they will be qualified people to do the work. We did not consider them to be lay or clergy.
Q –How will each district be linked to programs of the general church?
	A –This will occur through the organizational structure of the Annual Conference as directed by the Book of Discipline.
Q –When will it be decided on where the regional offices will be?
	A –We don’t have a timeframe on that pending Annual Conference action on this report and due discussion to make the best decision for effective ministry.
Q –Is it possible that some of the proceeds from the sale of Oakwood will help offset transitional costs?
	A –The decision making process for the sale of Oakwood will probably take us past the transition time and therefore would not be a part of those costs.
Q –Does the Design Team support the utilization of a message board as was previously used?
	A –Yes, it is one of several communication technologies we anticipate will be used in a new communications structure if the proposal passes.
Q –North Indiana Conference identified the Camping Ministry as the number one priority. What has the discussion yielded in this process towards a joint view of camping?
	A –We expect this will be one of the key priorities in the new conference since it is so much a part of our history and ministry. Changes will be determined by those who will be assigned/elected by a new conference to oversee these programs. There has been a joint group of both conference camping person meeting for about a year discussion issues of programs, planning, and facilities.
Q –Will clusters be directed at full accountability for ministry among the congregations, or will they – like the New Albany cluster mentioned be fluid and organized around single ministries. If the latter, who will serve as matchmaker to help congregations identify other congregations with a heart and will for this particular ministry.
	A –We expect the clusters will represent a creative of the congregations involved to define their focus and collaborative efforts. We believe that the “once size fits all” philosophy of congregational planning is not effective. Each congregation regardless of size, location, resources has gifts to bring to our shared ministry.
Q –Without blowing smoke (I went through this in Missouri), how much money will the reduction in districts save us? Will the savings be used more on a conference level or a local level?
	A –As Missouri taught us, this doesn’t necessarily save us money. It enables us to reallocate resources to be more effective in the use of our resources for ministry as we focus on our mission to make Disciples of Christ for the transformation of the world.
Q –What liability, financial, do the North and South bring to the table that may create a problem?
	A –Each conference carries its liability typical to its operations. There are no overarching new liabilities. CFA’s in both conferences have managed these liabilities well and we expect that to continue in a new conference.
Q –How many jurisdictional representatives will we have with the new conference?
	A –This decision will be determined by the General Conference as it does every four years. We will be notified on how many delegates we must elect for the 2012 General/Jurisdictional Conference in 2010.
Q –Will we be given a range of choices for fitness programs in order to help clergy achieve healthier lifestyles? And f we demonstrate improvements in health will this bring the cost of healthcare down?
	A –These questions will need to be answered by those managing our benefits under a new conference.
Q –It sounds like the decision to form one conference has already been made. Why does it sound like it has already been done?
	A –The attempt is being made to give all the information possible to the members of Annual Conference for them to make a decision at the seat of the Annual Conference. That body is the only body that can make the decision.
Q –How will United Methodist Women be affected by this merger?
	A –The UMW is a well organized part of our church. They have a manual for the merger of UMW’s for conferences. We have used some of their process in the Imagine Indiana process. The UMW of both conferences will be working out how they will come together.

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