Disciples Resource for Congregational Transformation Launched

7/11/2011

Abstract:

News release dropped in Nashville, TN at the 2011 Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) General Assembly. TransformingTheChurch.org provides a resource aligned with the Disciples' goal of transforming 1,000 congregations by 2020 to realize the 2020 Vision of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

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Full News Release:

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill Anderton
PDF of this Press Release: Click here to download.
Website: www.transformingthechurch.org
Facebook: TransformingTheChurch.org
Twitter: ChurchTransform

Disciples Resource for Congregational Transformation Launched

July 11, 2011 – Nashville, TN – Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 2011 General Assembly – A new online resource for churches and congregations in transformation has been launched to provide access to high-quality online learning, courseware, consultation and coaching processes.

Although intended for use by any congregation of any denomination that is in need of systemic transformation and deep change, TransformingTheChurch.org has been founded and led by four members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ): Roger A. Sizemore, Ph.D., Richard L. (Dick) Hamm, D.Min., Richard H. (Rick) Lowery, Ph.D. and William H. (Bill) Anderton. Furthermore, the project is intended to be a resource aligned with the Disciples' goal of transforming 1,000 congregations by 2020 to realize the 2020 Vision of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

With 80% of almost 400,000 congregations in all denominations in North America in the last half of their lifecycle and 60% in the last quadrant, there are many congregations which are in need of systemic transformation. Some of these congregations have already successfully transformed; but others still need assistance. Many congregations needing transformation have a sense of the work to do, but don't know how to go about it.

Herein, is the mission of TransformingTheChurch.org.

TransformingTheChurch.org will provide the tools for transformation; exposing otherwise hidden knowledge in an open, transparent and non-threatening environment that is available to all:

• TransformingTheChurch.org will provide up-to-date resources on transformational processes for any church, which wants to begin this journey, using state-of-the art online learning approaches coupled with interactive consultation. For significant renewal to occur a critical mass of people with a passion for change must be committed.
• TransformingTheChurch.org helps congregations connect with consultants and coaches who use proven "best practices" for transformation in order to provide guidance and assistance not only with reference to how to begin the transformation process, but also to intervene with proven strategies which keep congregations on track with sustainable change over the long term.
• TransformingTheChurch.org will also create "connected communities" of churches going through the transformation process so that they can assist each other. Connecting churches together that are going through transformation provides a mutually-supportive environment. There is much synergy in the exchange of dialog, stories, histories and ideas from other leaders. It helps that these churches know that they are not alone; that there are other congregations also on this journey and that "best practices" congregational consultation guidance is available to them.

The first course of a series for 2011 is now available and can be purchased online at https://www.transformingthechurch.org. All that is needed to sign up and use the course and its resources is a web browser and a broadband Internet connection.

"Recreating The Church: Leadership For The Post-Modern Age" by Dr. Richard L. (Dick) Hamm, is now available and is based on his book of the same title, in the TCP Leadership Series, (St. Louis: Chalice Press, 2007) which is used as the class textbook for the course. This website offers a fully-interactive media-rich online learning course composed of five high-quality video-on-demand sessions and five one-hour fully-interactive conversations with Dr. Hamm. In addition, participants are provided with an established interactive online learning community in order to discuss class information and application topics along with other students under the supervision of Dr. Hamm. As a bonus, the course includes a sixth video-on-demand session that is a music concert by singer/songwriter John Tracy presenting songs about change and personal transformation.

Each class will be conducted in weekly sessions over a period of six weeks with a new class beginning every month.

The first class of this course will begin August 1, 2011. The cost of the course is $129.99 per participant and group rates for congregations taking the class together are available!

Also, for congregations taking the class as groups, optional "Private Meeting Rooms" are available in a special secure portion on the website and arrangements can be made to have Dr. Hamm join you in sessions conducted in these virtual consultation rooms for individualized one-on-one consulting and coaching with congregational transformation teams.

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