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7 Myths of The United Methodist Church

7 Myths of the United Methodist Church looks at the attitudes and beliefs that keep the church from fulfilling its call to create disciple-making faith communities. Beginning with the myth titled "Big Churches are Bad," the myths challenge leaders to create environments of grace for people disconnected from the local church. 7 Myths also includes articles from pastors who are making a difference for God in their communities. Duane Anders, Bau Dang, Daniel Chang, Joe Daniels, Dottie Escobedo-Frank, Rob Huckaby, Linda McCoy, Rudy Rasmus, Vance Ross, and David Simpson are all contributors to the book.

Craig Kennet Miller is the Director of Pastoral Leadership at GBOD and the author of numerous books including NextChurch.Now.

Purchase 7 Myths of the United Methodist Church ($14.00)

Methodist Mavericks - Interact with the writers and contributors of 7 Myths of the UMC.
methodistmavericks.blogspot.com

7 Myths PowerPoints

Here are three presentations based on 7 Myths of the United Methodist Church. These three presentations give you an overview of the first two myths. Feel free to use them in your ministry to share these key concepts with others. Also be sure to download the Ministry Action Plan to enable your congregation develop a strategy for growth and vitality.

Myth #1 — Big Churches Are Bad

Can this be true? Is smaller better? Find out by watching the presentation below, narrated by 7 Myths author Craig Miller.
Watch Myth #1 Presentation with Craig Miller (Flash)
To share this presentation on Myth #1 with a leadership team or small group from your congregation, download the following Flash Powerpoint presentation and Craig Miller's accompanying script.
Download Myth #1 Presentation (Powerpoint Presentation - Save to your desktop, then when prompted for a password choose the "Read Only" option)
Download Myth #1 Script (pdf)

Myth #2, Part 1 — There Are No People Out There

Using the latest demographic information, get a picture of the United States by looking at five types of diversity: Generations, Ethnicity/Nationality, Education, Relation to the Correctional System, and Family. Includes questions to see how these changes are affecting your congregation.
Watch Myth #2, Part 1 Presentation with Craig Miller (Flash)
To share this presentation on Myth #2 with a leadership team or small group from your congregation, download the following Flash Powerpoint presentation and Craig Miller's accompanying script.
Download Myth #2, pt. 1 Presentation (Powerpoint Presentation - Save to your desktop, then when prompted for a password choose the "Read Only" option)
Download Myth #2, pt. 1 Script (pdf)

Myth #2, Part 2 — Congregational DNA

This presentation gives you an in-depth understanding of the three aspects of congregational life every church must address to move towards growth and vitality: Discipleship, Niche, and Affection. Be sure the download the community profile so you can get a quick snapshot of your community. This is an excellent companion to the Ministry Action Plan.
Watch Myth #2, Part 1 Presentation with Craig Miller (Flash)
To share this presentation on Myth #2 with a leadership team or small group from your congregation, download the following Flash Powerpoint presentation and Craig Miller's accompanying script.
Download Myth #2, pt. 2 Presentation (Powerpoint Presentation - Save to your desktop, then when prompte for a password choose the "Read Only" option)
Download Myth #2, pt. 2 Script (pdf)
Download Community Profile (pdf)

Ministry Action Plan

What makes your church unique? What are the dreams of your congregation? What are their core values? Do you know?

The Ministry Action Plan, based on 7 Myths, will help you identify your congregation's DNA (Discipleship Process, Niche & Affection), its unique characteristics, how to improve its "stickiness," and help you develop a First Year Ministry Action Plan based on the natural lifecycle of a church.

Download Ministry Action Plan (pdf)

Related Blogs

SCD Ideas – Get the latest information on Innovation, Demographics, Explorations, Art, and Spirituality on this blog hosted by Craig Kennet Miller.
blogs.gbod.org/scdumc_ideas

Related Links

School of Congregational Development
www.scdumc.org

Church Vitality Indicator
www.cvindicator.com

Other Books and Resources by Craig Kennet Miller:

NextChurch.Now: Creating New Faith Communities
Making God Real for a New Generation (with MaryJane Pierce-Norton)
Contemporary Worship for the 21st Century (with Dan Benedict)