The annual meeting of the Council for Accountable Discipleship (CFAD) was held April 28-30, 1999, at Wesley Theological Seminary. It included a group of 20+ council members from the U.S. and Korea, including professors from Wesley. The council expressed deep appreciation to Bishop Ann Sherer acting as residing bishop. Her admirable leadership style and sense of humor were an asset!
he General Reports from the council members, fondly termed “Show ‘n’ Tell,” were truly inspirational and helpful in providing tips for implementing the ministry.
- Elaine and Phil Amerson (Southern Indiana Conference) reported having 21 CD groups in their local church. One of the newest is a group of young moms—and the church provides child care!
- The Amersons claimed that the use of a bulletin board placed in a strategic location within the church has been an excellent teaching tool.
- Michael Bartley (Oklahoma Conference) described Campus Accountable Discipleship as progressing nicely. In the past year, Campus CD groups participated in 10 mission experiences involving 90+ students.
- Bruce Birch (Wesley Theological Seminary) explained that faculty experienced in Accountable Discipleship have enhanced teaching of the Accountable Discipleship model. Students entering Wesley were not enthusiastic about CD in years past, but now CD has become another reason to attend Wesley Theological Seminary!
- Jeff Greenway (GBOD) informed the Council that many resources from the General Board of Discipleship are now online! He also reported that the GBOD is planning a Wesleyan Institute in 2001.
- Edie Harris (co-author of Sprouts) has focused on im-proving ways for Sprouts leaders to share helpful ideas. She announced that Sprouts leaders will have an insert page to look forward to receiving in each issue of Covenant Discipleship Quarterly. It is her hope that Sprouts leaders will utilize this opportunity for sharing the ministry!
- Sandra King-Shaw (Baltimore/ Washington) gave a helpful critique of the one-day Institute for Accountable Discipleship held in the fall of 1998. She suggested that those planning to host an Institute event should consider hosting it over several days in order to cover all that needs to be done.
- Steve Manskar (formerly Minnesota Conference) announced his new appointment at the General Board of Discipleship in the office of Accountable Discipleship. Steve gave admirable credit to the Minnesota Conference for their tremendous help and support for bringing to fruition the first Regional Institute for Accountable Discipleship, September 1998. Highlights from Steve’s list of What Worked included Bishop Hopkins working with local officials to form a panel discussion to connect realistic ideas for community justice ministries. The CD group role-play was another excellent teaching tool.
- Bill Pyatt (Illinois Great Rivers Conference and GBOD) will host Accountable Discipleship Workshops.
- David Watson (Nashville Episcopal Area) briefly discussed his new position in the Office of Pastoral Formation for the Nashville Episcopal Area. Working with 179 clergy and laity, he has approached his new position with caution in order to better define his role.
Several members of the council discussed the effectiveness of using the Accountable Discipleship model for confirmation classes.
Goals for CFAD
- The Nashville Training for Trainers Event was very well orchestrated! Congratulations to the Task Force--Marigene Chamberlain, JoAnn Eslinger, Andrew Henry, Bill Pyatt, Margie Mayson, Cindy Olszewski, and David Watson--on a job well done! Bill has received follow-up suggestions for the model and will review them with the Task Force. He volunteered to collate and edit them for the final draft of the Trainers Manual.
- The council moved to submit several changes to the Discipline. Jeff Greenway volunteered to complete the application for these changes and to submit them as CFAD’s representative to General Conference 2000.
- It is a goal of the council to look for ministry opportunities for district superintendents, local pastors, UMM, UMW, conferences, prisons, military, and nursing homes.
- The council would like to have an event focused on Becoming a Teaching Congregation.
- Members expressed a strong desire for members of the Teaching Congregation’s CD groups to sponsor members of the newly forming CD groups, and to share experiences.
- Testimonial sharing and the sharing of inspiring stories that come from the CD group experience was emphasized. The council would like to see a testimonial element reported in CDQ. Steve Manskar asked that people send him CD testimonial stories for a chapter in his book.
- Anniversary celebration of ‘25 Years of Accountable Discipleship.’
- Goals for upcoming events extend into the year 2002.
Unresolved Issues in Need of Prayerful Consideration
- How will the roles of the council change with Steve Manskar in the office of Accountable Discipleship at the GBOD?
- How will the CFAD and the GBOD respond quickly to the requests for workshops, seminars, and Institutes for Accountable Discipleship?
- How do we pull the Accountable Discipleship Ministry into a front-running position within The United Methodist Church?
- Next CFAD Meeting: April 12-14, 2000.
The annual Covenant and Communion Service, held in Wesley Seminary chapel, was an inspiring, worshipful experience! Dr. Douglas Strong, professor at Wesley, orchestrated the service and was assisted by Dr. David Watson. Two of the students in Dr. Strong’s CD class gave testimonials of the ways the CD group has helped to transform them into spiritually balanced disciples of Christ. They brought forth their covenants to become a permanent record at the seminary. The Council for Accountable Discipleship would like to thank Wesley Theological Seminary for the hospitality during our meetings and the continued work of the faculty and overall support of the ministry!
| It's All About Love |
| My Story | Means of Grace |
| Council for Accountable Discipleship: Annual Meeting 1999 |
| Book Review- Worship & Daily Life: A Resource for Worship Planners |
| Subscription Card | Cultivating Sprouts |
