New Model of Ministry highlights SEJ Connectional Table Meeting

Lake Junaluska, N.C.: A new model of ministry for the Southeastern Jurisdiction was the highlight of the SEJ Connectional Table meeting at Lake Junaluska during the November 17-19 weekend. The Organizational Task Group presented a report to the Connectional Table calling for several changes in the current ministry of the Jurisdiction based on recommendations made in the 2004 Jurisdictional Conference.

The report, which was approved by the Connectional Table, called for the elimination of SEJAC and any remnants of the old Jurisdictional Council on Ministries. According to the report, the legal entity known as "SEJAC" remains on the books, and must do so until the 2008 (or any future) Jurisdictional Conference officially adopts changes and the necessary documents are prepared and filed.

"The new "Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference," which meets once every four years, will be the basic entity for the whole Jurisdiction. A Coordinating Council will function between sessions of the Jurisdictional Conference to hold accountable the ministries of the Jurisdiction and exercise its role in coordinating the varied ministries and the outreach of SEJ. This council will meet at least twice a year.

SEJ Agencies were distinguished in three categories in the report: ownership of property within the bounds of SEJ; A separate board of directors with full-time Executive Directors and a focused and clearly defined mission in keeping with the purpose statement.

The three agencies in the Jurisdiction who currently fit this category are Lake Junaluska Assembly, the Hinton Rural Life Center and Gulfside Assembly. Each agency is to be self-sustaining by the end of 2012 and attention shall be given to the membership of each Board not only for policy and mission decisions, but also for financial support and fund raising. Each Agency will have a full-time Director to guide the work and ministry. The Director of Lake Junaluska Assembly will also serve as the Executive Director of SEJ Ministries, working with and accountable to the Coordinating Council.

Three Jurisdictional offices will be created and funded through the SEJ Administrative Fund beginning 2009-2012. They are the office of Finance and Administration, the office of Development and the office of Communications.

The period of transition that will take the Jurisdiction today to this new model begins in January 2007 and will last between 18 and 24 months. A transition team was formed so that the implementation of portions of this new structure may begin immediately. The members of the Transition Team are:

Two members of the current SEJAC Connectional Table Executive Committee:
Bishop Lawrence McCleskey (WNC)
Roger Hopson (Memphis)

Two members of the Organizational Task Group:
Anne Travis (Holston)
Gary Locklear (NC)

Two members elected by SEJAC Connectional Table:
Jim Trollinger (WNC)
Patricia Battle (MS)

Two Conference Lay Leaders:
Lyn Powell (NGA)
Bill Walker (FL)

Three Directors of Agencies:
Jimmy Carr (Lake Junaluska)
Clay Smith (Hinton Rural Life Center)
Mollie Stewart (Gulfside)

Convener and Chair (without vote):
Bishop Larry M. Goodpaster

Consultant (without vote):
Bishop Robert Fannin

The transition period beginning January 2007 will continue through the 2008 Jurisdictional Conference.

"All of this is about a new model of ministry that calls for new connections in this day, new perspectives about who we are, moving outside perhaps some of the status quo and moved into God's preferred future," Bishop Goodpaster said.

"It's all about equipping and preparing people to be effective, faithful disciples who bear fruit across the Jurisdiction. It's about extending hope and hospitality to all of God's people across the Jurisdiction. It's about serving and glorifying God and do it with excellence. That's, we believe, our challenge," he said.

"These are exciting days ahead for the SEJ and for Lake Junaluska as we chart our way into this new future. I pray that God's hand will direct our decisions in order for us to be an equipping place for disciples of Christ," Jimmy Carr said.