Called to Witness: All Means All Training

Called to Witness:Called to Witness:All Means All TrainingAll Means All Training

A Program of Reconciling A Program of Reconciling Ministries NetworkMinistries Network

Called To WitnessCalled To WitnessCalled to WitnessCalled to Witness is a five year strategic plan to equip, is a five year strategic plan to equip,

encourage and empower Reconciling volunteers across encourage and empower Reconciling volunteers across annual conferences as they build relationships both across annual conferences as they build relationships both across ideological and theological divides and within the ideological and theological divides and within the Reconciling movement. Reconciling movement.

Over the course of this training, we will learn how to:Over the course of this training, we will learn how to:

TellTell Our Stories Our Stories

OrganizeOrganize Volunteers Volunteers

CreateCreate and and Carry OutCarry Out Strategic Plans Strategic Plans

Call to WorshipCall to Worship

ONE:ONE: God, you call us through your Spirit God, you call us through your Spirit that we may gather in celebration of that we may gather in celebration of your beloved community.your beloved community.

ALL:ALL: Open our hearts that we may Open our hearts that we may feel acceptance and respect feel acceptance and respect for our differences.for our differences.

ONE:ONE: We are all different and yet we share We are all different and yet we share a yearning that touches us and a yearning that touches us and compels us to join together in unity compels us to join together in unity with one another.with one another.

ALL:ALL: Open our minds that we may learn Open our minds that we may learn from one another. Use our from one another. Use our stories to bridge gaps and build a stories to bridge gaps and build a community of faith for all.community of faith for all.

ONE:ONE: Empower us that through our witness Empower us that through our witness we might reconcile the Body of we might reconcile the Body of Christ and live out God’s vision of a Christ and live out God’s vision of a fully inclusive church. fully inclusive church.

ALL:ALL: Open our doors that we may create Open our doors that we may create

a church where All Means All! a church where All Means All! Amen! Amen!Amen! Amen!

* This Call to Worship is adapted from * This Call to Worship is adapted from Shaping Sanctuary,Shaping Sanctuary, a liturgical a liturgical resource from Reconciling Ministries Network (Edited by Kelly resource from Reconciling Ministries Network (Edited by Kelly Turney, 2000).Turney, 2000).

For Everyone BornFor Everyone Born

Words: Shirley Erena Words: Shirley Erena MurrayMurray

Music: Brian MannMusic: Brian Mann

GBGMusik 2008GBGMusik 2008

For everyone born,A place at the table.

For everyone born,A place at the table.

For everyone born,Clean water and bread.

A shelter, a space,A shelter, a space,a safe place for growing,a safe place for growing,

A shelter, a space,A shelter, a space,a safe place for growing,a safe place for growing,

For everyone born, For everyone born, a star overhead.a star overhead.

And God will delightwhen we

are creators of justice

and joy, compassion and peace.

Yes, God will delightwhen we

are creators of justice,

Yes God will delight

when we are creators of justice,

justice and joy!justice and joy!

For woman and man,For woman and man,A place at the table,A place at the table,

Revising the roles, Revising the roles, deciding the share;deciding the share;

With wisdom and grace, With wisdom and grace, dividing the power,dividing the power,

With wisdom and grace, With wisdom and grace, dividing the power,dividing the power,

For woman and man, For woman and man, a system that’s fair.a system that’s fair.

And God will delight

When we are creators of

justiceAnd joy,

compassion and peace.

Yes, God will delight


justice,

Yes, God will delight


justice,

justice and joy!

For young and for old,A place at the table,

For young and for old,A place at the table,

A voice to be heard, a part in the song,

The hands of a child in hands The hands of a child in hands that are wrinkled,that are wrinkled,

The hands of a child in hands The hands of a child in hands that are wrinkled,that are wrinkled,

For young and for old, For young and for old, the right to belong.the right to belong.

And God will delight when we are creators of justice

And joy,compassion and peace.

And God will delight when we are creators of justice,

Justice Justice and and Joy!Joy!

For just and unjust,For just and unjust,a place at the tablea place at the table

Abuser, abused,with need to forgive,

In anger, in hurt,A mindset of mercy,

For just and For just and unjust,unjust,

A new way to A new way to live.live.

And God will delightwhen we

are creators of justice

and joy, compassion and peace.

Yes, God will delightwhen we

are creators of justice,

Yes God will delight

when we are creators of justice,

justice and joy!justice and joy!

For everyone born,For everyone born,

A place at the table,A place at the table,

To live

withoutfear

Andsimply to be,

To work,

To speak out,

To witness and worship,

To witness and worship,

For everyone born, the right to be free.

And God will delight when we are creators of

justice

and joy, compassion and

peace.

Yes, God will delight when we are creators of

justice,

Justice and joy!

Justice and joy!

Justice and Joy!

Justice Justice and and Joy!Joy!

Our Communal CovenantsOur Communal Covenants

CTW Team Building and IntroductionsCTW Team Building and Introductions Turn to a person you do not know well.Turn to a person you do not know well.

Spend 5 minutes answering the question: “Why are you Spend 5 minutes answering the question: “Why are you called to be United Methodist?”called to be United Methodist?”

Each person will have 2 minutes to tell their story.Each person will have 2 minutes to tell their story.

At the end of 5 minutes, we will come together as a group At the end of 5 minutes, we will come together as a group and each person will have 20 seconds to introduce their and each person will have 20 seconds to introduce their partner, including their NAME, their CHURCH and ONE partner, including their NAME, their CHURCH and ONE word of why they are United Methodist.word of why they are United Methodist.

CTW: Past, Present, FutureCTW: Past, Present, FutureCTW 1: 2007-2008CTW 1: 2007-2008

1 National Trainer1 National Trainer 22 Annual Conferences22 Annual Conferences 500 Volunteers500 Volunteers

CTW 2: 2008-2009CTW 2: 2008-2009 6 National Trainers6 National Trainers 35 Annual Conferences35 Annual Conferences 750 Volunteers750 Volunteers




See page 3 of the Resource Guide.

CTW2: All Means AllCTW2: All Means AllCampaign GoalsCampaign Goals

Learn to Tell Our Stories

Build Relationships

Create Regional Action Teams

Strengthen Our Movement

Pass Constitutional Amendment to Article IV


Constitutional AmendmentConstitutional Amendment


On May 2nd, 2008, the General Conference of The United Methodist Church passed a petition to amend Paragraph 4, Article IV of the Constitution that would extend membership to all persons and deny discrimination of any kind.

Currently, the list of those protected against discrimination in our Constitution leaves out key groups of people. We know that when lists are made inevitably someone is left out. The proposed amendment would ensure that no group would be left out by eliminating the restrictive list altogether.

This is just not about one group of people. This is about the whole Church!

Constitutional AmendmentConstitutional AmendmentIn 2009, each Annual Conference will have the opportunity

to vote on and ratify this amendment, making it official church law. Constitutional amendments require:

2/3 vote of the General Conference and 2/3 vote of the members of annual conferences.

To pass, this Constitutional Amendment needs to garner 2/3 votes of ALL Annual Conference members.

This means it is a popular vote and EVERY vote counts!


Constitutional AmendmentConstitutional AmendmentParagraph 4, Article IV of the ConstitutionParagraph 4, Article IV of the ConstitutionInclusiveness of the Church — Inclusiveness of the Church — The United Methodist Church is a part of the church universal, The United Methodist Church is a part of the church universal,

which is one Body in Christ. The United Methodist Church which is one Body in Christ. The United Methodist Church acknowledges that acknowledges that all personsall persons are of sacred worth and that are of sacred worth and that we are in ministrywe are in ministry to all. All personsto all. All persons shall be eligible to shall be eligible to attend its worship services, participate in its programs, attend its worship services, participate in its programs, receive the sacraments, and upon baptism be admitted as receive the sacraments, and upon baptism be admitted as baptized members.baptized members. All persons,All persons, upon taking vows declaring upon taking vows declaring the Christian faith and relationship in Jesus Christ, shall be the Christian faith and relationship in Jesus Christ, shall be eligible to become professing members in any local church eligible to become professing members in any local church in the connection. in the connection.


CTW2: Campaign ActionsCTW2: Campaign Actions

Personal Relationship Building:Personal Relationship Building: Tell your story to 2 Annual Tell your story to 2 Annual Conference MembersConference Members

District SuperintendentsDistrict Superintendents District Lay LeadersDistrict Lay Leaders Local Church Pastors and Lay MembersLocal Church Pastors and Lay Members

District Forums:District Forums: Host 2 District Listening Sessions Host 2 District Listening Sessions Organize a panel of diverse people to speak in favor of Constitutional Organize a panel of diverse people to speak in favor of Constitutional

Amendment to Article IVAmendment to Article IV Send Regional Team Members to District hosted events to give testimonySend Regional Team Members to District hosted events to give testimony

Congregational Declarations:Congregational Declarations: Organize church groups to sign a Organize church groups to sign a declaration in support of ALL MEANS ALL declaration in support of ALL MEANS ALL

Local CongregationsLocal Congregations Conference CommitteesConference Committees Sunday School ClassesSunday School Classes


Campaign StructureCampaign StructureCTW Coordinating TeamCTW Coordinating Team

Regional TrainersRegional Trainers

CTW Leadership Partners: Jurisdictional TeamsCTW Leadership Partners: Jurisdictional TeamsMission Annual Conference Lead Organizers (80 people)Mission Annual Conference Lead Organizers (80 people)

NEJ NEJ SEJ SEJ SCJ SCJ NCJ NCJ WJ WJ

Annual Conference TeamsAnnual Conference TeamsCTW Missionaries (Goal: 750 Missionaries/ 22 per AC)CTW Missionaries (Goal: 750 Missionaries/ 22 per AC)

DeclarationsDeclarations District Forums District Forums 1 on 1s1 on 1s

175 Declarations175 Declarations 70 District Forums 70 District Forums 700 Mtgs700 Mtgs5x AC5x AC 2x AC 2x AC 2x 350 CTW2x 350 CTW

Campaign Action Check ListCampaign Action Check List□□ Organize Organize in regional Action Teams.in regional Action Teams.

□□ Meet Meet with each District Superintendent and District Lay Leader.with each District Superintendent and District Lay Leader.

□□ MeetMeet with individual Annual Conference representatives. with individual Annual Conference representatives.- - PastorPastor- Lay Member to the Annual Conference- Lay Member to the Annual Conference

□□ Host Host twotwo district listening postsdistrict listening posts with LGBT persons, their with LGBT persons, their families, friends and allies.families, friends and allies.

□□ Encourage Encourage local congregations to sign on to the local congregations to sign on to the All Means All All Means All Declaration.Declaration.


““The exclusion of persons from the life, leadership and The exclusion of persons from the life, leadership and rites of the Church rites of the Church threatens the very nature of the threatens the very nature of the Church itselfChurch itself..

It not only It not only causes irreparable harmcauses irreparable harm to the children of to the children of God but also to the Body of Christ.God but also to the Body of Christ.

Each time a person is rejected or ejected from the Each time a person is rejected or ejected from the “koinonia”“koinonia” fellowship of United Methodism, a new fellowship of United Methodism, a new wound is inflicted and the wound is inflicted and the Body of Christ is broken Body of Christ is broken

once againonce again.”.”

--Rev. Dr. Don MesserRev. Dr. Don Messer


CTW2: Talking PointsCTW2: Talking Points

How can we claim to be the Church when we cut off certain members from the Body?

How can we say ALL MEANS ALL when certain people are left off the list?

When we exclude people from full participation in the life, leadership and rites of the Church, we wound

Christ’s body.


CTW2: Talking PointsCTW2: Talking PointsFull Inclusion Is About the Being the ChurchFull Inclusion Is About the Being the Church

The Church I love is inclusive.The Church I love is inclusive.

Full inclusion is about:Full inclusion is about: HHospitalityospitality UUnitynity MMinistryinistry

See page 9 - 11 of the Resource Guide.

CTW2: Talking PointsCTW2: Talking Points

This is just not about one group of people.This is just not about one group of people.

This is about the whole church.This is about the whole church.

When will ALL MEAN ALL?When will ALL MEAN ALL?

Relational OrganizingRelational OrganizingRelational organizing prioritizes relationships as the primary

motivating factor for change.

Relational organizing is an integral part of faithful discipleship.

Jesus says, “Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house!’ And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. When ever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, ‘The kin-dom of God has come near to you.’” - Luke 10: 5-9

Relational organizing is part of our call as Christian disciples.


Relational OrganizingRelational Organizing

Our campaign is modeled on the work of Marshall Ganz.

A Lecturer in Public Policy at the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government, Ganz teaches, researches, and writes on leadership, organization, and strategy in social movements, civic associations, and politics.


Building RelationshipsBuilding Relationships

What is a relationship?What is a relationship?

- Shared trust and intimacy- Shared trust and intimacy

- Exchange of interests and resources- Exchange of interests and resources

- Commitment- Commitment

Building RelationshipsBuilding RelationshipsWhy do we build relationships?Why do we build relationships?

To create change!To create change!

People don’t change until they know people’s People don’t change until they know people’s stories.stories.

Relationships help us identify common interests so Relationships help us identify common interests so that we can work together for change. that we can work together for change.

Relationships are rooted in a commitment to a Relationships are rooted in a commitment to a shared future.shared future.



How do we build relationships?How do we build relationships?

We build relationships by TELLING and We build relationships by TELLING and LISTENING to the stories of our journeys.LISTENING to the stories of our journeys.

The stories we tell reveal our VALUES through The stories we tell reveal our VALUES through the choices we have made and help us identify the choices we have made and help us identify common interests.common interests.



AttentionAttention

InterestInterest

ExplorationExploration

ExchangeExchange

CommitmentCommitment


Storytelling: Public NarrativeStorytelling: Public NarrativeWhy do we tell stories?Why do we tell stories?

Stories teach and inspire.Stories teach and inspire.

Stories communicate values through our emotions.Stories communicate values through our emotions.

Stories foster relationships.Stories foster relationships.

Stories encourage and inspire others to take action.Stories encourage and inspire others to take action.


Telling Our Stories Moves Us From Telling Our Stories Moves Us From Values to ActionValues to Action

InertiaInertia UrgencyUrgency

FearFear HopeHope

ApathyApathy AngerAnger

Self-DoubtSelf-Doubt YCMADYCMAD

IsolationIsolation SolidaritySolidarity

Storytelling: Public NarrativeStorytelling: Public NarrativeHow do we tell good stories?How do we tell good stories?

Stories have a moral.Stories have a moral.

Stories are specific.Stories are specific.

Stories have a plot.Stories have a plot. A challengeA challenge A choiceA choice An outcomeAn outcome


Telling Our Reconciling StoriesTelling Our Reconciling Stories

Our personal stories are connected to the larger Our personal stories are connected to the larger stories of our community.stories of our community.

Our stories create a tapestry of Our stories create a tapestry of ACTIONACTION and and HOPEHOPE..

Our stories weave together:Our stories weave together:

Story of SelfStory of Self Story of UsStory of Us Story of NowStory of Now


Barack ObamaBarack Obama

Democratic National ConventionDemocratic National ConventionJuly 27, 2004July 27, 2004


Telling Our Reconciling StoriesTelling Our Reconciling Stories

Stories should be under 2 minutes.Stories should be under 2 minutes. Stories should be specific.Stories should be specific. Stories should use the language of emotion.Stories should use the language of emotion. Stories should include a challenge, a choice Stories should include a challenge, a choice

and an outcome.and an outcome. Stories should offer hope.Stories should offer hope. Stories should communicate values.Stories should communicate values.


Coaching Good StoriesCoaching Good Stories

AttendAttend to specific points. to specific points. FocusFocus on choice points. on choice points. AskAsk why questions. why questions. ConnectConnect the dots. the dots. LookLook for themes. for themes. Show itShow it, don’t say it., don’t say it. PracticePractice active listening when coaching. active listening when coaching.


Story of SelfStory of Self A “story of self” tells why we have been called A “story of self” tells why we have been called

to do what we have been called to do. to do what we have been called to do.

The key is to focus on choice points, moments The key is to focus on choice points, moments in our lives when our values are formed, when in our lives when our values are formed, when we have to choose in the face of great we have to choose in the face of great uncertainty.uncertainty.

Why are you called to be United Methodist?Why are you called to be United Methodist?


The Story of Self: Teamwork Exercise #1The Story of Self: Teamwork Exercise #1

Why are you called to be United Methodist?Why are you called to be United Methodist?

ChallengeChallenge ValuesValues

ChoiceChoice Concrete ExamplesConcrete Examples

OutcomeOutcome

See page 21-25 of the Resource Guide.

The Story of Self: The Story of Self: Teamwork Exercise #1Teamwork Exercise #1

1.1. Gather your team. Appoint a team timekeeperGather your team. Appoint a team timekeeper 5 5 minmin

2. 2. Take some time to silently develop your “Story of Self.”Take some time to silently develop your “Story of Self.” 5 5 min.min.

Use the worksheet on pages 23 -25. Use the worksheet on pages 23 -25. Why are you called to be a United Methodist?Why are you called to be a United Methodist?

3. 3. Tell your story to your team members and respond to Tell your story to your team members and respond to 15 min.15 min. each othereach other

2 minutes to tell your story2 minutes to tell your story3 minutes for feedback3 minutes for feedback

4. 4. Choose your most able storyteller to offer their story to the large Choose your most able storyteller to offer their story to the large group.group. See page 22 of the Resource Guide.

The Story of UsThe Story of Us

Tells the story of who we are together.Tells the story of who we are together.

Weaves together our calling (self) and purpose Weaves together our calling (self) and purpose (now).(now).

Highlights common values.Highlights common values.

Illustrates those values with concrete Illustrates those values with concrete examples.examples.


Amy KoberAmy KoberAmerican Rivers, 2006American Rivers, 2006

Who are We as the United Methodist Who are We as the United Methodist Church?Church?

Shared experiencesShared experiences

Shared valuesShared values

Shared purposeShared purpose

See page 26 - 28 of the Resource Guide.


Framing the Story of Us:Framing the Story of Us:

Story of Self:Calling

Story of Now:Purpose

Story of Us:Value

+ Shared Experiences



What does it mean to be United Methodist?What does it mean to be United Methodist?

ChallengeChallenge ValuesValues

ChoiceChoice PurposePurpose

OutcomeOutcome Concrete ExamplesConcrete Examples

See page 26-28 of the Resource Guide.

The Story of Us: The Story of Us: Teamwork Exercise #2Teamwork Exercise #2

1.1. Gather your team. Appoint a team timekeeperGather your team. Appoint a team timekeeper 5 5 minmin

2. 2. Take some time to silently develop your “Story of Us.”Take some time to silently develop your “Story of Us.” 5 5 min.min.

Use the worksheet on pages 28 - 29. Use the worksheet on pages 28 - 29. What does it mean to be United Methodist?What does it mean to be United Methodist?



4. 4. Choose your most able storyteller to offer their story to the large Choose your most able storyteller to offer their story to the large group.group. See page 27 of the Resource Guide.

The Story of NowThe Story of Now

Tells Tells the story of what we are called to do together.the story of what we are called to do together.

OutlinesOutlines the the challengechallenge facing the UMC. facing the UMC.

ArticulatesArticulates the the hopehope for a better future: The Church for a better future: The Church as it is v. the Church as it ought to be.as it is v. the Church as it ought to be.

PresentsPresents a a choice choice with the “fierce urgency of now.”with the “fierce urgency of now.”


The Story of NowThe Story of Now

ChallengeChallenge

HopeHope

ChoiceChoice

Potential OutcomePotential Outcome


Elizabeth GlaserElizabeth Glaser

National Democratic Convention, National Democratic Convention, 19921992

What is the challenge we face What is the challenge we face together in the UMC as we seek to be together in the UMC as we seek to be

inclusive?inclusive? Shared challengesShared challenges

Shared hopeShared hope

Shared futureShared future


The Story of Now: The Story of Now: Teamwork Exercise #3Teamwork Exercise #3

1.1. Gather your team. Appoint a team timekeeperGather your team. Appoint a team timekeeper

2. 2. Take some time to silently develop your “Story of Now”Take some time to silently develop your “Story of Now” 5 5 min.min.

Use the worksheet on pages 32 - 34. Use the worksheet on pages 32 - 34. What is the challenge we face together as the UMC as What is the challenge we face together as the UMC as

we we seek to be inclusive?seek to be inclusive?



4. 4. Choose your most able storyteller to offer their story Choose your most able storyteller to offer their story 5 min.5 min. to the large group.to the large group. See page 31 of the Resource Guide.

Conversation TipsConversation Tips

Begin and endBegin and end in prayer. in prayer. Find Find common ground.common ground. Take timeTake time to tell your story. to tell your story. BeBe polite. polite. BeBe patient. patient. BeBe persistent. persistent.


Conversation TipsConversation Tips TellTell your Story of Self. your Story of Self. Ask Ask the delegate, “Why are you United Methodist?”the delegate, “Why are you United Methodist?” Tell Tell your Story of Us. your Story of Us. AskAsk the delegate, “What does it mean to be United the delegate, “What does it mean to be United

Methodist?”Methodist?” Tell Tell your Story of Now.your Story of Now. AskAsk the delegate: the delegate:

““With what did you resonate?”With what did you resonate?” ““Where do you stand now on the issue?”Where do you stand now on the issue?” ““Are there things with which you had difficulty? Why?Are there things with which you had difficulty? Why?

IdentifyIdentify common interests and ask how you might work common interests and ask how you might work together.together.

MakeMake a commitment to meet again. a commitment to meet again.See page 35 of the Resource Guide.

Meeting TipsMeeting Tips

Be persistentBe persistent in scheduling a meeting. in scheduling a meeting. ArrangeArrange the meeting at the convenience of the meeting at the convenience of

your representative.your representative. Follow upFollow up after your meeting. after your meeting. Maintain Maintain your relationship through Annual your relationship through Annual

Conference.Conference. Follow upFollow up after Annual Conference. after Annual Conference.


Strategic OrganizingStrategic Organizing

ReviewReview Campaign Actions Campaign Actions Assign Assign District Leaders and AC MembersDistrict Leaders and AC Members

Goal is to have 2x volunteerGoal is to have 2x volunteer Form Form Action TeamAction Team

Action Team LeadersAction Team Leaders District Forum Dates and Panel MembersDistrict Forum Dates and Panel Members Next MeetingNext Meeting

HighlightHighlight Website and Online Evaluation Tool Website and Online Evaluation Tool

Training EvaluationTraining EvaluationKey LearningsKey Learnings

Called to WitnessCalled to Witness

Campaign Website Campaign Website

www.rmnwitness.orgwww.rmnwitness.org

Regional Trainer:Reconciling Ministries NetworkNational Office773-736-5526

National Field OrganizerRev. Tiffany [email protected]

Called to Witness: All Means All Training

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Transcript of Called to Witness: All Means All Training