Report 65

Pat Jones: Vision Statement

Pat Jones
Senior pastor of King Street UB church
in Chambersburg, Pa.

Pat Jones is one of the two candidates for Bishop of the US National Conference. The Nominating Committee asked the two candidates to submit a vision statement for the US National Conference along with biographical material. Both can be downloaded as a PDF version of the document provided to all National Conference delegates.

It is with great humility that I submit this vision for the future of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. In his journal, Christian Newcomer (fourth bishop of the UB Church) suggests that the atmosphere on the first day of the first General Conference, held in 1815, was anything but unanimous.

6th This day General Conference was convened at Old Brother Draksel's; may the Lord have mercy on us; instead of love and unanimity, the spirit of hatred and discord seemed to prevail. May the Lord, in mercy, grant us more wisdom and grace.

7th This day we met again: Bless the Lord, the heat had considerably abated and the business before us was conducted better than I expected.

We came through a similarly challenging time in the past couple years as our leadership directly addressed the need for us to have significant change in the life of the Church. If it weren't for the visionary leadership of Bishop Paul Hirschy and the Executive Leadership Team to attempt to have us join with the Missionary Church, we would not be in the position we are today. In February, the National Board, emboldened by the conviction for the need of radical change, outlined the proposals that are coming to this National Conference. It is my conviction that if we implement the changes represented in those proposals, we have a brighter future ahead.

My philosophy of ministry, fleshed out in churches of various sizes, is simple: Call people to a biblical lifestyle based on a personal, life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ, and free and equip them to serve Him as He has prepared them to do. The need for the UB Church is one of heart, not structure; one of spiritual renewal, not organization; one of atmosphere and purpose, not heritage. While structure, organization and heritage may all be important, they do not produce change. Only the Holy Spirit applying the Word of God to individual lives can produce the changes that we need.

Vision Casting

I see the bishop, first of all, as being a vision caster. Why does the Church of the United Brethren in Christ exist? Many, even of our own number, define us for what we are against (masons, alcohol, etc.). It is time for a new image. We are a group that holds a rich heritage of sound beliefs based on the Word of God. Our Confession of Faith describes them. We believe in some Core Values that are reflective of biblical relationships. These values include our distinct contribution in the universal church as well as our connection to it. We also come from a heritage that says there is an orderly way to go about our business so that Kingdom work can get done effectively. That is why we have a Constitution.

The bishop must clarify, communicate and challenge the Church to fulfill the purposes for which she exists. Evangelism, discipleship, prayer ministry, and other ministry focuses are bi-products of creating a healthy church atmosphere. The bishop must encourage and direct the churches toward health through the implementation of the cluster system. These clusters will provide both equipping and support as well as lines of accountability.

Team Building

Second, I believe the bishop must be a team builder. If we are to move forward, the right people must be in the right positions. I believe that a review of all the staff and leadership roles in the departments will be important to assess the strength of the team and what positions need filled. It will then be important to work with the ELT to appoint the strongest people possible to head the various leadership teams and departments. As applications for clusters come in, the bishop will have to assess the strengths of each leader and make sure that each cluster leader he appoints is capable of guiding, supporting, and overseeing his group. Spending time with the leadership team and regularly reviewing their work will be key.

An essential hire will be a gifted coach for the cluster leaders. This person will serve as the conduit for the support/coaching side and the accountability side of the cluster system.

Problem Solving

Third, I believe the bishop must be a problem solver. The challenges of working through the necessary changes while dealing with the natural resistance and fears that accompany them will be great. The bishop will need to be an effective problem solver, working with the team to examine options and solutions. He will then need to be decisive, knowing that right decisions are not always popular or understood.

The three qualities I mention above are in addition to a commitment to the Scriptures and prayer and an obvious history of personal growth and development. I am committed to being a life-long learner, pursuing the Lord with a faith walk that is constantly working toward possessing these qualities in increasing measure (2 Peter 1).

Immediate Goals

The following are the immediate goals I would have as bishop:

1. Meet with Bishop Hirschy and the department heads to get fully briefed on the current state of the church, laying out a transition plan with them.

2. Move quickly to hire any needed personnel to fill the roles on the team.

3. Work with the team to lay out clear directions for the churches about the next steps to be taken to implement what is passed at National Conference.

4. Create a consultation group that will share ideas of how we can help the church be more effective.

5. Work to update our communications area and begin to communicate a new image for the church. If we obtain email addresses for a contact in every church, we could eliminate many mailings. We can send information using email and PDF files and save money while having more frequent and detailed communication.

6. I would call on the churches to have a time of fasting and prayer, seeking the Lord about the condition of their ministry and hearts and goals for 2006.

7. Work with the cluster coach to develop the accountability systems and coaching training plan for 2006.

What is in My Heart?

The Word of God is central to everything we do. That Word relates to three areas of life: head (the renewing of our minds--Romans 12:1-2), our heart (emotions and passions--Galatians 5:24), and our hands (serving others--1 Peter 4:10).

The church is the most powerful force on earth. Hell cannot stand against us. But our denominational track record is not good. Helping our churches return to discipling new believers, reaching into the lives of the lost with the love of Christ, and freeing people to use their gifts in ministry is the key to revitalization.

I have seen this work in the three pastorates we have served. I have pastored a new church plant with no people, no money, and no building. I have pastored a medium-size church, and I have pastored a large church. The principles remain the same and are applicable to every size congregation. Many of our congregations are using unique means to reach into their communities. Dr. Clyde Meadows once told me, "Don't do what we did. We did what would reach our generation. You must do what will reach your generation." That is what all of us must do. We cannot be slaves to forms, but must find meaningful ways to functionally and effectively reach our neighbors with the Gospel.

The world is shrinking and our view of our "Jerusalem, Judea and the World" must expand. We must continue to explore the most effective ways for our missiology to grow. We have a strong team overseeing this effort, and our joint working relationships with our sister national conferences will continue to mature.

As Bishop Newcomer observed 190 years ago, by the grace of God we can move beyond discord and into a new era of effective, cooperative, orderly, and spirit-filled ministry. I believe there can be a brighter future ahead if we have willing hearts. It will take confession, decisiveness and cooperation. But we can do it together for the glory of God.