The first business session at the 2017 General Assembly – Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada in Indianapolis, IN on Monday, July 10, 2017. (Photo by Michael Whitman)
Hope Partnership for Missional Transformation and Disciples Church Extension Fund (DCEF) presented a report to the General Assembly during the business session on Monday, July 10. Gilberto Collazo, president of Hope Partnership, celebrated that more than 985 new and affiliated congregations have joined the Disciples of Christ family under the 2020 Vision.
“As the Church moves toward the year 2020 and beyond,” Collazo said, “there are endless possibilities for the ways congregations can imagine partnering in mission.”
Disciples Church Extension Fund president Rick Reisinger lifted up Disciples congregations – such as Union Avenue Christian Church in St. Louis, Mision La Roca Christian Church in Dallas, and Park Manor Christian Church in Chicago – that have partnered with DCEF to use buildings and capital resources in new and exciting ways. Click here to watch the Disciples Church Extension Fund and Hope Partnership General Assembly video.
The first business session at the 2017 General Assembly – Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada in Indianapolis, IN on Monday, July 10, 2017. (Photo by Michael Whitman)
Hope Partnership for Missional Transformation introduced GA Resolution 1717 on Monday, July 10. Terrell L. McTyer, Minister of New Church Strategies and former new church planter, spoke in support of the resolution,
“From proclaiming the Gospel to praying for the oppressed, I have personally participated in the impactful ways churches have and continue to enhance our communities.”
After the General Assembly affirmed Resolution 1717, Jolin Wilks McElroy, pastor of First Christian Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, said,
“I’m here to celebrate Resolution 1717 that celebrates new congregations.” Standing beside Nglol Rahlan, pastor of Dao Blung Hlao, and members of the new church in formation in Charlotte, Wilks McElroy continued, “Thank you Church for your continuing encouragement of new churches among us and may they be as diverse as this world and witness to the promise of our Lord – ‘behold I’m making all things new.’”
To see Wilks McElroy’s full statement click here.
The Boards of Directors of Disciples Church Extension Fund, Christian Church Foundation, and Pension Fund of the Christian Church joined together to bring to the General Assembly GA-1720, Affirmation of Our Commitment to Responsible Investing.
“That our church’s financial ministries stand before you today with a joint resolution,” Todd Adams, president of Pension Fund, said, “bears witness to the strong partnership that exists between our ministries.”
The three presidents of the sponsoring ministries presented the resolution.
“Disciples were pioneers back when responsible investing first became a part of the faith community’s consciousness back in the 1970’s,” said Gary Kidwell, president of Christian Church Foundation.
Because responsible investing is a critical tool of stewardship and transformational ministry, GA-1720 affirms the Church’s commitment to addressing social and environmental issues, continued engagement with the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility, and educating in faith-based and values-driven investments.
“This resolution seeks to encourage a comprehensive understanding of responsible investing,” said Rick Reisinger, president of Disciples Church Extension Fund.
The financial ministries will provide an educational program for the 2019 General Assembly addressing responsible investing in support of the Church’s mission.
The General Assembly also adopted GA-1724, Resolution Concerning Carbon Neutrality. The resolution calls upon Disciples of Christ congregations, organizations, ministries and institutions to “address climate change through action and covenant” through worship, study, repentance, advocacy, and rest and delight in “God’s good creation.” The General Assembly affirmed the resolution’s challenge for all Disciples of Christ to work to reduce carbon output, to become carbon neutral by the year 2030, and to be climate positive by 2035. The resolution was brought to the floor by Christmount National Camp and Conference Center, Green Chalice, Week of Compassion, Disciples Volunteering, General Youth Council, and Global Ministries/Division of Overseas Ministries (supporter).
In support of GA-1724 and in response to requests from the floor for financial assistance for carbon reduction projects, Disciples Church Extension Fund quickly revamped its Green Loans offerings. From now through the end of 2017, congregations can receive up to $150,000 for qualifying greening projects at 2.99% for 5 years and 3.50% for 10 years. For more information on Green Loans or to learn about DCEF’s building planning and evaluation services, contact us at 800.274.1883 or info@disciplescef.org.