Diocese 2000 Ministries - Requirements for effective ministry

Requirements for more effective ministry

The Central Administration is anxious and determined to give concrete and effective expression to these seven ministries. The program, 'Diocese 2000 and Beyond' seeks, as a matter of urgency, to enable the Diocese to embark upon the following:

1. The funding of Specialized Ministries
2. The erection of suitable physical structures
3. The creation of a Diocesan Endowment Fund

A. Specialized Ministries

In our church structure, the primary focus of ministry is the local parish community. However, the central Administration is best placed to offer facilities and opportunities for coordination, networking and maximization of resources in:

• Training for ministry
• Provision of programs
• Designing of projects
• Provision of implementation aids
• Identifying mechanisms for evaluation and follow-up

When one considers the scattered nature of or diocesan family, it should be obvious that the entire Anglican community would be best served by an effective, intentionally coordinated approach to ministry.

Particular attention will be paid to the provision of appropriate training and the selection of suitable persons for leadership ad other levels of training to equip more members of the church for effective ministry.

B. The Erection of Suitable Physical Structures

There is general agreement in the Diocese that there is urgent need for the following:

1. At least one Day Care Facility for Senior Citizens
2. A Diocesan Centre
3. A more adequate Rehabilitation Centre
4. A modern Diocesan Office
   • Day Care Centre for Senior Citizens
     There is an urgent need, especially in New Providence and Grand Bahama, to offer day care services for senior citizens. In many instances elderly persons are left alone while other members of the household are at work or school. We believe that the church can respond by training persons to engage in this ministry ad providing basic facilities in existing parish halls or auditoriums.
   • Diocesan Centre
     The Central Administration presently seeking to acquire a ten Acre tract in New Providence as a site for the proposed centre. It is envisaged that the centre will be used as a focal point for training in the various ministries. It will also host retreats, quiet days, various encounter meetings, conferences and a host of events related to christian Formation and leadership training. Basic provisions will include meeting rooms, dining room, chapel and sleeping accommodations. The centre will be available for use by all church organizations.
   • Rehabilitation Centre
     It is generally agreed that the facilities at the present William Granger Centre are grossly inadequate. It is also agreed that the ministry offered to the inmates should be continued and upgraded. In view of the obvious need to respond to the ongoing need for rehabilitation of persons recovering from substance abuse, we propose to relocate the William Granger Centre and expand the program.
   • Modern Diocesan Office
     Most persons who are familiar with the present Diocesan Office agree that the building should be demolished because it is in such a state of disrepair. There is also general agreement that the construction of a new building is to be preferred to a massive renovation of the existing buildings.
     
     It is also intended to restructure the Central Administration by strengthening its management capability (both in terms of staffing and equipment) and putting in place modern information systems for monitoring, communicating and directing all agencies and sub-agencies which fall within the ambit of the central administration.
     
     

C. Creation of Diocesan Endowment Fund

At present the central administration is virtually totally dependent upon the contributions from the parishes by way of the parochial assessment levied annually by Synod. There are no reserves to enable the Diocese to respond to emergencies and to provide a buffer when some of the parishes do not pay their assessments.

In fact, the latter situation has contributed significantly to the present deficit in diocesan Finances. There is therefore an urgent need to rebuild the Central administration's resource by creating a strong endowment fund. Such a fund will place the Central Administration in a stronger financial position and remove the need, in the foreseeable future, for additional appeals.

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