Next steps for NCD

Leaders of churches may now begin contacting their district offices to indicate interest in participating in Natural Church Development, the Extended Cabinet decided in a Nov. 14 meeting.

Three to four churches from each district will be chosen to participate in the first round, with coaching relationships beginning in January and February.

Coaches will be assigned by the Cabinet from a pool of 36 trained in October, according to the Office of Congregational Development.

Cost per participating church will be $130 for a survey, plus reimbursement of a coach¼s travel and supplies expenses, and purchase of NCD books.

To keep cost at a minimum, the Cabinet will aim to assign coaches from within the participating church's region. NCD books will also be made available at a discount through the conference office. The typical initial expense for a participating church, including the $130 survey, is $200, officials said.

Training of additional coaches is proposed for mid-2007, allowing a new round of churches to begin the NCD process, said the Rev. Richard Edwards, director of congregational development.

Twenty-one United Methodist conferences are currently using NCD methods, the Cabinet learned during its November meeting. Seven of the 21 are located in the Southeastern Jurisdiction.

For more information about NCD, visit www.holston.org, or contact Edwards at (866) 690-4080 or richardedwards@holston.org.

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