I found a website for a church called Walls Down. Their web site is http://wallsdownchurch.com/.


- They are connected to three different networks:

The Free Methodist Church
Association of Related Churches
Churchplanters.com

I reviewed the information on their home page and on some blogs and I am sending the Pastor a letter requesting more information for us to use in our project. Here is the letter is sent.

Pastor,

Hi! My name is Lillian Hertel and I need your help! I am member of a United Methodist Church in North Georgia. I am currently taking a Leadership class given by the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church. A group of six class participants, including me, are doing a class project entitled “Back to Basics: Building a Church Without Walls”. Our project focuses reaching the underserved parts of the population which would include many nonreligious and nominally religious people. We are examining the figurative walls that keep people from joining a church and therefore keep them from becoming part of the Church (i.e. the body of Christ). We will then be formulating a plan to present to the North Georgia Conference on what can be done to build a church without wall.

We are looking at how Old Testament Church fulfilled the great commission; the application of those methods to the 21srt century environment, (“The Masters Plan for Making Disciples” by Arn & Arn); Wesley’s approach; and, the approach used by Adam Hamilton and explained in his book “Leading Beyond the Walls”.

I’ve found information on the internet on literally “no wall” churches which are based entirely on cell or small groups that meet at homes. Nice idea but they forget that it is imperative for believers to gather together every Sunday for mutual support, encouragement, and worship.

Then I came across the Walls Down Church website. I read all the information and I am impressed with the concept and your approach. Very briefly my understanding is that Walls Down offers
· Sunday worship as a “community of believers unified through faith in Christ who are committed to the teachings of Christ, to obeying all of His commands and it seeks to bring the gospel to the world.”
· LIFE Groups that get together regularly
· Focus Seminars offered regularly throughout the year based on a handful of Biblical priorities
· Similar programs and experiences for kids.

I have reviewed the information on the internet about your planning which includes, “making as many connections as possible, building relationships, making friends, being in the community, etc”. I would appreciate it if you would be so kind as to provide me information as to how you do all this.
What are your initial meetings about?
What kind of marketing do you do?
You refer to “putting the final touches on our church systems” what do you mean by church systems?
How do you recruit volunteer?
How do you get financial support?
What is the Core Group?
How do you determine what Community service project(s) you will pursue?

I really would appreciate any information you can provide me that would help with our project. We will recognize Walls Down Church as a contributor to the project. The final report will presented to North Georgia Conference at our final class in May.

I truly believe that there is a better way to reach the underserved parts of the population than what is being done in the mainline churches today. I don’t mean that the mainline churches have outlived their usefulness as part of the great commission. I mean that these churches must change the way they function. They need to get out of their comfort zones; stop assuming people will come; and, expecting the pastor to provide all the pastoral care. As members of the Church (Body of Christ) churches need to figure out how to be missionaries working right outside their front doors.

You and your organization are in our prayers. I thank you in advance for any help you can give us.

Lillian M. Hertel

Where do we go when storms hit?

This is not really about our project, its just been on my heart as 2008 exits the stage.

A few days ago some bad storms came through our area. One night there was a big clap of thunder and I heard little feet hit the floor, our door open, and we had my little girl in bed with us. A little later another big boom and more little feet, door opens, and one of my boys was in bed with us. It is a blessing that my God has transformed me into a Dad who is a safe refuge for his kids.

Most of us are not afraid of thunder, but 2008 has certainly had its share of storms for most of us. Lost loved ones, lost relationships, lost jobs, lost income, uncertain prospects for future employment... storms come in all flavors.

When I went to God and asked where we go, He brought one of my very favorite Psalms back to me:

Ps 31:1-5
In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O Lord, the God of truth.

This Psalm has helped me get through some rough times.

I'll see you all on the 23rd. Be blessed.

Another tool for demographics on the ngumc site

Mission Insite is a new program that generates demographics reports for churches within minutes. It provides free information to help your church explore its ministry area and discover new mission opportunities.

Lillian

On the www.ngumc.org
Under RESOURCES select Demographics/Statistics:
There is a link to Link2Lead
You will see the following information...
For Demographics/Statistics:Link2Lead.com is a website for local church pastors and lay leaders like yourself. It is brought to you by Percept, the leading information provider to religious organizations since 1987...

This tool is free for all of our local church pastors and lay leaders. Through Link2Lead.com, you will find a hands-on tools to better understand the demographics in your area.Once you register, you will be able to login and find information ordered into sections:

1 Getting Started - Here's where you find out what this site is about, who's behind it and how to get your browser ready for action.

2 My Self - This section provides you an opportunity to find out more about yourself and how you deal with change.

3 My Community - Just how well do you know your community? Here's a section that allows you to explore the latest demographic information for your ministry area.

4 My Congregation - Ever wonder how your congregation compares with the larger community you serve? Here's a section with tools to explore that critical connection further.

5 My World - This section features a Story of the Week, alternating between QuickInsight: The One-Minute U.S. Trends Report, and QuikStory: Using Demographics in Ministry, a feature article about the ministry of a Link2Lead church.

MY Experience with the site:

I set up an account and was able to obtain some basic information about the community around Rush Chapel. It might be a good idea if each of us set up an account and gatheres some basic information about our respective congregations and communities. This could help us focus on the "figurative" walls that exist and how to approach building church without walls.

Information I gathered :

Current Population
Projected 5 YearPopulation Change
Largest Lifestyles Group
Non-Anglo Population
Fastest GrowingRacial/Ethnic Group
Households with NoFaith Involvement
Average Age
Average Household Income
Single Parent Households
College Graduates


Suggested programs and community preference in the following areas:

1. Cultural Programs (Music, Drama, Art, etc.)
2. Care for the Terminally Ill
3. Sports or Camping Programs
4. Adult Theological Discussion Groups
5. Twelve Step Recovery Programs
6. Church-Sponsored Day School
7. Spiritual Retreats
8. Active Retirement Programs
9. Parent Training Programs
10. Bible Study Discussion/Prayer Groups
11. Divorce Recovery
12. Food and Clothing Resources
13. Day Care Programs
14. Personal or Family Counseling
15. Family Activities and Outings
16. Youth Social Programs
17. Marriage Enrichment Opportunities

Lillian

I sent out the closing worship details (via email) on December 11. If you did not receive them let me mow and Iwill resend them. Thanks Lillian

I should have the details for the closing worship service completed by the end of this week.
I will email the information as assoon as possible.

Lillian

Hallelujah! I'm baaaack. This is Bob "lost in the wilderness" Knowles signing on after wading thru the the Google briar patch. I read some of your early posts and also have identified a few books and other sources. However, I'm particularly interested in the book mentioned by Vivian as being available through an online bookstore. Will see if I can find/obtain it. Meanwhile:Have we gotten anywhere in planning our closing service for end of January? Happy to help anyway I can. in His service, Bob Knowles