Rev. Jim Noggle explains how exploring the Simplified Accountable Structure (SAS) can lead a church to have a more healthy and vibrant impact in the mission field.
REV. JIM NOGGLE
Division of Congregational Vibrancy Convenor and Certified SAS Consultant
The Simplified Accountable Structure (SAS) is beginning to have an amazing impact on participating churches in the Michigan Conference. Perhaps this is due to the foundational nature of SAS. As stated in the book Mission Possible by Kay Kotan and Blake Bradford, “In our experience, churches moving to this model begin to shift their conversations and focus, release more people into ministry, and therefore have a much higher likelihood of a fruitful, vital ministry” (page 4, expanded third edition).
The Michigan Conference has a faculty of certified coaches / consultants. Churches are guided through the three phases of SAS: the Discernment Phase, the Equipping Phase, and the Implementing Phase. After implementation, the coach / consultant continues in relationship with the church by providing annual training for leadership board members and nomination / leadership development team members. Knowing and understanding the SAS is crucial for efficiently and effectively impacting the congregation’s vibrancy.
My experience with churches setting out on this journey to a more healthy and vibrant impact in the mission field has shown me the importance of the first step: the Discernment Phase. Discernment involves many additional steps, and the focus is on examining the current leadership structure of the church and the SAS approach. This phase begins with the leadership council chairperson, the lay leader, and the pastor, who will present the potential change to the leadership council. If the leadership council votes to proceed, permission must be sought from the district superintendent. With permission from the superintendent, a Discernment Team of six to nine members of the congregation is assembled.
The work of discernment progresses for an average of four months with the guidance of a coach / consultant and the district superintendent. The Discernment Team is trained in the SAS and then has a clear understanding of the differences between the current leadership structure and SAS. This is followed by a careful study comparing the two potential structures using tools provided in Mission Possible. This includes determining who we are now to establish a clear picture of the church setting. Next is to determine the why (read this article from April 2024 by Rev. Melanie Carey). Why will this change make a difference in the life of the congregation? The Discernment Team will also complete a SWOT analysis to identify the Strengths, Weaknesses, Obstacles, and Threats within the current leadership structure and the potential SAS. Lastly, the Discernment Team develops a clear communication plan.
A clear and concise communication plan is key to providing transparency for the entire congregation. This plan will include every aspect of discernment and ways to communicate with the congregation. Every possible written communication medium, including newsletter articles, weekly bulletin inserts, Facebook posts, direct mail, and website announcements, is used. Many churches use mass phone call providers for direct contact. Regarding face-to-face contact, the Discernment Team will provide Q&A sessions with ministry groups, growth groups, United Women in Faith groups, United Methodist Men groups, and United Methodist Youth Fellowship groups, and even one-on-one discussions. In addition, the Discernment Team will list opportunities for congregational discussions, allowing for the presentation of the complete work of the Discernment Team, followed by Q&A time.
Every line of communication results in feedback from the congregation that is then shared with the leadership board to discern God’s will for the church. They seek an answer to this question: Will the shift to SAS provide a much higher likelihood of a fruitful and vital ministry in our mission field? If yes, the leadership council will contact the superintendent and request a church / charge conference to vote on adopting SAS. This is a two-thirds majority vote, and if the resolution based on ¶247.2 of the Book of Discipline is passed, the Discernment Team’s work is complete, and the Equipping Phase begins.
Yes, every journey begins with the first step! And it is equally true that the adventure continues in every subsequent step. If you and your church want to explore the benefits of SAS, please email Rev. Ron Brooks, Michigan Conference Coordinator for SAS, at [email protected].
Last Updated on October 31, 2024