http://www.midwestcovenant.org/home/resources/all-resources http://www.midwestcovenant.org/home/resources/all-resources/christian-ministry-of-listening-discernment-and-prayer Spiritual direction is a Christian ministry of listening, discernment, and prayer. Rather than literally "directing," spiritual directors welcome a person's stories of life and faith, helping to notice where God is present and how His will may be revealed. All of life's emotions and experiences -- spiritual highs and lows, affirmations and doubts -- are rich sources of dialogue and prayer in spiritual direction. Contact the Midwest Conference Office at 1-888-871-3020 or e-mail: midcovcon@qwest.net if interested in seeking a spiritual director located in your region. http://www.midwestcovenant.org/home/resources/all-resources/christian-ministry-of-listening-discernment-and-prayer Tue, 09 Oct 2007 14:35:36 -0500 http://www.midwestcovenant.org/home/resources/all-resources/ministry-grant-guidelines To download a copy of the Ministry Grant Guidelines, click on the link below.Goal: These grants will assist Midwest Covenant Conference churches in their ministry by enabling them to consider new programs or staff positions as well as educational opportunities. Our goal is to help existing congregations develop new programs, add new staff positions, or educate and train their leadership. Guidelines: Applications will be reviewed by the Midwest Covenant Conference Ministry Grant Committee (a subcommittee of the conference executive board) who will make the final decision on the allocation of funds. Churches requesting these grants will be expected to fund at least 25% of the total project. Depending on the nature of the grant, the committee will determine how the funding is distributed, and will convey that to the recipient upon approval. The maximum grant per church will be $1,500 in any 24-month period, payable in two installments approximately one year apart. The payment of the second installment is not automatic; rather, it is contingent on the success of the program as determined by your own self-evaluation after the first 12-months of the program. The evaluation will take place prior to the issuance of the second payment. Upon review of the evaluation, the committee will determine if the grant recipient still meets the guideline criteria. If the new program or staff position is discontinued during the first 12-month period, the grant committee has the right to eliminate the second payment. If the grant is to be applied to a new program or staff position that covers more than two years duration (which we encourage), the grant committee will probably recommend that the second installment of the grant be smaller than the first installment. The grant committee prefers this arrangement in order to encourage increasing ownership by the congregation as time passes. The grant committee may make an exception to the “two installment” guideline if the duration of the project is three months or less (e.g. a summer internship), in which case the total amount granted will be paid in one payment, not to exceed $1,500. Application Process: Submit your request to the Midwest Covenant Conference office using the grant application form provided, attaching any appropriate supporting information as outlined on page two. Requests will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis, as funds remain available. Requests will be reviewed and approved by the Midwest Covenant Conference Ministry Grant Committee as they are submitted, and you will be notified of the committee’s action. The recipient church will be expected to complete and return a standard evaluation form each year that this grant process is in effect. Supportive information to include with grant proposal When submitting an Education/Training Grant Proposal include Recipient(s) of education or training course Name/Description of training or education Sponsored by Anticipated duration of course Vision of church for ministry benefits of such education/training, including goals Projected full cost When submitting a New Program Grant Proposal include Title or program and contact person Anticipated duration of program Description of program Vision of church for what can be accomplished Goals for first and second years Projected cost When submitting a New Staff Position Grant Proposal include Title of position, and name of supervisor Term of service Description of responsibilities Vision of church for what could be accomplished Goals for first and second years Projected cost Some Possible Education or Training Proposals to consider: Scholarship assistance for paid staff to receive required courses for being commissioned by the Covenant as a staff minister. Training for lay leaders in areas such as family ministries, outreach and evangelism, discipleship, stewardship, or care ministries. Training for teachers or coordinators of children, youth, adult, or senior adult ministries. Some possible new programs or positions to consider: Two or three churches within same geographic region form a network to hire a Youth Pastor or Director of Christian Education. Establish a new staff position, e.g. Youth Pastor, Director of Christian Education, Director of Ministry Arts, or Director/Coordinator of Senior Adult Ministries Establish a latchkey type program after school hours for elementary school age children. Create a summer intern program for youth or children’s ministries. Some possible ministries of compassion to consider: An after school tutoring program for children who are below grade level in their school performance. A community-outreach program designed to address needs not currently being met through state or local assistance, such as a “clothing library” or a church-based food pantry. A parenting skills program for teen mothers. A parish nurse program. Note: all grant proposals are subject to the availability of funds. Revised: 06/2002 http://www.midwestcovenant.org/home/resources/all-resources/ministry-grant-guidelines Thu, 22 Feb 2007 11:20:00 -0600 http://www.midwestcovenant.org/home/resources/all-resources/midwest-conference-bylaws-and-constitution You may download a copy of the Midwest Conference Bylaws and Constitution by clicking on the links below. http://www.midwestcovenant.org/home/resources/all-resources/midwest-conference-bylaws-and-constitution Thu, 22 Feb 2007 10:57:46 -0600 http://www.midwestcovenant.org/home/resources/all-resources/model-constitutions Please download the Model Constitutions below. To receive a copy of the Bylaws and Constitution of the Midwest Regional Conference, please e-mail your request to: midcovcon@qwest.net http://www.midwestcovenant.org/home/resources/all-resources/model-constitutions Thu, 22 Feb 2007 10:51:22 -0600