Making the case

In an earlier coach’s corner I floated the idea of a resident internship program at the church with two seminarians or seminary graduates living in the Kansha building.  Although  I have already discussed some advantages of such a program, I want to give ten clear reasons for doing this.  After the worship service on June 14 we can then have a discussion on the logistics of going forward or not.

1. Generational inclusion:  as has been made clear earlier, we must think of the children and youth of this church who need role models and trained leaders of a younger generation.
2. Sampling of future leaders:  Being exposed to seminarians/seminary graduates will give you insight into who is out there for future ministry leadership.  A diverse congregation like Parkview with its unique character will not be able to hire just somebody down the road with no understanding and skills in dealing with a multicultural congregation.
3. Energy creation:  In the past we have talked a lot about energy groups and a commitment to only pursue the programs that have energy behind them.  Interns/residents will bring their own fresh energy to the situation and we may be able to learn much from them.
4. The labor of ministry:  our exploration group has come up with the outlines of a new mission statement, but to make this mission statement (which involves outreach to the community) a reality it will take work.  Interns/ residents will be able to help with the labor of new ministry.  Our congregation already has a lot of work in maintaining and funding the church and to provide church family activities.
5. Supervision:  we have an intelligent, open,  healthy  and supportive congregation that would provide positive mentorship.  Also my own twelve years of seminary teaching experience may be helpful.
6. Presbytery support: The Mission Support Committee of the Presbytery of Sacramento is endorsing the project and I have discussed with them whether part of all of our annual $7000 mission giving could be applied to this program. The committee also encourages us to request labor help from the Presbytery for Kansha building refurbishing.
7. Thorough research: 80% of the extensive research has been done.  We have been in touch with five seminaries (in the Bay Area, Southern California, Austin, Pittsburgh and Princeton) and have talked to contractors, the fire chief,  the county and city planning offices,  an architect and an appraiser  and have contacted our insurance among others.
8. Impact and influence:  a unique program such as this would allow a small congregation like Parkview that has found a unique formula for being the church and “doing church” to share its learning regionally and nationally just as our society becomes increasingly multicultural and the mainline Church lags far behind.
9. Cost effectiveness:  A program such as this would allow the continuity of the good things we have going and fresh leadership to happen at the same time at very little additional cost (essentially: the cost of improving the Kansha).
10. Flexibility:  The program, although planned for five years, could be discontinued at any time (provided we met our commitment to current interns/ residents).

 May God bless our ministry!  See you in church. Aart