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National Association of Congregational Christian Churches,  P.O. Box 288, Oak Creek, WI  53154
414-764-1620 
Email: naccc@naccc.org   Web Site: http://www.naccc.org

by Rev. James E. Eaton
United Congregational Church
unitedchurch@mac.com

Otis, Massachusetts lies in a corner of the Berkshire  Mountains. The Massachusetts Turnpike streams by a few miles away but there is no exit for Otis. But there is a Congregational Church and about 5,000 people scattered along the mountain valleys. The church provides the only resident pastor.

Otis might seem a natural place to grow a church. But growth takes resources. Because the Connecticut Fellowship of Congregational Churches began to plan more than a year ago for church development, the Otis Church is taking the first steps toward a new birth.

The Connecticut plan is simple. The congregation is asked and helped to create a development plan. In the case of Otis, this plan will provide for the first time in many years for paying for a full time pastorate.

The development plan is the creation of the church in conversation with a representative of the Connecticut Fellowship. 

It includes clear goals. With the plan in hand, resources will be sought from the National Association, the Fellowship and other churches. This process is new but one thing is already clear: in Otis, just knowing that sister churches care enough to help has already strengthened the church. Otis may not see a new church; it will surely see a new congregation continuing God's work.

A year ago, Exec. Sec. Tom Richard asked me to do this series of monthly articles on churches in the NACCC. This is the last of the series and I'd like to thank him along with the all those who have contributed for this opportunity to observe and reflect our churches at work and God's Spirit working within them.

Will Your Church Become a Headline?

Almost daily new revelations are being spread across the nation about the turmoil within the Catholic Church. What has your church done to prevent such an occurrence? Here are a few suggestions to improve your management of the potential sexual misconduct risks.

• Require references that are researched for all paid staff and VOLUNTEERS.

• Establish counseling guidelines for ministers and staff.

• Have written guidelines for staff and volunteers who participate in activities with children and youth.

• Require six month church membership before volunteers can work with children/youth.

• Have a written disciplinary policy for staff and volunteers.

AND make sure the liability coverage of the church's insurance provides adequately against the claims of sexual misconduct, pastoral/lay guidance and employment practices.  The Financial Services Committee can give you assistance in these areas. Give us a call.

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