International College of Bishops—Ministry Growth Proposal

PROPOSED TITLE:  The Year of His Listening—The Year of Our Restoration

            Proposed Sub-title:  Return of the Father

Descriptive line:              Many times a ministry will find itself in a time of transition.  It will have to decide the proper direction and ministry focus it will pursue.  Now is that time for the College of Bishops.  Under new worldwide leadership it is faced with the dilemma and challenge of moving forward..                   

AUTHOR:            Rev. Vince Callahan

ONE-LINE DESCRIPTION:    The greatest decision in the life of any organization

is to move in the right direction at the right time.  The responsibility of effective leader-

leadership is to know how and when to advance.

This proposal is an overview of the College of Bishops and the plan to move

forward in it’s scope of leadership and influence, both within the church and world

community.

OVERVIEW

            For the past twenty two years this prestigious organization has existed.  It has

recognized in the world community for its religious leadership and integrity. 

Participants have long been seen as leaders both in their local community and churches. 

In August of 2004 a new day was born.  Brought immediately to the forefront of

this organization was the newly consecrated Arch Bishop Emmanuel Powerson.  Existing

leaders quickly recognized the growth potential within him and made the decision to

allow the current leadership structure to be changed.  Since taking this new role, Arch

Bishop Powerson has begun to transform the organization and bring it into the year 2006.

            Along with adding additional bishops into the college, a new season of protocol

and organization is emerging that will position the college at the forefront of Church and

World leadership.  Arch Bishop Powerson believes it is time to focus on the building of

 the local church through the system of bishops.  He believes that there is a need for

fellowship among leaders, rather than division and personal kingdom building are

essential for growth.                             

For the immediate future it will be vital to care for the local body of believers and

to teach the need for reaching out to others and increase the number of souls that are

being cared for.  As  mandate for the organization, leaders will be encouraged to

sacrificially sow financial seeds that will position them for growth and receiving of God’s

blessings.

            He believes that the youth play a great part in the future of the local church and

Bishops will be encouraged to facilitate their utilization within the local church.  He also

has vision for the children of ministers and developing more effective programs that will

reach out to them.

            Finally, Arch Bishop Powerson believes that in this new era of leadership within

College of Bishops, that excellence and integrity are key components for growth.  This

can be attained through more effective communication, ministerial boundaries, and unity

of purpose and vision.  Members will be encouraged to build the same house together,

rather than building their own splendid homes.

PROPOSED OUTLINE:

Issues of Concern:

            As a new era is born, many issues need to be addressed.  The following lists are

are possible points of concern:

Develop Public relations within and outside the college

Develop 2006 Operating Budget

Develop Effective system of conducting world wide crusades

Develop Effective System of addition of members and new bishops

Develop and Implement Outreach ministries (youth, leaders, and the local church)

Develop Organizational Chart and flow of information system.

Goals:

            The first step to change is setting attainable goals.  Goals are defined as things

that the organization would like to see accomplished.  The following goals are to be

considered for 2006:

Organize the college and create working template that can be duplicated worldwide.

Stabilize the churches that are represented by current and new bishops.  Develop an effective system to meet their individual needs that will further their growth within the local community.

Develop effective Public Relations Strategy.

Organize Financial Program and implement operating budget.

Organize and develop requirements and credentialing process for members and bishops.

Develop Outreach Program, specifically to youth of ministers.

Objectives:

            Objectives are defined as the “how to” of the goal.  As stated earlier a goal is the

ideal of what the organization is wanting and by contrast the objective is the how it will

be accomplished.  The following list are suggestions by which the above mentioned goals

may be attained:

Organization

            The first component to effective organization is communication.  This organization must diligently seek out more effective ways to communicate information.  Communication is a two- way process so therefore information must flow downward from the head of the organization to the leaders and conversely issues and concerns must be addressed by the leadership.

            Those in leadership roles must have a clear and concise definition of their duties and responsibilities and boundaries must be in place to ensure effective communication and compliance.

            Some things to consider:

Bringing the International College of Bishops into modern technology.  A database should be created with relevant member information.

Develop “grand picture” of the organization with specific ministries delineated.

Develop and implement college ministry template that can be duplicated worldwide.  This involves a unified system of credentialing and accepting members, requirements and expectations from members, organizational flow chart, and college handbook.

The Local Church

            As it is understood that a bishop is over many local churches, it is imperative that the local church be a vital part of the International College of Bishops.  Efforts must be made to show the “value” and importance of the local church.  Some recommendations are:

Implement Church of the Month (or quarter) spotlight program

End of the year Celebration Banquet to showcase local church accomplishments.

 International College of Bishops “Man or Leader” of the year. This could be part of yearend church celebration and come with a special award.(vacation, bible school tuition or something along those lines)

Develop ministry resources and training programs that can be put into the local church.  Books and tapes that come from the various bishops, approved by the governing body of leaders.

Public Relations:

            The greatest need within any organization is public relations.  Any organization that wants to have a scope of influence and be not only effective but successful must inform non-members who they are.  If no one knows what you do you cannot meet the need that they have.  In conjunction with informing the outside world of the organization you must also conduct public relations within the organization.
            This college is comprised of many great leaders who have countless years of ministerial experience.  But if this simple fact is only known to those within the organization, the organization becomes a ghetto (or entity unto itself).  A flowing river has more power than a dead sea.  The following are some suggestions for increasing current public relations efforts:

Develop Membership Packet. (Given to current an new members, communicating vision, purpose and responsibilities)

Bishop Packet. (This is given to bishops and outlines how to become a bishop and the duties and responsibilities they will have.  Also include organizational chart)

Public Relations Packet.  (This is given to potential members and entities interested in the college.  Potential religious organizations that want to be a part or potential corporate sponsors.)

(The above mentioned material may actually be one packet of information but for the purpose of explanation was divided into three parts.)

Create Bi-Annual magazine

Create monthly E-Newsletter

Create college of Bishops Web-page with appropriate ministry links.

Working calendar of leadership events to be attended by International College of Bishop members.

Public Relations Outreach to religious and political leaders.  Celebrate their accomplishments and develop influence with them.  This to be done on worldwide and local levels.

Finances:

            Unfortunately, ministry takes money.  Given the base already in place; 200 active bishops and 4000 churches represented, the first step to securing needed finances would be to start at home.

            As participating members, the first objective would be to communicate to them the vision and create the appropriate “fees or dues” necessary for them to be a part of this prestigious organization.  Beyond looking at the obvious the following things should be considered:

Immediately create 2006 operating budget

Secure services of professional CPA who specializes in working with non-profit organizations and churches.

Investigate any possible grants and funding opportunities.

Develop additional outreach ministries that would be another source of income.

Develop relationships with potential corporate sponsors.

Develop ministry resources (books, tapes, and other products) that could be sold to members, local churches and college functions.

Credentialing:

            As this organization continues to grow and expand others will want to be a part of it.  It is imperative that specific procedures and protocols are followed to insure uniformity.  This objective can be met if two things are in place and enforced.  The first is leadership structure.  If proper protocols are developed that set the boundaries for the credentialing process (which includes boundaries for the leadership) this will diminish self-appointed additions.

            The second is the uniformity of information.  This can be accomplished by a handbook or packet that specifically spells out the credentialing process, without exception.

Outreach Ministries

            Any organization is only as good as its outreach.  Within the college of Bishops, reaching out to others is a vital part of growth.  The following are possible ministries that can be developed:

Ministry to the Children of Ministers:  Many children of ministers find themselves forgotten.  Some type of ministry to them should be developed, i.e. a celebration weekend, newsletter just for them, a counseling hotline, etc.  The concept is to give them a safe place to vent their feelings regarding being raised in a home of ministers, who have dedicated their lives to others.

World-wide Crusades:  It is the heart and soul of the Arch Bishop to evangelize the lost.  However, it is very draining and taxing financially.  In conjunction with the financial department, crusades should be decided upon, with a set number per year conducted by this organization.  Desiring churches or countries can submit in writing their intentions and abilities to sustain a conference and the governing board can make the necessary decisions.  Corporate sponsors can be attained and the ministry can go forth in excellence.

Counseling and Pastoral Care:  People have problems.  And no organization is without people who need help.  It is the recommendation that some form of pastoral care program be implemented that would involve training within the local church and to offer pastoral care to bishops and members of the organization.

The above information is submitted as a result of the meeting held on February 7, 2006 in Ocala Florida, USA.  Present: Arch Bishop Emmanuel Powerson, Bishop Victoria Powerson, Bishop Gabriel, Bishop John Hanks, Bishop Lilly Hanks, Bishop Daisy Jones, Bishop. Vince Callahan, Bishop Billie Bamberg, Bishop Lottie Brown, Bishop Harry Brown.