 Quadrennial Report of the Native American Comprehensive Plan |
|||||||||
|
The Native American Comprehensive Plan of the The staff of the Native
American Comprehensive Plan include: Executive Director, Ms. Ann Alberty
Saunkeah (Cherokee), and Administrative Assistant, Reverend Bernadine A. Dowdy
(Choctaw). There are more than 560
Federally-recognized Indian tribes (sometimes referred to as nations, bands,
villages, pueblos, rancheritas, or communities depending on the tribe’s
reference) in the United States; 226 of these are located in Alaska. The
remainder are located in thirty-four other states. There are a significant
number of state-recognized tribes. Each tribe is distinct in language, history,
culture, religious traditions and economic base. As a group, Native people are
the most disadvantaged people in U.S. society: • They have the lowest life expectancy, living only two-thirds as long as Anglos. • They suffer from an unemployment rate of nearly 45 percent, ten times the national average. • Nearly two-thirds live below the poverty level. On some reservations, that figure approaches 75 percent. • They fall well below the national average in quality of housing and education. In the United States, it is
estimated that there are over 500,000 persons of primarily Native blood who are
eligible for tribal membership in some form. The result is ineligibility of
recognition or government assistance as Native persons. Such persons become marginalized from
society, as well as tribal communities. Due to social conditions,
there has been an increase in substance abuse, gang violence, family crisis,
and economic underdevelopment. At the same time, the presence of mainline
denominational churches/ministries has been declining. During the 2001-2004
quadrennium, The United Methodist Church, through the extension of the Native
American Comprehensive Plan (NACP), has strategically placed itself in ministry
with Native individuals and
communities. With the mandate of the 2000 General Conference, the Native
American Comprehensive Plan, in cooperation with general boards and agencies,
implemented a series of programs through each of its four commitments:
Congregational Development, Denominational Presence, Leadership Development,
and Native American Spirituality. The commitments have resulted in the
following events and on-going programs during the 2001-2004 quadrennium: Congregational
Development Revitalization,
Congregational Development and Cooperative Ministries Grants • Rockingham District Native American Cooperative Ministry Project; Robeson County, North Carolina, Dillon and Marlboro Counties,. South Carolina The
Rockingham District Native American Cooperative Ministry Project represents
eleven Native Churches and two affiliate churches. The focus of this ministry
is on team ministries, lay ministries, youth ministries and outreach ministries
with two small membership churches. Other key areas of emphasis include
justice/empowerment ministries in the Rockingham District area. • Nanticoke Indian Mission United Methodist Church; Millsboro, Delaware Since
its founding in 1881, the Indian Mission UMC has been a part of a charge with
non-Indian congregations. Planning began in 1998 to emerge as a distinct
rural/reservation ministry. The mission statement of the Nanticoke Indian
Mission includes biblically-based worship; social/cultural and traditional
services and ministries; intentional nurturing of children; youth and families;
programs of spiritual growth and self-esteem; and a ministry of presence within the
Nanticoke tribal community. • Hallelujah Project Pickett Chapel UMC; Sapulpa, Oklahoma This
Project began as a community project, but it has grown in scope. There are two
components. First, there are services for the elderly. The Project provides a
Tuesday meal to many of the elderly living in the community–approximately 40-45
elderly per week. A relationship has
been formed with the Sapulpa Indian Club. Members on occasion come and help
serve the lunches. It assists those who are unable to go to the nutrition
centers in town. Community Health Workers check blood pressure and sugar
levels. The second component is a children’s program on Saturdays which
involves the youngsters in the community, some of whom live in the Indian
Housing located around the church. The children’s program is an enrichment
program. The children receive tutoring, study geographic areas, and make
projects related to the area they studied. Once a month an activity is planned
for the entire family. • Making Disciples Tohwali UMC; Broken Bow, Oklahoma Tohwali
United Methodist Church is located on three acres in a rural area of Oklahoma.
It is a small membership church that is predominately Choctaw. It is a
congregation of many children, youth and young adults. Although it is in a
rural setting, it has excellent facilities for many activities. The church
grounds contains the local church, parsonage, a newly renovated fellowship
hall, separate classrooms and a large gymnasium. Events that are planned do not
have to be postponed because of the weather. Many of the participants drive
great distances to attend the events. The church has just developed a nature
trail on the grounds that is used for cultural and environmental education.
Activities that have been held were: a health fair, winter children’s
activities, gospel songfests, and Local Church Officers’ Training. The church
rents out the gymnasium which brings in additional income and community
persons. • Southeast Eagles Project; SE Region Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference, Oklahoma The
Southeast Eagles Project of the Oklahoma Indian Missionary conference
represents nine rural churches in a predominantly Choctaw Tribal area. Many of
the churches are very small local churches, but there are many children. The
Project brings together the nine churches for children’s camp and weekend
activities, as well as training for adult workers. Resource persons work with
the adults in training for Sunday School, vacation Bible school and other
activities. The nine churches formed a children’s choir which learned Choctaw
songs and hymns, as well as contemporary praise and worship songs. The churches
are required to put funds back into the Project if they receive financial
assistance. • Triad UMC; Greensboro, North Carolina Triad
Native American UMC developed a Christian education program for all ages:
children, youth, adults and elders. The program includes music ministry,
education, Bible study, ethnic identity, drug awareness, family development and
women’s and men’s ministry. Triad UMC is the center of the Native community
which includes Greensboro, High Point and Winston-Salem. • Triangle Native American UMC; Raleigh, North Carolina Triangle
Native American UMC established and developed a United Methodist Church for
Native Americans in the Triangle area, which includes the counties of Wake,
Orange and Durham, North Carolina. The Triangle Native American UMC holds
regular worship services, maintains children and youth programs, and has
established itself in the Native community. Ministries Development
Grants • Norman First American Lambs Pre-Youth Group; Norman, Oklahoma The Norman First American UMC
Pre-Youth Group provides an opportunity for children–ages six through twelve–to
grow spiritually, culturally and socially, as it shapes the future leaders into
productive, confident, well-rounded individuals who will affect society in a
positive manner as they achieve their full potential. At each meeting the
participants go through three pods: 1. Bible study; 2. music/traditional arts
and crafts; and 3. birthday celebrations/guest speakers/ field trip/tutoring. Local Church Consultation • Nanticoke Indian Mission: Pathway for Change: A Congregational Vision Quest; Millsboro, Delaware Native
leaders have been trained in the areas of assessment, biblical centering,
evangelism and cultural and community evaluation. They assist local
congregations/ ministries
in the establishment of goals, developing a local church/community profile,
leading to an individual comprehensive plan. New Native United
Methodist Ministries • Raleigh, North Carolina The
purpose of this ministry is to establish and develop a United Methodist Church
to minister primarily to the Native Americans in the counties of Wake, Orange,
and Durham, North Carolina. • Phoenix, Arizona The
establishment and development of a UMC for Native Americans in the Phoenix-Tempe
area is the focus of this ministry.
There is a large Native population living and working in this area. • Portland, Oregon This
fellowship offers Native Americans in the greater metropolitan Portland area
worship and Bible study. It also works to educate the community on issues
facing Native Americans, advocates on behalf of Native American people, works
with an established youth program, strengthens Native leadership, assists with
the elderly community’s meal and fellowship programs, and serves as a site for
cultural celebrations and gatherings. • Albuquerque, New Mexico The
purpose of this ministry is the establishment and development of a UMC,
primarily for the large Native American population in the greater metropolitan
Albuquerque area. • Denver, Colorado The
Denver Native Ministry is just beginning the steps for developing a ministry of
presence. The funds were used for mailings and small gatherings. Denominational Presence Jurisdictional Native
United Methodist Ministries Grants The Denominational Presence
Committee encouraged and assisted jurisdictions as Jurisdictional Native
American Ministries Task Forces were developed: -Northeastern Jurisdiction Native American Ministry Task
Force -North
Central Jurisdiction Native American Ministry Task Force -South
Central Jurisdiction/UMC American Indian Ministry -Western
Jurisdiction Native American Ministry Task Force The Denominational Committee
financially assisted an established Jurisdictional Native American Ministry
with two grants: 1. “Celebrating Our Past While Embracing Our Present,” Southeastern Jurisdiction Agency of Native American Ministries; February 2002–a ministers’ retreat at Lake Junaluska. The focus of the retreat was exploring biblical interpretation, Bible study, evangelism, a study on “Discipling Youth”, and areas of need in the Native American local church. 2. South East Jurisdiction Agency for Native American Ministries (SEJANAM) held a summer conference in June 2003. Participants dealt with social issues that exist across the Jurisdiction.
The conference presented biblical and theological mandate to be in ministry
with those facing the issues. The Spiritual Minister’s Retreat presented the
process of spiritual formation with an emphasis on the six stages of spiritual
faith. “For As Long As The Water
Flows–Our Commitment to Native American Ministry” Annual Conference Committees
on Native American Ministry (ACCONAM); Tulsa, Oklahoma; March 1-4, 2001. Each
annual conference was invited to send one conference staff member and two
members of the Conference Committee on Native American Ministries. Key emphases
included: -creating a strong ACCONAM; -jurisdictional
organization/strategies; -denominational resources:
grants, programs, resource persons; and -listening project: what are
annual conferences needing? Consultation with Native
American Representatives on Boards and Agencies February 8-11, 2001; Tulsa,
Oklahoma. The Consultation for the Native American representatives focused on: -the Native American
Comprehensive Plan; -expectations of a Board
representative/expectations as a Native American Board representative; -resources of the church; -speaking the language of the
church; and -developing Native American
Leadership. Training for the
Development of a Youth or Young Adult Ministry A survey, developed in
cooperation with the General Council on Ministries, was distributed to local
Native American ministries. The area that received the most request for
assistance and resources was youth and young adult ministries. A presentation was prepared
using Cokesbury resources, Native-developed resources, print and audio
resources. Participants were encouraged to participate in the many hands-on
activities. -Northeastern Jurisdiction
Native American Task Force; November 15-17, 2002 -Southeastern Jurisdiction
Agency for Native American Ministry; June 28, 2003 -South Central Jurisdiction
American Indian Ministry; October 24-25, 2003 Grants for Strengthening
Native American Denominational Presence “Voices in the
Wind–Connecting our Faith,” March 15-17, 2002; Fayetteville, Arkansas; North
Arkansas ACCONAM. The North Arkansas Annual conference was charged by their
bishop to “begin ministries where the people are.” The seminar was planned to
equip each representative with information to take back to their congregations
regarding Native American Ministries Special Sunday offering, along with
information pertaining to the potential for developing ministries in the
Arkansas area. Enlarging the Circle October 24-25, 2003; Tulsa,
Oklahoma. The South Central Jurisdiction American Indian Ministry developed a
Consultation for American Indian (Native American) Ministries within the South
Central Jurisdiction. The consultation’s objectives were: -Bring together, in a Native
American setting, local, conference, jurisdiction and general church resources
related to Native American Ministry -Identify and prioritize the
critical issues facing Native Americans within the life and ministry of the
church and ways they may effectively be addressed -Gather to listen and respond
to the past, present, and future spirits and voices that will guide the South
Central Jurisdiction UMC in celebrating the gifts of Native Americans in making
disciples for Jesus Christ Alaska Federation of
Natives Anchorage, Alaska. The Alaska
Federation of Natives has a pre-conference gathering of Youth and Elders.
Workshops, presented by the villages, are related to many social problems that
face the lower 48 states. Inter-generational program models were presented.
Both groups then developed legislation that will be presented to the Alaska
Federation of Natives gathering. The Denominational Presence Committee was
looking at the Youth and Elders Gathering as a possible model for a gathering
in the lower 48 states for the next quadrennium. Native American UMC
Presence in Humanitarian Aid to Native People of Alaska This is an ongoing project of
humanitarian aid to the native people in the Chukotka region. The grant made it
possible for a United Methodist Native presence among the various ecumenical
agencies. Native American
International Caucus Family Camp 2003, 2002, 2001 The NAIC Family Camp brings
together participants who represent a number of different tribes and United
Methodist Churches across the denomination. Family Camp is inter-generational
with programs specifically for the elders, children, youth and young adults.
Participants deal with varied topics: Native American environmental issues,
land issues, health-related issues, future generations, and sacred sites. Native American Film Library The library serves to house
and assemble in a central location many hard-to-locate films and other
resources pertaining to Native people. Resources are catalogued and made
available to annual conference and individuals, both Native and non-Native. Leadership Development Native American Lay
Ministry Discovering and Exploring Our Gift February 7, 8 &9, 2003,
Nashville, Tennessee. This event brought together Native persons for training
in Lay Speaking. It provided the basic course in lay speaking, as well as
advance training, in: Lay Speakers Lead in Worship; Lay Speakers Lead Bible
Study; and a recertification course, Lay Speakers Grow
Spiritually through Daily Discipline. Led by Native American United Methodist
workshop leaders, the event focused on: teaching ways of incorporating
contemporary and Native styles of worship; addressing the needs of the Native
small membership church; and addressing issues facing Native United Methodist
churches. “A Story to Tell, A Faith
to Share” Native American School of Evangelism September 12-14,2003;
Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Native American School of Evangelism brought
together Native local church teams from across the denomination. This event provided formational training in
evangelism for Native local church communities. With a core staff of Native
ministry professionals, key focus was provided in the areas of: - developing culturally
specific resources for Native evangelism - establishing trust
relationships between the church and tribal/urban communities - Native demographics and
congregational development - the Christian message:
healing, hope, and restoration - Native models of
congregational development and ministries Exploration 2002 November 15-17, 2003;
Chicago, Illinois. The Native American Comprehensive Plan provided the
opportunity for ten youth/young adults to attend Exploration 2002 in
cooperation with the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. Cost often
prohibits interested youth/young adults from attending events such as these. Seminary Scholarships Three-year Seminary
Scholarships were offered to young adults between the ages of 18-25. The
scholarships were offered to encourage younger persons to enter the ministry.
Recipients must remain in good standing with the seminary they are currently
enrolled in and report to the Native American Comprehensive Plan. Grants for the Development
of Native Leadership -Lay speaking School; West
Michigan and Ohio. The Lay Speaking School followed the model for Lay Speaking
as mandated by The Book of Discipline. The Lay Speaking School was made
accessible, as well as relevant to the participants. The instructors were
Native American, and a cultural component was added to the basic course. -Native American Course of
Study Program; West Michigan. Held in the Spring of 2003, the Native American
COS Program made pastoral training economically accessible, culturally
interpreted, contextually relevant, and communally comfortable. The majority of
the courses were taught by Native American United Methodist clergy and lay
leadership, recommended by the Planning Team and approved by the Ohio Valley
Regional School Executive Director and board. -Navajo Ministries; Window
Rock, New Mexico. The grant was broken into three components: Pastor’s
Training, United Methodist Women, and a Youth Project. Each component dealt
with leadership training, culturally-related material, social involvement, and
spiritual development. This was the first time that
Window Rock UMC has moved past the immediate community. Workshops, seminars,
retreats, conferences and rallies were some of the events. -Pastor’s Training; Window
Rock, New Mexico. Native American presenters were used to relate to the
audience, as well as to serve as role models. The pastors received information
regarding: parliamentary procedure, how to use audio equipment, how to lead a
Bible study, and how to tell their story. Cultural sensitivity was needed to interact with the traditional elders, as
well as an Navajo interpreter. -Lay Speakers Assembly:
September 6-7, 2002; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The first Lay Speakers Assembly
was held in Oklahoma City with the four regions being represented. Participants
were provided an opportunity for interaction with Lay Speakers from other
congregations to exchange ideas and information and to experience uplifting,
inspirational and motivational presentations. -Oklahoma Indian Missionary
Conference Leadership Development Lay Missioner Training Event; Oklahoma City,
Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference has a shortage of pastors.
To alleviate the situation, the Conference trains lay persons to become Lay
Missioners. Lay Missioners serve the churches. Lay Missioners are trained in
worship service, conduct of various activities, and cultural awareness. OIMC is
represented by a number of Indian tribes, so customs and traditions are shared
and discussed. Training Events were held twice a year. Resource persons were
brought in to conduct the training. Agency staff also come in and provide
additional resources. -Oklahoma Indian Missionary
conference Local Licensing School. The Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference
offers a local pastor’s licensing school for incoming pastors and those who are
exploring the call to ordained ministry. Participants are trained, equipped,
and prepared for pulpit ministry. The courses deal with specific ministry with
Native Americans in the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference. Native persons
lead all the courses. -OIMC United Methodist Women
Mission Education Event; July 17-20, 2002; Fayetteville, Arkansas. The OIMC UMW
Mission Education Event actively involves children and youth in the program.
The Mission School stepped into the 21st century with some of the youth and
children’s studies being on the Internet. -Native American Campus
Ministry Project; Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference 2002-2003. The Campus
Ministry Board of OIMC has been actively involved in ministry to Native American college students for eight years.
Working with limited resources, the Board has focused on serving students on
four to six campuses in Oklahoma and Kansas. Additionally , some local churches
have begun to take the initiative to provide campus ministry using their own
volunteers and donations. The goal of all the efforts is to bring a ministry of
hospitality and encouragement in the name of Jesus Christ to Native students
involved in the pursuit of higher education. This ministry is offered not only
to young persons who come from OIMC churches, but also in an ecumenical spirit
to all Native students. Native American
Spirituality Native American Spirituality
is woven into each of the three other components: use of Native songs and
liturgy, incorporation of cultural art in worship areas, and leadership by
Native American clergy and lay leaders. Other grants -High Plains Consultation;
2001, Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The Consultation assisted persons working
with, or seeking to work with, American Indians to increase their understanding
of issues and concerns facing the American Indian population in today’s world.
Participants were clergy and lay persons who may live on or near a reservation
or were interested in working in American Indian ministry. General Conference
Mandate Economic Development and
Empowerment Task Force The Native American
Comprehensive Plan, in cooperation with the General Board of Church and
Society, continues to assist The United Methodist Church in its historic
commitment to economic justice and empowerment. The Economic Development and
Empowerment Task Force is a viable strategy for achieving and ensuring the
sovereignty and human rights of Native Americans. Some ministries explored by
the Task force were: -monitoring public programs
and holding decision-makers accountable -monitoring church programs
and holding decision-makers accountable -site visits to visit Native
American communities to listen to issues that may prevent effective economic
development -identifying Native American
models for economic empowerment. It is a time when Native
people are called to shape the future of The United Methodist Church among our
people by strategically developing ministries and programs unique to each
setting. The future of Native ministries
within The United Methodist Church lies not in the traditional approach of
creating and following a congregational development model. It lies, rather, in developing ministries
which are responsive to the history, culture, economic base, and social
conditions of the individual communities to which it is committed. Native people have survived
all manner of persecutions to emerge as witnesses to the grace of God. Native
people have a testimony and mission within the Church and for our people,
wherever they are found.
Date posted: Jan 20, 2004 |
|||||||||
