In the spirit of reformation, we present to you RMN’s 2528 Strategic Plan.
Introduction
The ministry of Reconciliation is just getting started. We may have accomplished part of our reason for being. But responding with love and authority to General Conference decisions is a whole other matter.
Our congregations and Church are not yet harbors of welcome for LGBTQ+ people. Too many congregations and pastors have received permission to keep living as though the rules haven’t changed. Too many times, the “big tent” takes priority over open hearts.
Real people are still being harmed by the very Church that they love. Real churches are still constructing cultures of silence. LGBTQ+ people are explicitly told that, although the requirement to discriminate is gone, the Church still isn’t ready for our involvement.
Therefore, our reformation arises from the pain points of this era. For over 40 years, RMN has functioned foremost as a conduit of activism.
Now, we choose to become a means of mission and accountability.
We hope our 2528 Strategic Plan shows you where we’re headed and where you belong – together with wider hearts, minds, and doors for the sake of a Church of bold belonging.
2528 Strategic Goals
Click to read the above section as a PDF.
Staff Structure
To support the goals of the 2528 Strategic Plan, RMN has re-envisioned its staff structure. The transition between prior and current roles may require additional time for staff who were formerly Organizers.
Click to read the above section as a PDF.
Click to read more about each staff person’s role.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did you mean 25-28? What’s 2528?
Hashtags don’t like it when we use “special” characters like dashes. So, we shortened it to 2528. That way, in the future, you can search #2528 on the social media platforms where we’re active and track our progress through our social media posts.
How will RMN work with annual conferences in the absence of geographically assigned organizers?
RMN staff have long dreamed that each annual conference would establish an LGBTQ+ Ministry Team. Already, three annual conferences have adopted a resolution to form such a team. We imagine a partnership through which RMN would serve the evolving needs of each conference and guide collaboration across the connection to advance LGBTQ+ affirmation and intersectional justice. The pursuit of this dream will be housed foremost in the Department of United Methodist Connections.
Why does RMN need to grow after such great progress at General Conference 2024?
As outlined in our strategic plan, RMN is responding as quickly as we have capacity to the increased needs of congregations after this last General Conference.
Greater numbers of annual conferences, congregations, small groups, and individuals want to understand how to live into the decisions we made as a Church in 2024. To do so requires more than a checklist of behaviors and language. It’s an evergreen invitation to explore God’s inclusive love and how we get to live it out in life and ministry.
These are among the reasons why RMN hopes to increase its capacity in the aftermath of this last General Conference.
What is RMN focusing on for topics of educational resource development?
RMN’s topics of focus for educational resources are responsive to the needs you’ve shared with us and the needs we’ve observed. RMN continually gauges the needs of the Church through survey results, curriculum feedback, conversations, and event participation.
The resources we’re developing in the near term are focused on intersectionality and identity; allyship; biblical foundations of inclusivity; and courageous conversations across difference.
What are the biggest challenges for RMN in this season?
One of our greatest challenges now is making more widely known the discrimination and harm still being done in our Church and still being sanctioned by our leaders. Those in harm’s way have every right to privacy and safety. And, while their stories have been protected, too few in the Church and beyond know the extent of continued, insidious anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination.
Another challenge for RMN lies in galvanizing existing Reconciling Ministries and Reconciling people for the missional work of reforming congregations where it’s not yet safe to be LGBTQ+. Until every church everywhere is a safe and affirming place, LGBTQ+ people need the heft of this movement to make transformation possible.
When exactly will the staff transition occur?
The staff will transition into their new roles over the next few weeks. That means tending to relationships and processes taking place under the old structure as well as preparations for the new structure. We deeply value each of you and the ministries you make possible. So, if you’re currently working with an Organizer, that will not be impacted without an intentional handoff. (We are also human, so we appreciate your patience and grace with us!)
How is RMN engaging with congregations of different theological beliefs?
Since its earliest days as the Reconciling Congregations Program, RMN has been in meaningful relationship with congregations of diverse theological backgrounds. The beauty of United Methodism lies in part in the abundance of connection and sacred curiosity. In this new era, RMN is called to be a partner to congregations seeking to become more inclusive and just, regardless of whether they may become Reconciling.
RMN is also addressing the needs of more congregations by publishing more diverse curricula and guiding annual conference staff and committees.
Has RMN considered rebranding?
This is an important consideration we’ll explore in the following months. After General Conference, our priority was to engage first in strategic planning on matters that affect everyday ministries. Any rebranding we may consider will be communicated in advance with Reconciling Ministries and with utmost consideration to those who’ve invested resources into the current branding.
Who is going to work with ministries in the Reconciling process now?
All ministries undergoing or curious about the Reconciling process will get to work with Laura Young, Director of Congregational Engagement.
How will you financially support your efforts in support of these goals?
Well, since you asked: you can now make a one-year pledge through the Onward pledge campaign! If you’re excited about the future of a Church accountable to affirmation and congregations everywhere becoming more Christ-like in inclusion, we encourage you to make a pledge.
Donate
Give the gift of a safe and welcoming Church for all God’s LGBTQ+ beloveds. Or, make a one-year pledge to fulfill over multiple installments.
There are many easy ways to financially support the work of Reconciling Ministries Network’s 2528 Strategic Plan. We’re truly grateful for your gift of any amount! If you’d like to make a gift of stock or other assets, or to consider RMN in your philanthropic goals in perpetuity: email Jan at jan(at)rmnetwork.org.
Keep in Touch
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