Identity Document - Central District Conference

Identity Document 4-17-2004.pdf

Central District Conference

God calls us to be followers of Jesus Christ and, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to grow as communities of grace, joy and peace, so that God’s healing and hope flow through us to the world.

--CDC Vision Statement

identity document 2 Mission Statement:
The mission of Central District Conference is to know Christ’s abundant love in who we are and how we live, and to answer God’s persistent call to share that love with one another and the world by:

Promoting a Christ-like community of hospitality where all are welcome and where grace-filled relationships flourish, and patience and generosity are practiced
Calling and nurturing wise, dynamic and compassionate Anabaptist leadership
Supporting missional partnerships that make God’s reign visible and fostering ministries of evangelism, peace, healing and hope.

KNOWING CHRIST’S LOVE. . .ANSWERING GOD’S CALL

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself. –Luke 10:27

CDC Core Values:

As Anabaptist Christians who received God’s grace we affirm the following core values:

Christ-centeredness through worship, discipleship and prophetic witness
Sharing the good news of Jesus through a lifestyle which includes simple living, non-violence, service, evangelism, peacemaking, and justice
Faithfulness to the way of Jesus through community discernment of Scripture by the guidance of the Holy Spirit
Trust in congregational discernment
Creating healthy and healing relationships within and among congregations and conferences
Stewardship of God’s gifts and resources
Dismantling of racism, gender and economic disparities and gender and disability biases.
Nurturing and celebrating the faith of all ages within diverse contexts
Trained and capable Anabaptist ministers and lay leaders
Openness and commitment to learning from others throughout the world.

CDC Core Program Strategies:
Support congregations by:

Fostering ‘grace, joy and peace’ within and among congregations of CDC
Facilitating and providing resources which empower congregations and promote missional partnerships
Encouraging the call and development of Anabaptist leadership
Providing resources in the placement and care of pastor
Ministering in times of congregational transition and/or conflict
Cultivating the Anabaptist vision as expressed in our confession of faith
Acting as a liaison with the agencies and leadership groups of MC USA
Effective communication flow within the conference and with MC USA conferences and agencies

CDC Critical Success Factors:

Robust congregations
New Anabaptist outreach ministries and/or congregations within CDC
Leadership development among all ages
Generous financial stewardship
Nurture and care of pastors
Increased involvement of young adults
Shared CDC/MC USA identity
Vital Camp Friedenswald ministry
Viable Anabaptist educational institutions

DOING TOGETHER WHAT WE CANNOT DO ALONE AS INDIVIDUAL CONGREGATIONS

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. –Matthew 28:19-20 a

For more information about CDC, visit our website at www.centraldistrict.mennonite.net

April 16, 2004