At the 2016 North Georgia Annual Conference, Church of Excellence in Outreach awards were presented to:
First, identify a mission leader who is approved by the church/charge conference. Establish missions as a priority for your church. Plan and implement an annual mission celebration event. Participate in at least one sustained local mission outreach program. Participate in a mission trip or mission project outside the local community.
Supporting Confrence-level mission, Churches of Excellence pay apportionments in full. Plus, collect special offerings or provide financial assistance to the Housing and Homeless Council, UMCOR Sunday, Wesley Woods, Bishop's Annual Conference offering, and the United Methodist Children's Home offering. And they provide support for one of the North Georgia Conference Bridges initiatives through participation, giving or hosting a workshop for any one of the nine Bridges.
At the denomination-level, the steps are subscribing to the New World Outlook magazine, contributing to or participating in Advance Projects in four of five areas: international, national, UMCOR, conference, or district; and lastly, participating in the GBGM Missionary Covenant Relationship program or establishing a continuing relationship with a United Methodist Missionary.
"This is a solid plan for a church of any size, whether entry level or advanced in mission," explained Rev. Scott Parrish, Conference Mission Specialist. "It helps develop a comprehensive plan and calendar to engage a congregation. Plus, the team and I am available to assist as needed!"
Find the application and detailed steps at http://www.ngumc.org/