Beginning in March 2009 and continuing through April 2010, the General Superintendents of The Wesleyan Church met with clusters of pastors throughout the North American General Conference. These Pastors Forums were listening events—meetings designed to allow the voice of the grassroots to speak into the life and leadership of the Church as together we seek to be an intentionally missional Church for the 21st Century. Over 100 small group meetings brought together nearly 2,000 ministers to discuss five key questions:

1. What are your greatest hopes for The Wesleyan Church?
2. What is your church already doing to spread transformational hope and holiness?
3. What are the barriers that prevent or hinder your local church from spreading transformational hope and holiness?
4. What needs to be revived, refined, reinvented and/or restructured in order for The Wesleyan Church in North America to achieve its vision?
5. How should we be measuring the health and growth of The Wesleyan Church to evaluate our mission effectiveness?

The feedback from the Pastors Forums was compiled, analyzed, and condensed into summary statements that reflect the dominant themes heard throughout the multiple sessions. Therefore, the responses to each question that follow below do not reflect the words of a single person but rather a composite of what several persons said.

It will be the responsibility of Church leaders to reflect prayerfully on these observations and opinions. Some may inspire intense intercession or immediate action. Some may inform new local church priorities, district strategic planning, or General Conference memorials. Not every opinion expressed reflects the collective conscience of the Church or a policy that should be implemented. It should also be noted that except for a selected group of key lay persons, these observations do not include the insights and concerns of lay members of the Church for balance.

Download PDF