Barnabas Ministry Group - Anchor Congregations An Anchor Congregation in the Barnabas Ministry Group is a church that has decided to become part of a Barnabas Ministry Group in their area. This group is comprised of up to four to five congregations, linked to an Anchor Church. The anchor congregation is typically a medium to large church with an Average Worship Attendance of 200+ and a budget of $300,000 or higher. An Anchor Congregation recognizes that up to 84% of all United Methodist congregations in America today are less than 200 members and would like to be apart of motivating and encouraging local churches. This ministry opportunity is a tremendously positive witness to their faith and ministry giving. This also provides a new set of mission opportunities in which they can serve, using their talents and gifts to bring spiritual transformation in the lives of others beyond their own local church. The advantages to participating in this ministry for an Anchor Congregation are experiencing excellent teaching and training for ministry development and spiritual growth and exposure to new, creative and effective ministries, both in their own congregation and as a part of the Barnabas Group. Additionally, the spiritual joy and blessing of becoming a leading congregation in enabling and modeling connectional ministry throughout the District.
The qualifications for becoming an Anchor Congregation are: A teachable Senior Pastor open to new, creative strategies for growing the churches in the Barnabas Ministry Group
A Senior Pastor that desires to share in ministry and mission with a group of smaller congregations, making a strong witness of the connectional spirit of United Methodism
Key leaders (defined by respective offices) that affirm the vision of the Barnabas Ministry Group model
The first step of demonstrating this is hosting an Envisioning Experience. The next step would be a positive vote by their Board or Church Council to participate for two years in a Barnabas Ministry Group. The financial requirements of this two-year ministry relationship is shared by Private Benefactors, the Anchor Church and other Linked Churches. The amount of financial contribution an Anchor Church is asked to share will be formulated based on the total church budget, the average worship attendance and current congregational realities – which we discern during the Envisioning process. This financial foundation was carefully developed to insure that participation will not be prohibited by cost.
Moreover, the financial participation will be much more of an investment in ministry growth and development, rather than an expense for events. The Proactive Staff will work closely with the church to provide spiritual motivation, practical education, strategic ministry coaching and actual ministry experience in establishing proven ministries for the church. | 
