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from the Minister & President
Catalyst Project: time of testing becomes growth opportunity

What is the unique calling and ministry of the United Church of Christ? I serve on a national task force addressing this question. Our work is prompted by what is widely regarded as both a time of crisis and opportunity for the UCC.

The crisis is not news. It is, immediately and urgently, a financial crisis. Just as immediately, but far more urgently, it is a crisis of vision, faith and Christian discipleship. For Christians, however, every crisis is an opportunity …a time of testing becomes opportunity for growth and transformation. It is out of this hope that the Catalyst Project was born.

The Catalyst Project is an emerging renewal movement of the UCC to challenge, equip and embolden us as messengers of the Gospel. It envisions new initiatives around UCC identity and theology combined with a bold call to Christian stewardship. Why? To inspire and fund ministry, mission and outreach in local churches, conferences and the national setting that will extend our response to the call of Jesus Christ to ministries of justice, peace, and reconciliation.

In his article, “Pastors weigh in on UCC identity, fundraising effort,” United Church News editor, Ben Guess, reports on a recent Catalyst Project event at which 90 UCC clergy gathered to talk, pray, worship and imagine a new future for the UCC.

Catalyst Committee members from throughout the Conference being consulted in Cleveland about a UCC identity and stewardship initiative. From left: Peter Cook, Ute Molitor, Tony Green, Jean Sangster, Dale Proulx, Michele Rogers-Brigham. Not pictured: Liz Goodman, Skip Waterbury. They joined regional Catalyst committees in late January at the Thomas Dipko Leadership Conference on the Catalyst Project.

The Massachusetts Conference was represented at that meeting by eight clergy: Skip Waterbury, First Congregational UCC, Winchester; Dale Proulx, Ashburnham Community UCC; Tony Green, Canaan Congregational UCC; Peter Cook, Plymouth Church UCC, Framingham; Ute Molitor, UCC Congregational, Boxborough; Michele Rogers-Brigham, Federated Church UCC, Orleans; and Liz Goodman, Monterey UCC.

If you see them, thank them for devoting time to these conversations and ask them about their experience and reflections. Each expressed hope in the promise of the Catalyst Project. Each also asked searching questions, and offered observations, critique and recommendations that are helping to re-shape and refine the Catalyst Project as it continues to evolve.

While the Catalyst Project is a work in progress, we know it will demand our time, talents and means. The national setting has devoted two million dollars to this effort. Additionally, each Conference is being asked to help fund the project. The MACUCC Board of Directors is considering whether to participate and at what level.

The Catalyst Project is based on the conviction that God is still speaking and that, with renewed determination, clergy and laity across the UCC are listening to the voice, judgment and call of God. Out of this time of crisis and opportunity, perhaps a more faithful witness will be born. This is our hope.