Whereas, general agencies spend thousands of dollars trying to reach missing members for a variety of reasons; and
Whereas, we annually fund a program to track members who move from one conference to another, with limited results; and
Whereas, one of the most effective means of promoting and improving stewardship is telling the stories of ministry to every person who has contributed to an organization; and
Whereas, periodic contact is one of the most effective means of making a membership connection real;
Therefore, be it resolved, that a denomination-wide database of the membership of The United Methodist Church be created and that this database be managed by the General Board of Discipleship, using information and communications systems provided by the General Council on Finance and Administration, which shall emphasize on-line, real-time data input wherever possible.
Be it further resolved, that this database shall be used exclusively for the purpose of communicating opportunities for mission and ministry; and the results therefrom shall not be sold or otherwise furnished for private, political, or commercial purposes.
Be it further resolved, that this database shall be operational by January 1, 1998; and that every local church shall submit an up-to-date name and address roster of its membership and constituents to the General Board of Discipleship no later than July 1, 1997.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 22750-DI-NonDis-O
1996 United Methodist General Conference