The MCH Development department and President and CEO Trey Oakley hosted regional Commissioners meetings in Dallas and Houston this spring to give friends and supporters an opportunity to engage with MCH staff working in local communities and learn more about the ministry.
Commissioners are volunteer ambassadors from communities across our service area of Texas and New Mexico who advocate and raise awareness for the ministries of MCH. Historically, Commissioners gather in Waco to receive updates about MCH, learn about new programs and plans, and hear from Development and Program staff about how to advance the mission of the ministry within their areas of influence.
“After meeting with our Commissioners virtually for a couple of years because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we were excited to gather again face-to-face,” said Lyle Mason, vice president for development. “We felt holding these meetings in a regional format would be a good way to strategically introduce our Commissioners and other supporters in these areas to more of our frontline ministries – work that is going on right in their own communities.” Mason added that future meetings are being planned in other parts of the MCH service area.
At the Dallas meeting on April 18, Commissioners toured the MCH Family Outreach office serving the Metroplex, met outreach staff and learned about the various ministries and programs serving children, youth and families.
Addressing the group at a dinner afterwards hosted at First United Methodist Church of Coppell, Oakley said MCH continues to be proactive in addressing needs throughout Texas and New Mexico.
“We aren’t waiting for people to find us online or come across our website; we’re going out and meeting families where they are,” Oakley said. “We have a 133-year legacy of service excellence, but we know every case is unique. These MCH Family Outreach staff members are rolling up their sleeves on a daily basis, going into homes and communities in the Dallas area and meeting with families in difficult situations.”
Oakley added that while the generous support of benefactors empowered MCH to make an impact on more than 10,000 people last year, “we know even in the community surrounding this beautiful church there are 10,000 more who need us. That is why we need Commissioners and supporters who advocate for us in their churches and communities and remind those in their spheres of relationship that MCH is a strong and equipped service provider.”
The mission of a Commissioner is summed up by the acronym M.B.A.:
Make a Gift – a financial gift is a powerful testimony of commitment to this ministry. It is often easier to ask others to make a financial gift when you have made an investment also.
Be the Bridge –Some churches believe they already support our work through denominational funding, but they do not. Others have grown up in Methodist churches and never heard our story. Commissioners can help us inform people by connecting MCH to the various groups in their church.
Advocate for Support – We rely on the support of faithful churches giving to MCH. Commissioners can talk to their church leaders to advocate for a special offering in support of MCH.
To learn more about serving as an MCH Commissioner, contact Kelly Lawson at KLawson@MCH.org or (800) 853-1272.
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