NorthwestConnect

Connecting People for Change

Contents
The Vision ............................................................................................................................................... 3
Mission Statement ............................................................................................................................. 3
Founding Idea ................................................................................................................................. 3
Mind Map ....................................................................................................................................... 3
Finding the Sweet Spot ................................................................................................................... 5
Organizing Principles .......................................................................................................................... 5
Partner Network ............................................................................................................................. 5
Crestline Congregation's Role ........................................................................................................ 6
Our First Year .......................................................................................................................................... 6
Board of Directors .............................................................................................................................. 6
Connecting Events .............................................................................................................................. 7
VBS (Summer Bible Camp).............................................................................................................. 7
Trunk or Treat ................................................................................................................................. 8
Thanksgiving Food Drive................................................................................................................. 8
Santa's Workshop ........................................................................................................................... 8
Computer Lab ..................................................................................................................................... 8
Children and Youth Ministry............................................................................................................... 9
KidsZone ......................................................................................................................................... 9
The Gathering ................................................................................................................................. 9
Community Impact ............................................................................................................................. 9
Facilities ............................................................................................................................................ 10
Workday ....................................................................................................................................... 11
Work Teams.................................................................................................................................. 11
Teen MOPS ....................................................................................................................................... 11
Nuts and Bolts ...................................................................................................................................... 11
Executive Director ............................................................................................................................ 11
Summary of Duties ....................................................................................................................... 11
Crestline........................................................................................................................................ 11

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 NWConnect .................................................................................................................................. 12
District Technology ....................................................................................................................... 12
Community Connections .............................................................................................................. 12
Annual Finance Report ..................................................................................................................... 13
Incorporation Steps .......................................................................................................................... 13
Looking Ahead ...................................................................................................................................... 13
Repeating Connecting Events ........................................................................................................... 13
New Initiatives .................................................................................................................................. 13
Non-Food Pantry .......................................................................................................................... 13
Technology Training ..................................................................................................................... 14
Science Camp/Fair ........................................................................................................................ 14
Dreaming with God .......................................................................................................................... 15
Closing Summary .................................................................................................................................. 15

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The Vision

Mission Statement
NorthwestConnect
Connecting People for Change

Connecting:
 community resources with community needs
 faith communities under a common vision
 people with the love of God

People:
 regardless of age, people group or socioeconomic status
 in our local community context, the greater Spokane area, and eventually the Inland
Pacific Northwest
 being the church, the called out ones, putting faith in action

For Change:
 expanding the way the churches connect with our community
 both one person at a time and through influencing our culture
 through educational opportunities, meeting physical and social needs, and long term
community development
 through the transforming power of God

Founding Idea
In late 2008 District Superintendent Randy Craker began meeting with Spokane area pastors to
begin a conversation of how the Church of the Nazarene could more effectively meet the needs of
Greater Spokane. This conversation led the group to focus on the neighborhood and opportunities
surrounding Crestline Church of the Nazarene.

What started as the vision of a group of Spokane area pastors is now becoming a reality.

Mind Map
As we began meeting one of our initial tasks was to determine the ministry focus for
NorthwestConnect. We engaged in an in-depth effort of discerning the community needs which are
present in the Hillyard neighborhood. In an effort to organize the many ideas that we have felt led to
consider we developed the following Mind Map. The document has continued to serve as a useful tool
as we explore our desired future.

It is beyond the scope of this report to fully explain all the possibilities outlined on this mind map,
however you will note there are two primary ministry focus areas we have felt led to focus on (1)
Community Family Ministry and (2) Community Education and Leadership Ministry.

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Finding the Sweet Spot
With all of these ministry possibilities before us we began working to narrow our focus. One of the
tools we utilized was an exercise entitled “Finding the Sweet Spot.”

Adapted from the book Church Unique by Will Mancini, the goal of this exercise was to determine
those ministries opportunities where the three circles overlap (needs, resources and the driving passion
of our volunteers).

Organizing Principles

Partner Network
One of the fundamental organizing principles for NorthwestConnect has been to utilize the built-in
connectedness of our denominational sister churches located in the Greater Spokane area. At this point
we have been able to develop active partnerships with three of the Spokane area churches, Spokane
Valley, Spokane First and Spokane Bethel.

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Crestline Congregation's Role
Since the April 2009 meeting between the Crestline Board and representatives of the District
Advisory Board, Crestline has been continually growing to understand their role in this new ministry
venture called NorthwestConnect. The church board has continued to fully support the vision which
was originally cast of eventually turning over their building completely to the NorthwestConnect
ministry.

The activity that has been generated by NorthwestConnect has caused some anxiety, but overall it
has been received with open arms. Pastor Shawn has worked hard to make sure that both the Crestline
Church board and NorthwestConnect board of directors are informed about what is going on with both
organizations.

When NorthwestConnect is able to fully take the financial lead and take over full facilities
management, in many ways this will be seen as a relief to the Crestline leadership.

Our First Year

Board of Directors
One of the first tasks for me as Executive Director was to assemble a leadership team for what
would come to be called NorthwestConnect. Working closely with Randy Craker and in consultation
with Spokane area pastors the following team was chosen. For a short time our treasurer was Jackie
Getz, however for personal reasons she was unable to continue in the position. Dean Oberst joined us
as our new treasurer in November 2010.

In an attempt to foster shared ownership of the project, board members were chosen from three of
our partner churches, as well as from Crestline. Based on board member’s individual strengths and
backgrounds, each person has been assigned to a handful of standing committees. A listing of board
members, committee assignments, and a very brief biography follow:

Robbie Craker, Communications

Robbie serves as a district representative. She brings a background in church leadership
including communications and publications.

Jeff Crosno, Personnel & Policy

Pastor Jeff brings a background of working in church leadership as well as serving on non-profit
boards. Jeff has also made himself available to Shawn for one on one leadership mentoring
opportunities.

Billie Gehres, Personnel & Policy

Billie comes to the board as the local NMI president for Spokane Valley Nazarene. She has a
background in K-12 education administration.

Adrian Harris, Volunteer & Partner Development

Adrian serves as youth pastor for Spokane Bethel Nazarene. He brings the board a youth voice
and connections to the youth ministries of our area churches.

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 Wayne Kalbfleisch, Facilities
Wayne brings a wealth of experiences in church board leadership as well as business
management. Wayne has taken on the task of coordinating facilities management and
improvement.

Dean Oberst, Treasurer

As the newest member of our board, Dean comes with extensive experience in the banking
industry as well as serving as a founding board member for a non-profit ministry in Meridian, ID.
Dean has agreed to serve as our treasurer.

Jeff Schuster, Volunteer & Partner Development

Jeff has a passion for mentoring and youth development. Jeff works as a computer software
engineer. Jeff has worked to grow NorthwestConnect business partnerships.

Shawn Stevenson, Executive Director

Danene Vaughn, Volunteer & Partner Development

As an Associate Pastor at Spokane First Church, Danene comes to the board with extensive
experience in church leadership as well as serving on the board for other non-profits.

Doug Wold, Secretary

Doug serves as the Crestline representative on the NorthwestConnect board. Doug works as a
claims specialist in the insurance industry. Doug serves as the Sunday School Superintendent for
the Crestline church board, and as secretary of the NorthwestConnect board.

Connecting Events
As we continued to work on refining our vision and mission as a board through the spring and early
summer, we were presented with a number of opportunities to partner in ministry with our sister
churches. As these ideas were refined, it was decided to organize the fall efforts into a series of
connecting events. Described in more detail below, these events allowed us to begin building
relationships with the neighborhood. Each event was a great success.

VBS (Summer Bible Camp)

The week of August 16, 2010 we partnered with Spokane Valley Nazarene to host a VBS (aka
Summer Bible Camp). The theme of the VBS was entering into the life of an ancient Egyptian, focusing
on the life of Joseph and his “journey from prison to palace.” In addition to every participant dressing
up in period Egyptian clothing, the church parking lot was transformed into an Egyptian market.

As our first connecting event we were overwhelmed by what a great success it was. Over the course
of the week, we had almost 70 children in attendance, with nearly 40 of those attending coming from
the local neighborhood. The remaining children came from Spokane Valley Nazarene.

Discussions have already started about repeating a similar event in 2011.

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Trunk or Treat
On Halloween Sunday 2010 we
partnered with Spokane Bethel
Nazarene to host a Trunk or Treat
event in the parking lot. This
consisted of 10 to 12 carnival games,
including face painting and a jump
castle. Based on the number of
people who registered for the door
prize drawings, we estimated we had
nearly 300 people with us that day!

Thanksgiving Food Drive

This connecting event first started
during the Thanksgiving season of Trunk or Treat 2010
2009. In 2009 we were able to deliver boxes of groceries and a food gift card to about 35 families. As a
partnership with Spokane First Nazarene, we decided to repeat the event this year.

Targeting families who are affiliated with the Northeast Child Development Center which is located
a few blocks from NorthwestConnect, we once again were able to provide bags of groceries, along with
a frozen pie and turkey. This year we were able to help around 33 families.

Santa's Workshop
Our final connecting event for 2010 was an event we
called Santa’s Workshop. Designed to be an opportunity
for parents to get away for an afternoon for some
Christmas preparation, while the kids had an opportunity
to hand-make Christmas gifts to share with their loved
ones. Each child left with three or four gifts, all ready in
gift bags to be placed under the tree.

Mid-way through the afternoon the kids had a snack

and gathered to hear the Christmas story share. In
addition to the gifts for their family, each of the 35 kids
left with a gift from Santa. This gift consisted of a
Christmas storybook and a window stick-on nativity set.

Santa's Workshop 2010

Computer Lab
From early in our planning we have been exploring the possibility of establishing a community
computer lab in the NorthwestConnect facility. Through an exciting development shortly after school
started in fall 2010 work is presently underway to make this become a reality.

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 Through a partnership with TEConnections™ a before and after school student program, we are in
the process of preparing for the delivery of around 15 computers. Bethel Nazarene church is working to
prepare the computer lab room with counters and electrical connections. When this is complete
students from Rogers High School will deliver, assemble, and network the computers.

We are excited about the numerous ministry and training opportunities the computer lab will
provide. You can read more about TEConnections™ here:
http://www2.spokaneschools.org/cte/teconnections/default.asp

Children and Youth Ministry

KidsZone
Following the VBS in August, the Crestline congregation felt it was necessary to respond to the
momentum that was built by this event by re-launching their children’s ministry program, KidsZone.
KidsZone is seen by Crestline as a partnership between NorthwestConnect and Crestline. In the weeks
and months since restarting this K-6 grade mid-week ministry, we have had between 3 and 10 children
in attendance each Wednesday.

In an effort to remove potential schedule conflicts with new volunteer prospects, in October
KidsZone was moved to Thursdays. This ministry begins at 6pm each week with a free meal.

The Gathering
In early summer, through the efforts of a new volunteer partner, an informal teen gathering was
started. This meeting starting on Tuesdays originally, first moved to Wednesdays, and along with
KidsZone now meets on Thursday nights.

This ministry, geared primarily for high school students, has around 4 or 5 participants each week.
The relationships built through this ministry have led to a handful of the teens, and in some cases their
parents, also attending Crestline on Sunday morning.

Community Impact
Through our connecting events and ongoing mid-week ministries in our first year we have
undoubtedly been able to begin building momentum for future ministry opportunities. Since September
we have been entering all of the family contacts which have been made up to this point into a master
database. Using this information we have been able to construct a visual report of the number of
contacts that NorthwestConnect has made (see next page).

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 Each point on the map represents a family contact through one of our connecting events or mid-
week ministries. Using this same tool we have determined we have connected with or impacted at least
155 families since the 2009 Thanksgiving food drive.

Facilities
In recent years the Crestline congregation has made the care and maintenance of the building a
priority. Evidenced by the recent replacement of two furnaces, as well as updating the upstairs
bathrooms. As a result, NorthwestConnect finds the building overall in good shape.

Yet, with any building there are always things to be repaired or improved. Through a cooperative
effort between me, NorthwestConnect facilities director, Wayne Kalbfleisch, and Crestline members
Doug and Susan Wold; we have worked to prioritize work that is needed or desired on the building.
Early on this effort led to the scheduling of a combined facility workday.

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Workday
On May 15, 2010 representatives from Spokane Valley Nazarene and Spokane First joined together
to tackle a number of building issues. Among the many things accomplished this day, teams worked on:
 painting  office sorting
 landscaping  downstairs bathroom updates
 parking lot repair  roof survey

We had between 35 and 40 people join in work together this day, and while not all the identified
projects were accomplished, a great deal of work was accomplished.

Work Teams
One outcome of the workday on May 15, 2010 was a realization that an alternative method of
approaching facilities issues was forming smaller work teams who come together to accomplish
narrowly focused work tasks. Under the coordination of Wayne Kalbfleisch, one such work team was
formed to tackle the updating of the downstairs restrooms. This team of men from Spokane First
Church did an incredible amount of work including relocating a water heater, new sinks and toilets, hand
bars, and paint. Their work was then followed by the efforts of a contractor, to install new floors and
drop ceilings.

Teen MOPS
From the beginning, the NorthwestConnect discussion has included a desire to see a Teen MOPS
(Mothers of Preschoolers) start in the NorthwestConnect facility. Starting in October 2010, this group
became a reality. Meeting twice a month, as many as 10 young mothers have joined a dedicated group
of volunteers to hear valuable parenting training, receive emotional support, as well as making craft
projects.

The brainchild of a group of women from Spokane Valley Nazarene, we all believe the efforts of this
group will reap huge benefits both now and in the future.

Nuts and Bolts

Executive Director

Summary of Duties
This current ministry assignment has required me to wear a number of hats. Below you will find a
brief description of the activities which I have tried to effectively divide my time between.

Crestline
Early in my days in this assignment the demands of the Crestline pastoral role dominated much of
my time. The combination of this being my first move from associate pastoral ministry to taking a lead
role, combined with the perceived need to establish early on my pastoral leadership. As time
progressed it became apparent that I would need to work hard to establish meaningful patterns of
ministry which accounted for the necessity of splitting my time between many roles.

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 As solo pastor Shawn has assumed the responsibility of coordinating all aspects of the Sunday
morning service. This includes service planning, music selection and sermon preparation. Calling and
visitation of the Crestline congregation has been focused on members who are ill or request visits.

NWConnect
As Executive Director I continue to learn what is involved in birthing an organization into existence.
At times this task has been daunting, yet as we have begun to build some organizational momentum,
the birthing process has been exciting. In my first six months a great amount of time was spent in
determining and selecting the board of directors. With this task completed just prior to the beginning of
2010, the remainder of the year has been concentrated on helping the organization discover its own
identity.
Surrounded by a supportive and proven team of leaders, we have effectively been able to identify
preliminary ministry shape and form. However, this effort will be a continual process of “Finding the
Ministry Sweet Spot.” With a solid foundation laid, we are excited to see what 2011 will hold.

District Technology
As a part of my contractual agreement with Randy Craker and the DAB, I have spent approximately
one half day to one day a week working on district technology. In this capacity I have coordinated the
upgrading of all office computers. In all but one case this has meant actual new hardware. With Randy
this meant an upgrade to Windows 7. In addition to hardware support and training, I have also spent a
fair amount of time working on the backend of the district website (www.nwdistrict.org). My efforts
here have included the introduction of online registration and payment through the district website.
Most recently I have coordinated the process of upgrading the district phone system from
traditional voice service to a VOIP (voice over internet) service. This move has allowed the district to
realize a wide array of new phone system functionality along with a modest savings overall. In this
process we have also moved from DSL high speed internet service, to a cable based solution.
In this support role, I remain “on call” for district office staff to address software and hardware
solutions. I am also working with Stacy and Randy to establish a long term technology budgeting
process and plan.

Community Connections
A major priority since first arriving in the Hillyard neighborhood has been an ongoing effort to find
ways to connect to community organizations and leaders. One avenue through which this has been
accomplished is becoming a member and participating in the efforts of the Greater Hillyard Business
Association (GHBA). This organization is largely made up of the “mover and shakers” of civic leadership.
The efforts of the GHBA can be tied in large part to the recent downtown renewal being realized in
Hillyard.
In addition to community involvement, Shawn has been blessed to find a group of ministers from
the Hillyard area who meet on a regular basis for fellowship and prayer. This group is an extension of
the GSAE (Greater Spokane Association of Evangelicals).
Through these GSAE connections I was recently invited to participate in a grassroots effort to help
our churches more actively engage in service ministry to our city. This fledgling effort has taken the
name “Serve Our City.” This connectional organization exists to “…seek to create relationships and
connections between churches, people, and our city in the service of Christ. We seek renewal of God’s
people as they demonstrate God's love to our city and to restore the reputation of Christ in Spokane.”
All these efforts have taken an investment of time, but have yielded many opportunities to share
about NorthwestConnect and the ministry being developed.

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Annual Finance Report
Fundraising has not been a focused ministry effort in this year of discovering our identity. However,
for the year 2010 (at last accounting) NorthwestConnect received donations totaling approximately
$3500.

These donations have been received on NorthwestConnect’s behalf either by the District office
(about $900) or directly by Crestline Nazarene on behalf of NorthwestConnect ($2600).

Incorporation Steps
One of the remaining hurdles in formally launching NorthwestConnect has been the filing of
incorporation papers with the State of Washington, and subsequently applying for 501c3 status with the
IRS. Due in part to our losing our treasurer early in the year, accomplishing this task is a major priority
for 2011. We anticipate being able to have this process fully underway within the next few weeks.

At such time, we will approach the DAB for review of specific articles of incorporation and bylaws
which will outline the relationship between NorthwestConnect and the DAB.

Looking Ahead

Repeating Connecting Events

As we look to 2011we are already having discussions about repeating some or all of the connecting
events from 2010. There have also been suggestions from our partner churches of new connecting
events for the coming year.

However, we acknowledge in some ways these connecting events have been episodic and
temporary. In the long term, we desire to establish ongoing, sustainable ministry efforts which will have
lasting and continual effect on our neighborhood.

With this in mind we continue to explore and refine our vision and mission. Below are a few of the
new initiatives we see on the horizon for 2011.

New Initiatives

Non-Food Pantry
Our first ongoing, sustainable ministry effort will be the establishment of a non-food pantry. In our
survey of community needs, we have discovered a number of organizations are already providing food
distribution. However, as best as we can tell there are few if any organizations providing ongoing access
to those regular household non-food items which are not covered by food stamps or special assistance.
Below is a list of the items we intend to collect:

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 Personal Care Household Cleaning Supplies
feminine hygiene products floor cleaner
toothpaste all purpose cleaner
toothbrushes mops
dental floss sponges
shampoo Soap Products
hairbrushes/combs dish soap
bath soap hand soap
deodorant dishwasher soap
razors laundry detergent
shaving cream
Paper Products
Child Care Supplies napkins
baby wipes paper towels
diapers toilet paper
tissues

One partner church has already beginning collecting these items. We will be expanding the
invitation first to our partner churches and eventually to other sister churches in the Hillyard
community.

Technology Training
With the reality of the computer lab coming soon, we see a number of opportunities to take
advantage of this resource. A brief listing of possibilities is below:
 Computer application training
 Website development training
 Basic computer/internet usage
 Basic computer repair

Science Camp/Fair
A number of us are trying to pull together the necessary organization to offer a science camp or
sponsor/host a community science fair competition. While our initial efforts in getting business partners
for this event have not been successful, we still see great promise in the possibilities of such an effort.

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Dreaming with God
As we look to the future we desire to continually be open to where God may be leading. Pray with
us as we endeavor to be found in the center of God’s will as a ministry. The following is a list of new
ministry ideas we will continue to prayerfully consider in 2011.

 New Mentoring Opportunities (to children of incarcerated individuals)

 Elder Care Teams
 Leadership Camp
 Music Camp
 NNU Scholarship Partnership

Closing Summary

Collectively, at the beginning of our second year of ministry, we are convinced more than ever that
the mission of NorthwestConnect is one that is God ordained. The church was never intended to exist
for itself; we are called to be partners with God in God’s redemptive mission in the world. As such, we
endeavor to join God in His mission. We seek to have our hearts broken by the things that break God’s
heart. We have set our aim on the task of community transformation in the name of Jesus Christ.

However, to accomplish these lofty goals, we must continue to minister daily to the families and
individuals who make up our community.

To make ministry happen we need committed ministers. With this in mind, one of our primary
goals for this coming year is to continue the recruiting of volunteers for both episodic connecting events
and ongoing, sustainable, ministry efforts.

To make ministry happen also requires financial resources. We will also need to begin focused
fundraising efforts both from our partner churches and other outside funding sources.

To make ministry happen there must be a clear vision. We will continue efforts to refine our
ministry vision, looking for multiple opportunities and venues to share this vision.

Finally, to make ministry happen we must rely entirely on the empowering and leading of God’s Holy
Spirit. We covet your prayers as we continue this God adventure.

Respectfully Submitted,

Shawn Stevenson
Executive Director
NorthwestConnect
www.nwconnect.org

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