One Network Connect Groups are intentionally curated groups of Free Methodist lead pastors (or delegated representatives) who gather to build authentic relationships, encourage one another, and strengthen one another in ministry. These are not another meeting, committee, or training program. They are opportunities to share meaningful experiences, pray together, and build lasting friendships across the Oregon and Pacific Northwest Conferences.

Pastoral leadership is deeply rewarding, but it can also be isolating. Connect Groups were created to intentionally strengthen relationships between pastors through shared experiences rather than formal meetings. Our hope is that these friendships become trusted sources of encouragement, wisdom, prayer, and support for years to come.

Each group includes lead pastors (or delegated representatives) from both the Oregon and Pacific Northwest Conferences. Groups are intentionally formed to bring together pastors from different ministry contexts, leadership styles, locations, and experiences. Spouses and families are welcome whenever it makes sense for the group.

Groups are thoughtfully selected by conference leadership and the Superintendents rather than being self-selected or based solely on geography. The goal is to help pastors build relationships beyond the people they already know.

Each group is encouraged to gather one or two times between August 1 and January 15. The exact timing, location, and format are determined by the group.

Each group has one or two designated Group Coordinators who help organize the gathering, communicate with participants, manage the budget, and submit the brief follow-up report after the event. Their role is simply to coordinate the experience so everyone can focus on building relationships. 

Overall oversight of the One Conference Connection Groups initiative is jointly held by the Superintendents of the Oregon Conference of the Free Methodist Church (OR-FMC) and the Pacific Northwest Conference (PNWC). Nancy Dunbar (OR-FMC Conference Administrator) and Joan Foster (PNWC Administrator) handle day-to-day administration.

Yes. One Network provides funding to help cover gathering expenses so pastors can focus on building relationships rather than the cost of hosting.

Funding amounts range from approximately $2,000 to $4,000, depending on the size of the group. It is based on $450 per pastor/delegate (note: this does not include family members).

Each Connection Group will receive a one-time contribution to fund their shared activity.

• Funds are to be used for the shared group activity only. 

• Receipts must be retained and submitted with the Group Report (see below).

• Unused funds are to be returned to [OR-FMC / PNWC as applicable].

Funding is intended to support your group's shared experience together.

Examples include:

• Meals, if part of other gatherings 

• Admission tickets

• Lodging

• Meeting space

• Family-friendly activities

• Outdoor recreation

• Sporting events

• Shared experiences that encourage meaningful connection

The goal is to create a shared experience, not simply share a meal.

The best gatherings create space for conversation, laughter, and shared memories. While a meal is often part of the experience, we encourage groups to choose an activity that gives everyone something to experience together. Consider travel time, accessibility, schedules, and the interests of everyone in your group as you plan.

No. There is no curriculum, required discussion topics, or meeting format.

Some groups may spend time talking about ministry, while others may simply enjoy an activity together. The primary objective is building authentic relationships through shared experiences.

Participants are encouraged to:

• Prioritize attending their gathering(s).

• Engage honestly and authentically.

• Encourage and pray for one another.

• Respect confidentiality.

• Invest in relationships that continue beyond the scheduled gatherings.

Yes. Trust is essential to healthy relationships. Personal conversations, ministry challenges, and stories shared within the group should remain confidential unless permission is given to share them.

Your group leaders will submit a short and simple report, but nothing else is required.

However, our HOPE is that this will catalyze new friendships and connections that will continue to live, grow, and deepen over the days, months, and years that follow!

Within 30 days of the activity, the Coordinator must submit a brief Group Report to Nancy Dunbar (OR-FMC) or Joan Foster (PNWC), depending on which conference the Coordinator belongs to.

The report should cover:

1. What the group did — a short description of the activity, where it took place, and who attended

2. How funds were used — a summary of expenditure with receipts attached

3. One or two reflections — two or three observations about the group's time together. What stood out from your time together? What did you learn about each other? The Coordinator may write these reflections or invite group members to share brief video responses.

4. (optional) A short video — no more than three minutes long. A phone recording is fine. It just needs to give a sense of what the group did and who was there.

5. Photos — up to ten photos from the event. These may be used in communications from both conferences to share the story of the groups.

The report does not need to be long. We simply want to hear how the gathering went, learn whether these groups are helping build relationships, and provide our boards with a simple record of how the funds were used.

If you have questions about planning your gathering, funding, or reimbursement, please reach out to your conference administrator or the One Network leadership team. We're happy to help.

Oregon Conference (OR-FMC)
 Nancy Dunbar
 Conference Administrator
 📧 nancy@oregonfmc.com

Pacific Northwest Conference (PNWC)
 Joan Foster
 Conference Administrator
 📧 joan.foster@pnwc.org