We have experienced some wonderful transformation and change through the DNA Coaching program, since starting two years ago.

We constructed a Welcome Center, trained our Greeters, fine-tuned our guest follow-up, and spruced up the outside of our church facility.

We became a certified "Welcoming Congregation," began making plans to add a second worship service, and began planning to expand our church staff. Our second worship service has been a wonderful success, and we have hired an ordained associate minister.

Worship attendance has increased by 16 percent, and our Sunday school attendance has increased by 10 percent from the previous two years.

Don Nations, our DNA coach, says much of what a pastor knows to say, but our church has responded more efficiently to an outside voice.

The Ministry Survey Report, with a churchwide survey and packet, was a large undertaking. One and one-half weeks after we turned in the completed report, Don asked me follow-up questions; I was amazed at his insights into some of our struggles.

Don pinpointed issues we had been avoiding for five years. He also had great insight into areas that we had not been able to verbalize. Had he not been blunt, he would not have been able to give us direction we needed, we would not have heard, and we would not have listened to his expertise.

I anticipate his final report will give us a framework for ministry for the next five to 10 years.

Derrek Belase is the liaison for the DNA Coaching program in Oklahoma. He is pastor at Stillwater-Highland Park UMC, 405-372-8001.

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