I am passionate about renewal within the United Methodist Church in Kansas. I believe that Bridges to the Future Capital Campaign for Kansas United Methodists is an important part of this renewal. The following content was provided as a part of the Kansas East Media Packet.
“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
Bridges take us from where we are to where we want to go. Our conference has approved this initiative to enable us to provide more appropriate facilities for campus ministries and camping, and to expand the Kingdom through church growth and development.
Plan Strengths:
• Utilizes latest knowledge and best practices in church development
• Focuses on leadership development for new and existing congregations and on raising leadership from within ethnic populations
• Existing congregations have a number of options for revitalization based on size, location and needs
• Utilizes demographic data to determine the best locations for new congregations
Important Facts:
• 25 percent of the conference’s 20 largest churches were started in the past 20 years; 8.5 percent of church members and 30 percent of average worship attendance come from new churches
• Area superintendent of new church development appointed July 1, 2006
• Potential new-church pastors are required to attend national training events and participate in mentoring
Benefits:
• Takes seriously and challenges churches to fulfill Christ’s Great Commission to take the gospel into all the world and to make disciples of all people
• Lives of new Christians are transformed by the power of God’s grace and love in Jesus Christ
• Raises the level of understanding of the need for new churches
• Trains clergy and laity to be more effective in making disciples
“I first learned of the church when I came here to inquire about taking some English classes. I like this church because it is relaxed, and I like the way the service is done and the way the pastor speaks.”
–Fabian Alessandria, a new immigrant from Argentina, now living in Olathe and attending Iglesia Centro de Gracia (formerly Unidos en Cristo)
Rev. Andrew Conard 