Tags: Discipleship, Leadership, Medium, Support Groups, Vibrant Church, Virginia
We have been blessed to see many new members, ministries, and increases in church growth over the last 6 years at CUMC. There are many reasons for this. One was that the church made a huge change asking my family and me as a middle aged pastor to come. For the previous 25 plus years, the church served as a last stop before the pastor retired. So, as pastor, I had been trained in a whole different way. Studying under Dr George Morris, and Dr James Logan gave me a healthy perspective on Incarnational Evangelism which has helped define my ministry and has been passed on through training to both congregations I have been blessed to serve.
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In 2010, The Foundation for Evangelism introduced new recognition programs, experienced successes in doctoral education programs, and welcomed a variety of professional changes for members of the Foundation family. Through it all, we continue our vision to raise up generations of leaders.
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by Joseph McBrayer, Director of Emory Wesley Fellowship At Refresh 2010, this past December 14-16th, in Kansas City, KS over 150+ other United Methodist Campus Ministers gathered at the Church of the Resurrection to engage in the practices of reflection, worship, dialogue, and prayer about ministry with college students and young adults. The three days [...]
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Tags: Children, Medium, Vibrant Church, W North Carolina
A Place Dominated By Love
Mount Pleasant United Methodist is located in the Piedmont of North Carolina in the town of Mount Pleasant about 30 miles North of Charlotte.
This is a phenomenal congregation blessed by God. I am reminded of the words spoken by Mary, “my soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior..”(Luke 1:46). I rejoice at the hand of God upon us.
As I reflect concerning the vitality of these people, it is a gift from the Holy Spirit. These people want to grow and are unafraid to make the necessary changes to see it happen. Mount Pleasant had a long range planning team that saw the need to enlarge the present facilities. There was not adequate office, Sunday school, worship, or fellowship space. It was simply out of room. Therefore, the congregation embarked on a 3.1 million building project in a time many businesses and ministries have scaled back.
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Fifteen years ago, Lynda Leonard joined The Foundation for Evangelism staff, serving as executive assistant to Bishop Earl Hunt, Paul Ervin, and Jack Ewing. In that time, she has earned the love and trust of the Foundation staff and board of trustees with her quick wit, caring attitude, and diligent work ethic. Among those who know the organization well the saying goes, [...]
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Tags: Medium, Oklahoma, Prayer
“Success” has resulted from prayer
Our society in particular is sharply focused upon and enamored with success. In ministry, attendance is one of the chief indicators we look at in order to measure “success” and/or effectiveness. Like most pastors, I love to see a full sanctuary of worshippers or a crowded classroom of Christian disciples. At my best, I live gratefully as Christ’s servant; want to see persons discover Christ, connect to Christ, become intimate with Christ, and commit to be on mission with Christ. At worst I want recognition, rewards, and accolades for being successful in my career as a pastor. I confess this struggle today, because I believe our preoccupation with attendance can be a two edged sword helping or hurting our effectiveness and spiritual vitality.
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