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People Draw People

New people, new churches, existing congregations experiencing new growth. I see it happening all over Iowa.  A new digital sign welcomes air travelers to the Des Moines airport daily. “The People of the United Methodist Church welcome you to Iowa.” As thousands enjoy the State Fair this August, the Iowa Annual Conference is preparing to go on the offense.  As we get excited about fall football season and back to school transitions, we unashamedly proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ for what it is, “Good News.”
 
United Methodist Bishop James Swanson kicked off the 2009 School for Congregational Development by declaring that the good news of God’s power, love and grace must be shared with those not in the Church.  Young people will be critical to any revival in the Methodist movement today.  Bishop Swanson insisted that we must invite and value the leadership of a new generation.
 
Millions of young people under age 35 grew up in this country without ever walking through the door of a church.  Research says that each new generation becomes more and more unchurched. Great opportunity exists for the United Methodist Church to create new places for new people. Iowa United Methodist Churches must take a close look at our mission field and ask some critical questions.  
  • What must we do to reach more people, more young people and more diverse people in our communities? 
  • When was the last time we shared our faith with someone who does not attend Church?
  • Are we holding on or reaching out? 
Rev. Michael Slaughter writes about vision and the urgency of this present moment in his book, Momentum for Life, “We live in a time of exponential and revolutionary change.  If our life work is to be an honorable, excellent offering to God, we can’t ever afford to become content or comfortable staying where we are.”Adaptive and inspirational leadership is essential, because words matched by deeds will allow clergy and lay leadership to live contagious Christian lives.
 
Over 600 came to Evanston, Illinois, July 29-August 2nd for the School of Congregational Development.  United Methodists from around the country experienced vibrant worship, powerful prayer and significant learning that can be adapted to our context for ministry.  Thanks to Scott Hibben, Leadership Development Minister for Congregational Development, the Iowa Annual Conference was well represented. We gathered for a lunch meal to reflect on the opportunity to reach more Iowans as we go on the offense this fall. Let’s take the love of Jesus to wherever the people are.  Invite someone to church this coming week. 
 
A simple, but powerful adage was shared by Rev. Candace Lewis of the PATH 1, General Board of Discipleship staff.  Quoting now deceased Bishop Cornelius Henderson she reminded us, “People Draw People and Crowds Draw Crowds.”
 
“I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?  I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”   Isaiah 43:19(NRSV)
 
Be Encouraged...
 

Topics: Evangelism