Field Outreach Ministers
In 2006 the Iowa Annual Conference took a bold step to move the United Methodist churches toward revitalization in the mission of Jesus Christ. As part of a plan to reorganize and redistrict the Conference, the position of Field Outreach Minister (FOM) was created. An FOM was assigned along with a district superintendent and administrative secretary to each of the eight new districts.
Field Outreach Ministers are “free agents” for renewal – going wherever there is an opening, doing whatever it takes, developing partnerships with clergy and laity – to stir up congregations to pursue the United Methodist mission of “making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”
FOMs teach, provide resources, consult, preach, facilitate change, and support leadership. They listen, pray, advise, encourage, and challenge leaders to risk following Jesus into the new mission field which is their community. Check out the
Local Church Resources page to find materials recommended by the FOMs.
FOMs have responsibility for aiding the formation of Ministry Action Teams, clusters of congregations or leaders who respond to a call to practical service in their area of the state. They also support the work of district Stewardship Teams, as they work to strengthen and enhance the Christian stewardship of congregations in each district.
The world is changing very rapidly. The position of churches within American society and within our communities is very different from forty years ago. Long-standing habits, patterns and customs of church life are proving less and less effective. Many believe that the Spirit of God is stirring within the Church – stirring up a movement of renewal in faith and mission that reminds us of the Wesleyan origins of the United Methodist Church.
Do you want to be part of that movement? Your Field Outreach Ministers stand ready to assist you – with decades of experience and continued learning at their disposal and at your service. Bishop Trimble introduces the FOMs as an extension of the local church staff, so don't be shy. Call your FOM today!
To contact Field Outreach Ministers via email, click on their name below, or call the District Office telephone number listed. Click on the map to find out more about each district.
