100 Pastors

 

                                                                                 - Photo by Dustin Maust

Sheila and I spent the last several days with the pastors of the largest 100 United Methodist Churches in America. 

In the United Methodist Church, 60% of the churches in North America average 60 people, or less, attending worship services every weekend. Nationwide, there are only 13 churches with more than 3,000 in weekend attendance. There are 33 averaging 2,000 in weekend attendance. 100 UM churches have more than 1,000 on a typical weekend. 1,000 UM churches average over 500 people attending their weekend services.

This historic gathering of pastors triggered new commitments for growth and health in the UMC. Pledges were made to start new worshiping faith communities, send more of the "best and brightest" to seminary, increase missional giving and enhance our ministries to the poor.

Great days are ahead.  We have a mission to fulfill.

Matthew 28:18-20 -  Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Comments

[Ariel]

As a pastor in the Southern Baptist Convention, I want to say that is awesome! I pray and hope God does great things in the UMC!

By the way, my lead pastor drove down there to Grancer after the Leadership Summit at Willow Creek and he really enjoyed his experience there. I must admit, I was pretty jealous of him when he told me he went to GCC.

[Craig Dale]

I am encouraged...As one of the 60% moving a church to be one of the 1000 UMC's over 500 in worship...I pray your vision and passion somehow reaches those of us that share the vision, but lack the encouragement and support.