ReThink Church

The new focus of the United Methodist Church is calling us to "ReThink" church. It calls us to start thinking about ways to meet the needs of our ever growing cultural change. Phrases such as "post Christian period" - "seekers" - and "10Thousand doors" have become part of the regular conversation in congregational development. What do you see as the challenges of this shift in congregational ministry? Having been in active pastoral ministry for over 30 years I have seen the change take place in the shrinking of the mainline denominations. Yet, I read the statistics and see the overwhelming numbers of unchurched/seekers who are drifting - looking for a faith connection. One of the outstanding concerns I have personally is how to interpret the need to be more open in our style of ministry without losing the integrity of the Word of God. How to nurture the present congregation and enable them to reach out into the commnity with the actions of Christ.