The United
Methodist denomination is on the verge of
a major crisis - and on the verge of a major
opportunity. The bad news is that many of
our conferences are losing members each
year, and there may be a large number of
church closings in the next ten to 15 years.
The good news is that we know that planting
new churches is a proven way of bringing
more people to Christ and the church. If
we remain true to our Wesleyan roots, we
can overcome this adversity and bring the
Gospel to everyone's doorstep, and with
God's help, make Christ's kingdom stronger.
The
North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist
Church created A TIME TO GROW as a major gifts
effort with two main points of focus:
1) To supplement the site development and operating
costs in the critical first years of new church
growth.
2) To prepare lay and clergy leaders for the unique
leadership demands of new church development.
While there is a significant challenge facing
our church, there is also a tremendous opportunity
to bring Christ to more people than ever before.
Together, we can make it A TIME TO GROW!
"I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. " —
Matthew 9:17
