multi-sitechurch

Pray For Peace 2008


	Pray For Peace

Seminole United Methodist Church
5400 Seminole Boulevard
Seminole, Florida 33772-7399
Office Phone: 727-391-9781
Preschool Phone: 727-391-0657

Multi-Site Church Project Moving Forward

Representatives from several local United Methodist Churches
(including Seminole) continue to work toward the development of a
strategy that will bring our congregations closer together in more
cooperative approaches to the common ministries in which we are
all involved.

During the year of 2008 data related to properties, staffs, finances,
and demographics of our churches and communities will be
gathered and studied. Our congregations will be surveyed and
monthly meetings of pastors and all interested laity will be
announced.

There are several models for multi-site church structures being
tried around the country. Right now, however, the one that will
meet our needs and dreams doesn't seem to exist. This means that
we are embarked on an exciting journey of developing a new way
for us to strengthen each other while truly connecting to enhance
and advance the work of feeding the hungry, redeeming the lost,
and making disciples of searching souls in this county. The Laity
meeting in January will be on Tuesday the 15th at Friendship UMC.

United Methodists often joke about the many organizational layers
of church life, but, as members of other denominations have been
heard to say: “If you want something done, get the Methodists to do
it.” Followers of the Wesleys are indeed “methodical” about the
ways they approach mission and ministry.

One reason United Methodists are able to accomplish great things
is the church’s emphasis on “connectionalism.” It is common to hear
United Methodist leaders speak of the denomination as “the
connection.” This concept has been central to Methodism from its
beginning.

The United Methodist Church, which began as a movement and a
loose network of local societies with a mission, has grown into one
of the most carefully organized and largest denominations in the
world. The United Methodist structure and organization began as a
means of accomplishing the mission of spreading Scriptural
Holiness over the land. John Wesley recognized the need for an
organized system of communication and accountability and
developed what he called the “connexion,” which was an
interlocking system of classes, societies, and annual conferences.
(UM Member’s Handbook, p 24)

No local church is the total body of Christ. Therefore, local United
Methodist churches are bound together by a common mission and
common governance that accomplish reaching out into the world.
United Methodist churches and organizations join in mission with
each other and with other denominations.

Connectionalism shows through the clergy appointment system,
through the developing of mission and ministry that United
Methodists do together, and through giving.

An example of connectionalism: Mission work around the world,
whether it be a new university in Africa or bicycles for Cuban
pastors, is the work of “the connection,” as opposed to the work of
a single congregation.