by Elliott Wright

Evanston, Illinois, August 1, 2009--Forming strong new congregations takes a "theology of being in mission" as much as a "theology of attraction," according to a United Methodist bishop who holds a key position in his denomination's global structure.

"We don't start new churches just to get new people in the door but to set believers to work in mission," said Bishop Bruce Ough in an interview during the 2009 United Methodist School of Congregational Development. He is… Continue

by Elliott Wright

Evanston, Illinois, August 1, 2009--A renewed emphasis on evangelism and new church development is taking place across the global United Methodist Church.

A large gathering of US church developers in Evanston was the venue for announcing in this country the resumption of Academies for Evangelization and Church Growth in Africa.

"These academies will equip, empower, and strengthen new leaders" in the denomination's African regional conferences, according to the Rev. Ke… Continue

by Elliott Wright

Evanston, Illinois, July 31, 2009--A dynamic Chicago preacher told her United Methodist denomination to stop acting "de-powered" and respond to Jesus' call to get up and move out.

The Rev. Dr. Cecilia Harris brought a message of hope and determination to the 2009 School of Congregational Development, meeting in Evanston on July 29 to August 2. She is pastor of St. Matthew United Methodist Church on Chicago's Near West Side.

Some 600 school participants, mostly engaged… Continue

by Elliott Wright

Evanston, Illinois, July 30, 2009--Can Methodists learn anything about genuine, effective Christian evangelism today from their denomination's founding period 250 years ago?

"Yes," says a Duke University professor, who held an audience of 600 church developers spellbound at 8:30 a.m. on July 30 with a lively look at how the Wesley brothers, John and Charles, gave rise to a movement that profoundly affected England, then swept the young United States of America.

"Early… Continue

by Elliott Wright

Evanston, Illinois, July 30, 2009--The 2009 United Methodist School of Congregational Development got under way with a rousing appeal to the denomination to greatly increase the number of ordained clergy under the age of 35.

"Young people got talent," declared Bishop James Swanson (referencing the title of a popular TV show); they have both "energy and talent," which The United Methodist Church needs as it moves into the future.

Bishop Swanson is the leader of his chu… Continue