From time to time, I like to share what’s under development in our church family. The Scriptures use organic terminology to describe the church (i.e., Christ’s Body). Living things should always be developing, and if we are fulfilling the will of God, a greater development unto maturity and mission should always be taking place. Therefore, while this blog may feel a bit serendipitous, may it reflect the living momentum of God in our midst.

What’s under development in the life of Christ Methodist Church? Here’s an update based on multiple categories:

Children’s Ministry

For the past year, elementary and student ministry leaders have met regularly to pray over every child (Infants through high schoolers), every family, and every volunteer.

Because environments on our campus impact openness to the Gospel and discipleship, we have made visual improvements to both the elementary and nursery ministry areas of the church. We have also focused on developing the Children’s Choir ministry by teaching emerging generations to be worshippers rather than performers.

On Wednesday Nights, the children’s ministry team has been teaching a series on The Character of God. Additionally, Sunday curriculum improvements have occurred, particularly through utilizing The Gospel Project material. 

Student Ministry

Once again, because environments matter as emerging generations hear the Gospel and engage in discipleship, the Roger’s Center student offices and Discipleship Group rooms have recently received new paint and furniture. 

Our Student Ministry team, made up of William Merriman, Anna Jenness, and Olivia Hewitt, has created a comprehensive three-year Confirmation Curriculum that not only disciples students in basic Christian doctrine but also informs them with a strong Wesleyan emphasis.

• 6th graders go through Dr. Phil Tallon’s Absolute Basics of the Christian Faith.

• 7th graders go through the Global Methodist Catechism with an adult who uses a supplemental catechism mentor discussion guide written by our student ministry staff. 

• 8th graders go through Dr. Phil Tallon’s Absolute Basics of the Wesleyan Way (12th graders help lead small groups).

We’ve recently changed the structure of Wednesday Night Refuge from alternating large group one week and small group the next to a combined night with both large and small group elements. This change has been very positive since the students can go straight to their D-groups after hearing a message rather than waiting a week before discussing it. Discussion, application, retention, and participation have all improved since we began doing large and small groups on the same night.

Prayer Ministry

We have continued to embrace Prayer Summit gatherings on Wednesday nights last fall and during this Winter/Spring semester of our To the Nations series. In addition, Janet Sheahan and Dave Burton are providing leadership for teams who are praying Ephesians 1 type prayers over the worship gatherings taking place in both the sanctuary and in Seabrook Hall.

Discipleship Development

A church is only as strong as her disciples. Under Discipleship Pastor Grant Caldwell’s leadership, regular opportunities for equipping in intentional discipleship are ongoing. From Banded Discipleship to weekly discipleship groups to Sunday school classes, equipping in intentional discipleship is a priority. Here’s a link to grasp a better understanding of intentional discipleship: link. 

Vision Team

As mentioned in previous WFPPs, the work of the Christ Church Vision Team is now complete. The proposed Mission, Vision, and Core Values will now go before the Church Council for prayerful discernment and consideration.

Vision Team

As mentioned in previous WFPPs, the work of the Christ Church Vision Team is now complete. The proposed Mission, Vision, and Core Values will now go before the Church Council for prayerful discernment and consideration.

Web development

After the Vision Team’s work is approved and the new branding is complete, work will begin on a new website for Christ Methodist Church. It will feature everything currently on the website but include new features centering on our mission, vision, core values, local and global missions, resources, and church planting. 

Missions: Lanes for the Expression of Local and Global Ministry

A vision paper for local and global missions was recently introduced to the Christ Church Mission’s Team. As it moves through the proper process, more will be shared. Our Missions Pastor, Nathan Cook, has developed a document that expresses ways you can presently serve in mission. You can access the document HERE. 

Coming Soon:

• New Podcast Set: The Christ Church Communications Team is developing a video podcast set for special topics and updates in both audio and video format. We hope to have the new podcast fully developed by mid-June of this year.

• Resurrection of Perceptions Radio Spots: We plan to resurrect the Perceptions Radio spots on area radio stations in the fall of 2024.