Want Ecumenical? Let's Try Church Starts.

This past General Conference the leaders of the United Methodist Church, put the start of new churches as a top priority. I'm excited about that decision, not just because I am a lead pastor of a new church start but because it is what we should have never stopped doing.

Along the way however, it seems we managed to lose sight of John Wesley's passion of the whole world being our parish. John didn't have much concern for stepping on toes when it came to the issue of going where people were both hurting and yearning to hear the Gospel. I'm excited we're getting back to that passion.

But just what exactly are we doing?

Path1 is part of the United Methodist Church's initiative to start more new churches. I'm a little disappointed more information has not gone out to those of us who are starting these new churches. Why it isn't I'm not sure but on my first glance, this seems to be a good start for the movement.

In North Georgia, we've got a number of things to assist church planters determine their calling. Plus we work with Jim Griffith. If you want a coach from the Mike Ditka school of coaching, Jim's your guy! He doesn't pull punches but provides real help and insight.

Still, nothing beats the power of networking. One thing I've learned in this process is that church planters have a real heart for Kingdom work across denominational lines. If we're looking for ecumenical partnering, church planting maybe one of those places where it could really take off.

Consider, Churchplanters.com. I spent six months with Shawn Lovejoy and Dave Putnam at Mountain Lake Church in Cumming. We had guys from all over the U.S. come, all Baptist save little old me. I got a lot of great insight and help from these guys plus an open door policy for us.

We've gotten help from Cedarcrest Church and Pastor George Wright. We sat down and did an interview that will be published locally and I'll put on my blog. J.R. Lee from Freedom Church and I will be hanging out this next week to talk as well and I'm looking forward to that too.

This week is a big deal at Crossroads UMC as we prepare for launch. Our trailer and equipment are on their way and our team is gearing up for our first preview. I've been reminded over and over again that this is God's thing. It is great to know that the Spirit of God is going before all we do...as The Church.


May I Ask: Should the UMC partner more with those churches and denominations proving effective in church starts?

May I Suggest: Take some time to consider what you believe ecumenical means. Within the orthodox Christian faith, what do you think the limits should be?