| Church Development New Hope — With A New Method
By Dr. Montfort C. Duncan Jr.,
Executive Director, Church Development
 New
Hope United Methodist Church, Orlando, started in June 2001 with a new
vision. Part of that vision was born in the heart of the pastor, the
Rev. Jack Jackson. This church began with the purpose of reaching the
post-modern generation in and around the downtown Orlando area.
Jackson spent his initial days sharing why this new church would
complement the ministries of other downtown churches, both United
Methodist and other denominations. A great deal of time was spent
laying the prayer and financial foundation for the church.
Jackson’s financial goal was to raise $220,000
to help launch this new congregation. The vision was to receive no
support from the district. The support would come from the Conference
Committee on Church Development [for pastoral compensation] and those
friends, families and churches that would buy into the vision with
financial support over the next three years. To date the church has
secured more than $200,000 in pledges and gifts to support and
undergird this new ministry. New Hope has already received more than
$120,000 toward these commitments.
New Hope has also partnered with about 15 other
United Methodist churches in the area. Many of these churches helped
lay the prayer foundation for this congregation. It is also partnering
in significant ways, such as office space, mission trips and service
projects, with First United Methodist Church, Orlando.
This method of funding and working with
surrounding churches is a new paradigm for many of our churches in
Florida. It frees the district up to provide oversight and use its
resources for another new church start in a growing area of the
district. This model can be duplicated in other districts. Pastors
with this kind of vision are needed to extend this model to other
areas of our growing conference.
If God is calling you as a pastor, or if God is
calling your church, to join this exciting Kingdom-building faith
adventure, give me a call and let’s spend some time together talking
about what God’s vision might be for you or your church. “The
fields are white unto harvest.” |
