2010 Plan Update #20: June 2002
2010 Plan's Objective: Enlisting the conference and its churches to reach new population groups for Jesus Christ.
Key Developments Since Last Update:
- NEW CHURCH LAUNCHED.
The Bishop and Cabinet appointed Rev. Kevin Buckley to head up a new church plant in the Michiana District targeting those living in apartment complexes. Pathways UM Church was officially launched June 16th. It plans to develop a dozen small groups and begin its first worship service in a year. Initially it's targeting Irish Hills--a 1,200 unit complex on South Bend's south side.
Kevin was appointed quarter-time to the new-church plant and three-quarters time to South Bend Maple Lane UMC. For the first year the plant is receiving $10,000 from the Michiana District, $15,000 from the conference through a Church Development grant, and an additional $10,000 has been given from a benefactor. Contact Kevin at kjbuckley@earthlink.net to join his prayer support team. (Learn more about the new church plant in the July/August "Vital Signs" article.)
- CHURCH PLANTERS.
Two additional people have been identified by their district superintendents to go through an initial screening process to see if they would be good church planting candidates. They are to be screened in July.
- CHURCH DEVELOPMENT GRANTS.
Special Church Development grants have been announced to every pastor serving a church in the NIC. These grants are all specifically to assist churches in reaching new population groups for Christ. So far, nearly 20 churches have indicated that it is "likely" or "very likely" that they will be requesting a matching grant (for up to $5,000) to launch a new worship service to reach a new population group. Five churches have indicated that they may be applying for a relocation grant ($10,000-$50,000). Several churches indicated an interest in applying for a grant to establish a second campus. And four indicated that they are hoping to establish a new ethnic faith community.
Prayer Concerns:
- Pray for Rev. Kevin Buckley and the Michiana District new-church project.
- Pray for the initial screening of the two potential church planters.
- Pray for potential church plants (or second campuses) at Angola, Valparaiso, the north side of Fort Wayne, and Schererville/St. John (Calumet).
- Pray that God would make our hearts--ache for the lost!
