By Rev. Stephanie Smith
We are seeing the connection in South Georgia move in new and exciting ways in just over two months since our Annual Conference meeting. We see God moving in home churches, host churches, fresh expressions, new partnerships, and new church starts.
Established churches, serving as host churches, are working on their online presence. By doing so, they are creating an inviting connection for home churches to participate in the worship and life of the host church. This movement is stretching all the way across the conference. One example is Trinity UMC in Savannah, Ga, connecting with a home church meeting in Albany, Ga. This relationship continues to grow and bear fruit as both groups draw closer in their relationship with God and each other.
These “New Things” are bringing about a spirit of excitement and joy. How can you not be excited about the future of GAME church or BBQ church? These two Fresh Expressions are taking the church to where people are. They are extending the invitation for new people to gather in new places, share a Jesus story, and enjoy fellowship, games, and food.
New things are beginning to take root and grow as new church starts are making strides to charter as United Methodist Churches. These groups are discerning their mission, vision, and values, as well as the people God is leading them to do ministry with.
Our prayer in South Georgia is to preach the Word of God with great boldness (Acts 4:31). Sometimes, we feel called to do a new thing but do not know where to start or who to ask for guidance. The Office of Congregational Development offers many new opportunities to learn and grow as you share the work of God in your life. From Lay Planters Academy, to conferences for Rural churches and education about Fresh Expressions, God is equipping and calling us forward in new and exciting ways.
As the people of the South Georgia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, we celebrate the new things God is doing and come together as “one in Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world.”
Interested in being part of something new? Contact Anne Bosarge at abosarge@sgaumc.com.
Rev. Stephanie Smith is one of the cultivators for the South Georgia Conference.