As we look to the future of our ministry at UMCG, I’m excited to announce a bold new role: the Minister of Formation and Outreach. This full-time ordained position will focus on intentional outreach, lifelong faith formation, and additional pastoral support—all essential in helping UMCG grow and deepen its impact in our community. This role reflects the growth we’ve experienced since 2021 and our church’s commitment to building an engaged, intergenerational faith community. Our SPRC and Church Council have been praying and supporting the formation of this position.
Building on a Legacy of Intentional Outreach
Interestingly, this vision of reaching out intentionally and welcoming people deeply is not new to UMCG. In reading our church history for our 185th anniversary, I learned that the last time our church dedicated staff energy specifically to invitational outreach was decades ago with Pastor Larry and Chuck Cobb. Together, they devised a plan to knock on doors, inviting neighbors to UMCG. To help integrate those who accepted the invitation, they created groups like the Couples Club and launched youth programs, providing community and fellowship for everyone who joined. Their efforts led to remarkable growth, so much so that the church eventually expanded to include an associate pastor role focused on maintenance and support for the senior pastor while training young pastors for leadership.
In many ways, we are returning to this model of intentional outreach with our new Minister of Formation and Outreach position, but with a contemporary approach to ministry. The role of Deacon, which didn’t exist in the same way 40 years ago, is now specifically designed to bridge the church and the world. This role will bring us strategic support in inviting, integrating, and forming disciples of all ages and is designed to stick with UMCG for the long haul without fear of being reappointed.
What Will This Minister Do?
This new role centers on three key areas to strengthen our church’s mission:
- Intentional Invitational Outreach
Our Minister of Formation and Outreach will reach out to our communities in meaningful ways that invite authentic relationships and connections. This means creating opportunities for our church to actively engage with those outside our walls and providing a warm welcome to those who are spiritually curious or looking for community. - Faith Formation for All Ages
The journey of faith isn’t just for the young; it’s for everyone, from birth through life’s final chapters. This new role will focus on creating impactful faith-formation experiences for all ages, building a cohesive path for people to grow in their faith beyond Sunday mornings. Imagine our members, young and old, being encouraged and equipped to live out their faith in meaningful ways. - Pastoral Support and Leadership
As our church grows, so does the need for pastoral support. This minister will assist in providing compassionate care to our congregation, ensuring that members feel seen, supported, and spiritually nurtured, supporting Pastor Rob.
Why a Deacon?
Our new Minister of Formation and Outreach will be an ordained Deacon, which is different from an Elder (like a senior or associate pastor). Deacons are specialists, hired directly by the church and then appointed by the bishop, allowing UMCG to choose a candidate uniquely suited to our needs. While Elders are generalists appointed by the bishop, Deacons are hired by the local church and focus specifically on bridging church and community, providing the expertise needed for a role like this.
Funding and Support
This new position has about 60% of its funding secured in our operating budget. To cover the rest, SPRC is requesting a grant from the UMG Fund. This fund line, which would not exceed $100,000 over five years, would draw from the UMG Fund as needed and include annual progress reports to ensure responsible stewardship. Our SPRC and Church Council have been praying and supporting the formation of this position, recognizing the importance of this investment to our future growth. This funding approach allows us to make this vital investment without placing undue financial strain on the budget. A presentation and vote on this funding will be part of our Annual Church Conference on December 4th.
What’s Next?
Over the past few months, a small team of leaders and parents, led by Ken McNeil and me, have reviewed several excellent candidates. We’re excited to share that we now have a lead candidate we are bringing to Geneva for on-site interviews! This is a significant step forward in our commitment to growth, outreach, and faith formation at UMCG.
An Investment in Our Future
The creation of the Minister of Formation and Outreach position is more than a staffing decision—it’s a legacy investment in UMCG’s long-term health and mission. Churches that stave off decline and continue growing often make intentional investments in invitational outreach and intergenerational faith formation. This position is our opportunity to do just that, in a way that honors our past while embracing a future full of possibilities.
Please join us in praying for this search process and the future impact of this ministry. We look forward to sharing more soon and welcoming a new leader who will help us illuminate our communities with God’s grace.