Transforming Lives. Impacting Communities.
“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.
And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’"
(Matthew 28:18-20 NRSV)
Our mission: “To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”
Our vision: “To be a welcoming Church, growing in Christian faith and serving in Love.”
Over the last few years, our Church, as well as other mainline Protestant denominations, has been facing challenges in growing and bringing the gospel to all. Issues include divisive theological differences, social issues, COVID-19 health impacts, environmental concerns, changing worship styles, the need for more in-depth discipleship opportunities, and the need for more emphasis on mission opportunities outside the church.
Even in the face of these significant challenges, we---The First United Methodist Church of Marietta---are Made to Thrive. With the gift of the Holy Spirit, we are indeed charged with vigorously and enthusiastically carrying out our stated mission and vision. In that spirit, our Church Council in 2021 initiated the development of a Five-Year Strategic Plan by creating a Strategic Planning Team (SPT).
The MFUMC Five-Year Strategic Plan---Made to Thrive--- has now been completed. Made to Thrive describes how we will take our church to where we strive to be. Members who wish to review the entire report may see it in the Church office, but here are the key elements:
Made to Thrive - Where We are Headed
The SPT identified opportunities to be addressed to achieve MFUMC’s vision:
Develop a strong church-wide prayer ministry to invite the power of the Holy Spirit into every activity of the church.
Attract young families with children to our church and keep them active.
Implement a modern worship service.
Develop and implement a strong discipleship program, including creation of small group formats that will complement a modern service.
Attract young adults, both single and married, to our church, keep them active, and build on the existing Young Adult Singles ministry.
Bring college adults to our church and keep them active.
Show extravagant hospitality to guests, new members, and current members.
Connect more effectively to our community including increasing the emphasis on MFUMC members sharing Christ with others.
Raise sufficient operating and capital funds to support the ministries of worship, teaching, evangelism, and service.
Each opportunity contains specific objectives with action plans and assigned responsible individuals and timelines.
Early Progress
Emphasis on prayerful support has been established within the church and outside in the community.
Careful research into the organization of a modern worship service is underway with a planned launch in 2024.
Preparatory work has begun to establish small group programs to be launched in 2024.
Expanding the network of staff and volunteers responsible for teaching and caring for our children.
Engaging with local schools and providing awareness of MFUMC resources and support.
Focusing efforts of reaching out and retaining college students.
Sunday school leaders meet quarterly to exchange best practices and coordinate curriculum. Curriculum resources have been collected in the library.
Importantly, every element of Made to Thrive is being pursued with full consideration of budgetary impact and church resources.
Progress in Made to Thrive will be regularly reported so that our congregation can continue to be moved to serve in love and make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
(11/30/23)