Dear PCM Family
Greetings from Kansas City – where the program staff at PCM is attending the Leadership Institute, sponsored by the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection. If you’re unfamiliar with this congregation, you may have heard of its pastor, Reverend Adam Hamilton, who has authored many books, some of which have been studied in small groups at our church. I had the opportunity to attend the Leadership Institute a few years ago and jumped at the chance to return with our program staff.
Yesterday, we spent time in workshops centered around themes like hospitality, worship, outreach, and education. We learned about how to take the first steps toward partnering with schools to make an impact beyond the walls of the church; how to start direct mission programs for people in need; how to go beyond being a “friendly” congregation to one which prioritizes belonging. We talked about vision, strategy, ministries of compassion, and more. And that was just the first day!
It’s not so much that we have grand plans to make big changes at PCM or carry out everything we learn here. But as Adam Hamilton told participants in his opening remarks last night – if we can come away from this conference with a few great ideas to implement in our churches – it will be worth it. Because, as he went on, despite what we read in the news about the decline of membership and resources in many congregations, this is actually a hopeful, optimistic time for churches to define who they are and reach more and more people with the message of God’s love in Jesus Christ.
So – a big thank you to all of you for allowing the staff and me to take part in this Leadership Institute! We still have a full day and a half of worship, workshops, and plenary sessions to enjoy before we return to New Jersey tomorrow evening. In the meantime, with excitement and anticipation, we are giving thanks for – and dreaming about – all of the wonderful things God is doing at PCM!
In Christ’s love,
Daniel
