Igniting Ministry

The Igniting Ministry campaign is aimed at raising awareness of The United Methodist Church, reaching out to spiritual seekers, increasing attendance and renewing commitment among current church members. Research shows that the campaign, which started in 2001, increased first-time attendance at test churches by 19 percent. Overall attendance at those churches grew by 9 percent between 2001 and 2004.

As part of the Igniting Ministry program, emphasis is placed on helping congregations prepare for visitors by making their church a welcoming place. By attending training events or by using Igniting Ministry resources, United Methodists can develop new hospitality skills to help bring people through their church doors and give them a reason to stay.

Welcoming Congregations provides resources to help a congregation step outside of itself to see how welcoming they really are to visitors. The program offers resources, self-assessments and checklists here.

Igniting Ministry celebrates and recognizes the efforts of local congregations to prepare actively and intentionally to receive newcomers. Congregations that complete the Welcoming Congregation worksheet will awared "Welcoming Congregation" a certificate and be designated a welcoming congregation in the United Methodist locate a church database. Download a Welcoming Congregation worksheet here.

Open House month

An Open House is an opportunity to emulate Jesus' welcoming spirit with a special emphasis on inviting and welcoming newcomers. At the 2006 Annual Conference Session, conference members voted to designate September as "Open House Month" at conference churches, taking advantage of the back-to-school airing of the United Methodist Church Igniting Ministry advertising messages.

Troy Conference congregations are encouraged to host special events, worship festivals or  other events to welcome those in your community and to intentionally recognize Christ in everyone . Remember that guests may look for Christ in us.

Igniting Ministry offers resources and ideas to help local congregations prepare for and host Open House celebrations here.