The local church – not a mission agency – is God’s primary vehicle for accomplishing His mission in the world. The Mission Society’s church ministry department exists to help your church find and pursue its mission calling. As you will read, churches are being transformed as they more fully turn their hearts toward offering Christ to the world.

December 12, 2008

Dear church mission leader,

St. Johns United Methodist Church will be hosting our second Global Impact Celebration on January 21-25, 2009. This event is the result of a remarkable journey in which our church has been engaged for the last two years.

In 2008, St. Johns significantly increased our global outreach for Christ. Under the guidance of The Mission Society, we concluded an 18-month program, the highlight of which was our first Global Impact Celebration (“mission conference on steroids”).… As a result of this relationship, we have significantly increased our support of missions through prayer, volunteering, and donations. Our funding for missions has increased by 250%; we have established strong relationships with our missionaries; and we have started a local food ministry, all through this effort.

St. Johns highly recommends a partnership with The Mission Society to re-energize the local church for missions. The effort starts with a Global Outreach weekend followed by a mentoringprocess. During this period, The Mission Society assists the church in planning and executing a Global Impact Celebration.… Please contact me if you are interested in visiting with us to see how this program might be applicable to assisting your church extend its reach for mission.

Michael Norton, chairman
St. Johns UMC Global Outreach Leadership Team
Aiken, South Carolina