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Seeing All the Possibilities. Reaching New People. Embracing Innovation.
We are committed to cultivating a Conference-wide culture of innovation, growth, revitalization, and holy risk-taking. Through strategic partnerships, coaching, practical resources, and measurable action, we help churches move from maintenance to mission and from surviving to thriving.
When the Light Bulb Comes On!
Innovation begins when someone sees what could be instead of simply accepting what is.
When the light bulb comes on, new possibilities emerge, fresh ideas take shape, and congregations begin to imagine new ways of reaching people and transforming communities.
Our mission is to help turn those light bulb moments into meaningful ministry — moving from inspiration to innovation, from ideas to action, and from possibilities to measurable impact.
We believe the message of Jesus Christ never changes, but the methods we use to share that message must continually respond to the world around us.
Make Room: 5-Week Advent Growth Challenge
“MAKE ROOM”— A FIRST CONFERENCE-WIDE EXPERIMENT
Advent is one of the greatest opportunities of the year to reach people who may be open to reconnecting
with church, exploring faith, or experiencing the Gospel for the first time. The Advent Growth Challenge
invites every congregation to approach Advent not simply as a season to celebrate, but as a mission field
to engage.
Week 1: SEE
See Your Mission Field:
Prayer-walk or drive your community. Identify 3 places or groups of people your congregation is not effectively reaching.
Week 2: INVITE
Every Member a Bringer Challenge:
Every active member to personally invite at least 3 people to an Advent or Christmas experience. Provide digital invitations members can text or share.
Week 3: ENGAGE
Get Outside the Building:
Take one ministry into the community: coffee outreach, school partnership, neighborhood event, community meal, Christmas outreach, or another contextual expression.
Week 4: EXPERIMENT
Take One Holy Risk:
Try one thing you have never done before to reach new people—a different worship time, Fresh Expression, digital experience, community venue, creative Christmas event, or new hospitality approach.
Week 5: FOLLOW UP
Turn Guests into Relationships:
Contact every first-time guest within 48 hours. Invite them to a clear January next step: worship, small group, newcomer gathering, service opportunity, or discipleship experience. What is Next?
Resources
Click here to access Make Room Advent Growth Challenge Sermon Series: Five Weeks of Biblical Preaching Wesleyan Formation and Missional Action by Rev. Amiri Hooker.
Click here to access 2026 UMCSC Advent Sermon Series – Make Room by Rev. Emily Sutton.
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Demographics &
How to Register
District 20-Percent Funds
From every dollar given to the Congregational Development line item, 20 cents is returned to the district of origin. This is administered through the district committees on Congregational Development, and applications go through district offices.
Innovation & Strategy Grant Application
