Attention Readers of "RESTORING METHODISM: 10-Decisions for United Methodist Churches in America" by Drs. James and Molly Scott
If your church has used this resource to develop a plan to bring new growth and vitality to your church, Aldersgate Renewal Ministries [ARM] wants you to know that we have team-led, local church renewal events that can help address some of the “10 Decisions” that the Scotts mention in their book. You can read more about all of our team-led, local church renewal events on our website http://www.aldersgaterenewal.org/ under Renewal Events.
Decision #9 Recognizing the Reality of the United Methodist Church
In this chapter the Scotts write that personal evangelism is a keen concern that must be recovered from our Methodist History for the church to flourish. ARM’s Lay Witness Mission and Venture in Discipleship both model lay people sharing their faith with others.
Decision #6 Readdressing Systemic Issues and Decision #5 Reconsidering Clergy Issues In both of these chapters the Scotts write that clergy must become leaders among equals with laity and develop partnership ministry with laity. ARM’s Venture in Discipleship weekend seeks to encourage and empower the laity of a local church to deepen their commitment to discipleship and service. As part of the weekend they turn in a sheet indicating where they sense God calling them to serve in the local church, the community, and/or the world.
Decision #4 Restoring the Purposes of the Local Church In this chapter the Scotts highlight the importance of Wesley’s class meetings in the growth of Methodism in the past. ARM’s Lay Witness Mission is an excellent way to begin or strengthen a small group ministry. ARM will also soon have available a DVD on small group leader training.
Decision #3 Redefining the Laity The Scott’s write about the importance of the laity in the growth of Methodism in the past and the need for the laity to again carry the main responsibility for ministry in the local church. ARM’s Lay Witness Mission is a weekend where a visiting team of lay people come and share with the church how Jesus has touched and changed their lives. Participants in these missions usually testify to an intensified relationship with Christ and a desire to be part of small groups and prayer ministry. It’s effectiveness has been demonstrated over 45 years.
ARM’s Venture in Discipleship weekend where a visiting team seeks to encourage and empower the laity of a local church to deepen their commitment to discipleship and service. As part of the weekend they complete a sheet indicating where they sense God calling them to serve in the local church, the community, and/or the world.
ARM’s Lord Teach Us to Pray weekend targets improving the lay person’s prayer life.
ARM’s Pathways to a Praying Church targets improving the church’s corporate prayer life with increased lay involvement.
Decision # 2 Returning to a Belief and Practice of Sanctification and Decision #1 Rebirth by the Holy Spirit in both of these chapters the Scotts talk about the need for a renewed emphasis on the Holy Spirit. They encourage local churches to hold seminars on the Holy Spirit. ARM’s Life in the Spirit Seminar will deepen participants’ knowledge of and relationship with the Holy Spirit. They will learn to live their lives in the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit. ARM has provided these seminars for local churches for 20 years.
If any of these events seem like they would help your church address the “Decisions” in Restoring Methodism at your church we encourage you to contact our Director of Church Relations, Dr. Frank H. Billman, by phone: toll-free 1-877-857-9372 or by email: fbillman@AldersgateRenewal.org
Decision #9 Recognizing the Reality of the United Methodist Church
In this chapter the Scotts write that personal evangelism is a keen concern that must be recovered from our Methodist History for the church to flourish. ARM’s Lay Witness Mission and Venture in Discipleship both model lay people sharing their faith with others.
Decision #6 Readdressing Systemic Issues and Decision #5 Reconsidering Clergy Issues In both of these chapters the Scotts write that clergy must become leaders among equals with laity and develop partnership ministry with laity. ARM’s Venture in Discipleship weekend seeks to encourage and empower the laity of a local church to deepen their commitment to discipleship and service. As part of the weekend they turn in a sheet indicating where they sense God calling them to serve in the local church, the community, and/or the world.
Decision #4 Restoring the Purposes of the Local Church In this chapter the Scotts highlight the importance of Wesley’s class meetings in the growth of Methodism in the past. ARM’s Lay Witness Mission is an excellent way to begin or strengthen a small group ministry. ARM will also soon have available a DVD on small group leader training.
Decision #3 Redefining the Laity The Scott’s write about the importance of the laity in the growth of Methodism in the past and the need for the laity to again carry the main responsibility for ministry in the local church. ARM’s Lay Witness Mission is a weekend where a visiting team of lay people come and share with the church how Jesus has touched and changed their lives. Participants in these missions usually testify to an intensified relationship with Christ and a desire to be part of small groups and prayer ministry. It’s effectiveness has been demonstrated over 45 years.
ARM’s Venture in Discipleship weekend where a visiting team seeks to encourage and empower the laity of a local church to deepen their commitment to discipleship and service. As part of the weekend they complete a sheet indicating where they sense God calling them to serve in the local church, the community, and/or the world.
ARM’s Lord Teach Us to Pray weekend targets improving the lay person’s prayer life.
ARM’s Pathways to a Praying Church targets improving the church’s corporate prayer life with increased lay involvement.
Decision # 2 Returning to a Belief and Practice of Sanctification and Decision #1 Rebirth by the Holy Spirit in both of these chapters the Scotts talk about the need for a renewed emphasis on the Holy Spirit. They encourage local churches to hold seminars on the Holy Spirit. ARM’s Life in the Spirit Seminar will deepen participants’ knowledge of and relationship with the Holy Spirit. They will learn to live their lives in the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit. ARM has provided these seminars for local churches for 20 years.
If any of these events seem like they would help your church address the “Decisions” in Restoring Methodism at your church we encourage you to contact our Director of Church Relations, Dr. Frank H. Billman, by phone: toll-free 1-877-857-9372 or by email: fbillman@AldersgateRenewal.org
