When there are pastoral changes, it is a good time to take stock and look at the future direction of the church. It’s a good juncture to stand back and look at the landscape and make some decisions about the future. The process has begun with the Salem visions coffee breaks program. Small group meetings in neighborhood homes are taking place right now. Church folks are trying to discern where God is leading the people of Salem United Methodist Church.

What I would add to this conversation is the profound belief that Salem can grow. The Lord wants us to make new disciples according to His final word to His followers. Secondly, we have something vital to share with the people of this world, the good news of Jesus Christ.

But growth won’t happen unless a very intentional decision is made that Salem should grow. Church growth gurus say that a church should put five percent of its budget into outreach funding. Is Salem ready to make that kind of commitment to outreach?

I know of a large church that had a very ineffective youth program. The leaders pulled their hair out over this and gnashed their teeth. Finally the church decided to make a commitment to minister to their youth. They funded a part-time youth director, at no small sacrifice, to get the ball rolling. It worked. Within three years this church had the best youth program in town and even youth from other churches were helped by it.

So many of the necessary pieces for Salem to grow are already in place. You’ve had good pastoral leadership, past, present, and hopefully future. The congregation is notably friendly and inviting. The building is handsome enough to attract people and meet the needs the ministries require. Talented lay people with winsome attitudes and discipleship skills abound. The Blairs Ferry property presents an opportunity to recruit new folks up north. There is a very large pool of unchurched people living within easy travel distance to our church and Salem is very accessible with its location by the freeway.

With a commitment to grow by the pastor and people many folks can be added to the body of worshippers who gather here on Sunday morning. We know how an influx of new people can add to the vitality of a church as they bring their energy, ideas, and faith in God.