5 Breakthrough Ministry Grants awarded
The Missional Impact Link in partnership with the Dakotas United Methodist Foundation recently awarded 5 Breakthrough Ministry Grants.
Breakthrough Ministry Grants are intended to be seed money to launch new ministries or expand existing ministries to reach new people. The grants are a response to the movement of the Spirit in the hearts of Dakotas United Methodists.
The following projects were chosen to receive grants:
“Unbinding the Gospel” (Arthur, ND)—Arthur UMC has been involved in a Breakthrough Prayer Initiative. It is the hope of the congregation to continue the prayer journey through using the evangelism tools in "Unbinding the Gospel," by Martha Reese. The book will guide leaders in praying for the church and reaching out to persons new to the congregation and those with whom they have yet to connect.
Community ministry outreach center (Elk Point, SD) — Elk Point United Parish is partnering with other churches in the community to create a center in a downtown building that will offer ministries in the areas of nutrition, finance, grief, addiction recovery, parenting, counseling and more.
“Mug a guest” campaign (Kenmare, ND)— ReNew United Methodist Church will purchase custom, personalized soup and beverage mugs to be given to new guests. The goal of the mug program is to make each potential new member feel appreciated and welcomed at any time into the church home. Guests may visit a Sunday service, stay for coffee and conversation, or take part in a community church event such as a soup bar.
Messy Church (Watertown, SD)—Messy Church is conducted once a month at Watertown First UMC. It is a time where families can come together to enjoy being together, making things, eating together and celebrating God together. Messy Church is designed to show Christian hospitality and acceptance. Individuals who may not have experienced church before or who feel uncomfortable in a traditional church setting will hopefully find Messy Church something that the whole family can do together in a non-threatening atmosphere.
Fellowship meal program (Winner, SD)—Winner UMC has a monthly fellowship meal. The hope is to use the free fellowship meal as an opportunity to begin to build relationships for the purpose of ultimately bringing people to Christ.
Breakthrough Ministry grants are offered to churches and related organizations from the Dakotas United Methodist Foundation and Dakotas Conference of the United Methodist Church. Grants will be awarded quarterly. Applications are due on January 31, April 30, July 31 and October 31 annually.
