Churches receive Welcoming Certification

“Welcoming Congregations” are a select group of United Methodist congregations nationwide that meet criteria including embracing newcomers and providing opportunities in discipleship. The recognition program is part of a larger effort launched in late 2000 by UMCom, the denomination’s communications agency, to use modern technology and the common language of television to spread the Good News of Christ to a world in need.

These churches in the Central South District have been recognized as "Welcoming Congregations", with multiple recognitions indicated parentheses.

To qualify as a Welcoming Congregation, a church must achieve a minimum of 100 points per year on the Certification Worksheet available through Igniting Ministry. Each welcoming and inviting effort on the worksheet is assigned a point value.

Once the worksheet is complete and the district superintendent has validated it, submit the worksheet to Igniting Ministry along with documentation (photos, copies and/or samples) for each category checked. The church will receive a plaque and Find-a-Church designation within three weeks after the worksheet is submitted to the Igniting Ministry office. Visit the Igniting Ministry website for more information.

“Open hearts, open minds, open doors” is the theme of the denominational effort, the centerpiece which is a series of national cable TV advertising, supplemented by regional and local church participation. The overall aim of the effort is to invite people, particularly those between 25 and 54 years old, to enter into connection with the Christian community as they seek meaning and purpose in their lives.