A message from Bishop White

September is going to be a month we are all going to remember.

Igniting Ministry, the national multi-media campaign approved by our General Conference last year will begin this month. The Council of Bishops has declared it National United Methodist Open House Month -- a first-time event.

The television commercials are particularly exciting. They're beautiful, thought provoking and they linger in your mind, long after the images are gone. The same may be said for the print ads and billboards. Not your standard "church promotion." The campaign not only tells the public who we are, but who we mean to be: "Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors -- The People of The United Methodist Church."

It's a lot to live up to!

The Church commissioned a national audience survey before this unique campaign was designed. The study showed us that although as a denomination, we have low total awareness on the part of the public, at the same time, we have high favorability among those who know about us! That's why we need this promotional campaign. It targets "seekers" -- those who are not yet committed to a particular faith or spiritual path, but are exploring ways of finding spiritual meaning or connection.

We can -- and should -- help them.

The television ads and other promotional media may nudge people to visit our churches. But how much more effective it would be if each of us personally invited a friend, colleague, neighbor to go to church with us! And if that experience is a warm and meaningful one, they'll be back and perhaps on their way to discipleship.

This is where you and the people of your congregation can have a great impact. We're having, an open house. Let's get ready for company!

Bishop Woodie W. White
Indiana Area United Methodist Church

Last updated on 01/14/2004

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