'Apartment church' comes to life in South Bend

By Matt Oates
Hoosier UM News Correspondent

SOUTH BEND -- The Rev. Kevin Buckley doesn't have to go very far to meet potential members of his new church; all he has to do is step outside his apartment.

Buckley oversees Pathways UMC, a new church start in the Irish Hills apartment complex on South Bend's south side. Pathways has no building; it meets in his apartment living room for the time being.

The new church is based on a Southern Baptist model for multi-housing ministry and reaching high-density populations. By living in the apartment complex, the church can utilize facilities and post fliers. "That gets us connected to the apartment community," explains Buckley.

Currently, the church is growing through small groups and community service projects. The first small group is "Christianity 101" and meets Sunday evenings at Buckley's. "We're starting from ground zero.

"We've received pretty positive reaction," says Buckley. Residents participating in the survey showed that more than half showed an interest in small groups and worship.

Plans are to continue to grow the core group, have the first worship service in late 2003 and move into a building near the apartment complex.

Most of the residents in Irish Hills are in their 20s and single. Racially, it is predominately Caucasian, but there are African-Americans and Asians in the complex. "It's a bit more diverse than the general population of South Bend," says Buckley.

The new church is supported by a grant from the Michiana District, the North Indiana Conference and Maple Lane UMC, where Buckley also serves.

For more information on Pathways, contact Buckley at 574/299-4920 or kjbuckley@earthlink.net.

Last updated on 01/14/2004

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