- What are we trying to accomplish with the faith community strategy? The mission of Apex UMC is to "invite, equip all to follow Jesus in transforming the world." The faith community strategy is one of our vehicles to invite more people into a transforming relationship with Jesus.
- What is the faith community strategy? The faith community strategy is Apex UMC’s version of starting new churches which intentionally designs these new communities to stay connected with the larger church for increased impact. The Church as a whole has discovered that the most effective way to invite new people to follow Jesus is by starting new churches. We have also learned that the most effective way to start churches is to have them connected to a strong church.
- How does this strategy fit with our congregation’s directional vote? Apex UMC held a vote in June 2007 to set the direction of the church. 79% voted for adding to/remodeling the current campus as our primary direction while being open to future expansion and outreach through church planting or multi-site ministries as needs and opportunities arise. The discernment by the Administrative Council in February 2010 to begin implementing the approved campus expansion plan while also proceeding with the faith community strategy faithfully lives into that vote.
- What faith communities do we have and how did they come about? Apex UMC has developed two new faith communities based on relationships and developments that have been years in the making.
- Fiesta Cristiana: For years our church has enjoyed connecting with the fast growing Latino population through various ministries. The hiring of Pastor Jose Luis Villasenor in 2008 significantly enhanced this connection. The Fiesta Cristiana faith community enables our new friends to worship in their native language while enjoying the wonderful embrace and ministries of Apex UMC.
- The Peak: Acts UMC started in 2004 as a new church start of Apex UMC and the NC Conference. In 2009 Acts moved back onto the Apex UMC campus to worship in the sanctuary and discern their next steps. Now as The Peak, this faith community is experiencing tremendous growth at its new location at 1200 North Salem Street as a part of the larger Apex UMC family.
- What does it mean for Apex UMC to be a Family of Faith Communities? It means that we are one church with many distinct communities working together to invite and equip all to follow Jesus in transforming the world. It means that our new faith communities can offer a full range of ministries and support from the very beginning. It means that Apex UMC expands its capacity to reach the growing Apex area.
- Will the launch of faith communities impact our campus expansion or replace its need? No. While the faith community strategy enables us to keep inviting new people to this congregation, it does not address the needs called for in our campus expansion plan. Our children’s facilities are significantly overcrowded. Our diverse faith community has no place to gather between services. Our vibrant ministries are rapidly running out of places to meet and this will only increase as our congregation grows. The faith community strategy will not be a financial hindrance to funding this plan. The Peak is financially strong and is not requiring financial support from the church. Fiesta Community is receiving significant funding from our denomination and its successful ministries and vibrant worshipping community are attracting additional resources.
- How can I support the faith communities? Pray that the new people that we connect with experience the transforming love of Christ. Visit the worship services and tell your friends about them. (Fiesta Cristiana’s worship has translation services on the first and third Sundays of the month.) Consider regularly worshipping at The Peak as it publically launches this spring. Serve in these communities as you feel led.
|
Ministries