We must acknowledge that there are several churches in the Lexington area that are feeling similar calls into the city. We do not believe that this is a call that is unique to us, nor unique to FUMC, nor unique to Lexington. We are witnessing a trend of churches waking up to the city all over the country. We believe that this is a time when God is stirring a movement in His Church as a whole to recognize, and serve the cities that surround us. We also see this as an opportunity for the many churches to begin to close the gaps that divide us, and come together to serve together. Because one of the aims of this ministry is to empower a local church, and not to create another para-church organization, we needed to plant this ministry within a specific congregation. When we began our journey of discernment of God’s calling for our ministry together, we both felt convicted that it would involve a traditional, downtown church. We traveled all over the United States, visiting many large cities and their churches. However, we were constantly being drawn back to Lexington. After visiting Lexington First United Methodist Church for several months, we found that we appreciated its value for tradition and its value for scripture. We both greatly value the Wesleyan teachings and movement that began the Methodist denomination. John Wesley embraced the city as he strove to disciple people into more holistic Christian life. He also embraced the traditional church, and grounded his ministry within it. Scripture is paramount to our lives and our ministry. We also heard a recurring phrase at Lexington FUMC, their commitment to “be downtown for good.” In August 2005, we contacted one of the associate pastors of FUMC, fully expecting him to think we were crazy to suggest that God had led us there. Instead, he told us that they had also felt God’s leading in this direction, and that our coming had been an answer to prayer. We are not the only ones led to this church for this purpose. We have met others who have a passion and vision for downtown. It is as if God has brought us all together for such a time as this. The mission of God in His cities calls for churches to work together. Therefore, even though this ministry is grounded within one church, we have welcomed relationships with other churches - in Lexington and elsewhere - to join together in the journey that we share in our cities.

We must acknowledge that there are several churches in the Lexington area that are feeling similar calls into the city. We do not believe that this is a call that is unique to us, nor unique to FUMC, nor unique to Lexington. We are witnessing a trend of churches waking up to the city all over the country. We believe that this is a time when God is stirring a movement in His Church as a whole to recognize, and serve the cities that surround us. We also see this as an opportunity for the many churches to begin to close the gaps that divide us, and come together to serve together.

Because one of the aims of this ministry is to empower a local church, and not to create another para-church organization, we needed to plant this ministry within a specific congregation.

When we began our journey of discernment of God’s calling for our ministry together, we both felt convicted that it would involve a traditional, downtown church. We traveled all over the United States, visiting many large cities and their churches. However, we were constantly being drawn back to Lexington.

After visiting Lexington First United Methodist Church for several months, we found that we appreciated its value for tradition and its value for scripture. We both greatly value the Wesleyan teachings and movement that began the Methodist denomination. John Wesley embraced the city as he strove to disciple people into more holistic Christian life. He also embraced the traditional church, and grounded his ministry within it. Scripture is paramount to our lives and our ministry. We also heard a recurring phrase at Lexington FUMC, their commitment to “be downtown for good.”

In August 2005, we contacted one of the associate pastors of FUMC, fully expecting him to think we were crazy to suggest that God had led us there. Instead, he told us that they had also felt God’s leading in this direction, and that our coming had been an answer to prayer. We are not the only ones led to this church for this purpose. We have met others who have a passion and vision for downtown. It is as if God has brought us all together for such a time as this.

The mission of God in His cities calls for churches to work together. Therefore, even though this ministry is grounded within one church, we have welcomed relationships with other churches - in Lexington and elsewhere - to join together in the journey that we share in our cities.

Why Lexington First United Methodist Church?