Is Messy Church Making a Difference?
As we prepare for the May 20-24, 2022 Messy Church International Conference (MCIC) the global MC community is preparing to focus on the theme: Making a Difference. Two weeks ago, we explored how Messy Church is or has made a difference in our own lives. Making A Difference Part I. Today our focus is on our Messy Church teams.
We always make a point in our Get Started training sessions that holding a Messy Church is a ‘team’ process. The more the team connects and grows as disciples, the more sustainable the Messy Church will be. I give thanks for the many Messy Church teams all over the USA and the world. Thank you to all who have responded to this week’s question.
How is Messy Church Making a Difference to your messy team?
- As we’ve been coming together on a regular basis to plan creative activities for our Messy Church, it’s drawn us closer together… and we’ve shared a TON of laughs! We are united in spirit to help keep Messy Church as a hands-on, interactive, foundational key of our church’s ministry. (Jim White, Palmdale United Methodist Church, Palmdale, CA)
- Messy Church has brought excitement and new life into our church coming out of the pandemic. Our attendance at Messy Church has grown from 32 at our first Messy Church to 55 in March. (Cindy Trimball, West Chester Presbyterian, West Chester, OH)
- Having the support of other MC leaders across the US from various denominations strengthens me to lead my team. (Cathy Brackin, Holy Family Episcopal, Laurel Springs, NJ)
- Messy Church makes me think about the real message of the gospel and the Bible. It makes me think about how to share it with others in creative ways – which is a really enriching exercise on its own. AND it’s really fun.(Kate Cross, Primary writer of Messy Lent Escape Room, Houston, TX)
- I have met the most amazing, creative leaders through Messy Church and being part of the MC USA board, who inspire and love living the gospel. Messy Church also has provided me with additional tools to share the love of Jesus and God’s stories. I love sharing the creative hand-on experience and being witness to what unfolds.(Maureen Carey, St. David’s Episcopal, Ashburn, VA)
Be sure to check out the stories of our Messy Church of the Month to get more inspiration on how Messy Church is making a difference. This month, we focus on First Presbyterian in Elizabethtown, KY.
How is Messy Church Making a Difference in your community?
We will explore how Messy Church is Making a Difference in your Community in Part III of this blog series. Be sure to send me to [email protected] or share on social media your responses to the question regarding your team or your community.
Peace, Roberta
