Welcome to my blog.
My name is Stephen Dickinson and I'm one of the pastors at First United Methodist in Fort Smith, AR. I've decided that it's time for me to join the rest of the world and begin blogging, tweeting, and facing. Now that I'm moving into the 21st century, a decade late, I'll be better able to communicate with 21st century people. We'll see how it goes. My vision for this blog is what most blogs are created for - open dialogue. I've titled the blog "Rethink Church". "Rethink Church" is our world wide campaign to connect with people that are not connected to the church as well as the one's that are contemplating leaving. Check it out at www.10thousanddoors.com. God's church was meant to be for God's people and last time I checked, most of them were outside the walls. Here are a couple of excerpts from 10thousanddoors.
“What if church was less about Sunday, and more about other days of the week? What if church wasn’t just a place we go, but something we do. A menu of adventure. An active verb. Instead of a noun. What if church was thousands of doors? Each of them opening up to a different concept or experience of church. So that whoever knocks might find a journey to call their own.”
“What if church was more of an out-of-church experience? An opportunity to prove what we say we believe, with our lives. Then, perhaps, Sunday could be a day of rest and reflection on all that we had accomplished Monday through Saturday.”
“What if we rethink church? Not in terms of what it is, but what it could be.”
“And what if we can convince the world to do the same? Would you come?
Everyone wants to feel a sense of belonging - to be a part of something greater than ourselves, to be needed, to be loved, to share life together in all of its glory and challenges, to grow in faith and share it with others. At First United Methodist Church we want to welcome you and invite you to come worship with us. First Church opens its doors to one and all. Many of those who attend our services are seeking the right place for them for the first time, while there are still others who trace their roots in the United Methodist Church for generations. The one thing we share is the belief that life can be better by laughing and crying, singing and praying, loving and being loved… here. You are welcome to sample the worship opportunities and other ministries at First United Methodist Church and join us as we transform into the people that God created us to become.
Brother Stephen
