On June 16, 2009, our congregation accepted the challenge to become a 5 Talent Church. From the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) we learn that being faithful disciples is not defined by maintaining what God has entrusted to us. Such disciples and churches are pronounced wicked and lazy servants! Our master calls us to put our gifts to use so that God may multiply our efforts. Faithfulness to God is not maintenance. Faithfulness is multiplication. Therefore, we have accepted the challenge to take risks and strive to reach goals in five key areas of ministry.

On October 1, 2009, our church leaders attended the first of the Five Talent Academy workshops, which focused on Missions. To hear video of the speakers, Tony and Bart Campolo, go to the Virginia Conference website: click here.

The next session of the Five Talent Academy will focus on Worship. It will be held on February 20, from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm, at Cosby High School ( 14300 Fox Club Parkway, Midlothian, VA 23112). The keynote speaker will be Sally Morganthaler. She will be speaking to us about the role of worship in introducing new people to the faith and the importance of maintaining authenticity in our efforts as we plan our services.  Sally is a dynamic and well known speaker throughout the country and we are thrilled to have her join us.  Registration is up and ready for you on our Conference site.  The cost will once again be $25.00.  In addition, this time we will be meeting in a new auditorium with room for 900 people, so we should have room for everyone you would like to bring.  Lunch will be provided. 

In order to reach these goals, our church’s leadership will be attending first class training provided by our Virginia Annual Conference. The first such training will be led by Tony and Bart Campolo in how to be in ministry with the poor. It will be held October 1 at River Road United Methodist Church. After attending each training session, we will be grouped with other congregations like ours to share ideas about how churches can improve their ministries and reach these goals. This effort to become a 5 Talent Church will be a three year process. Here is an outline of the process.

Please notice that at the end of the process, assuming we succeed in becoming a 5 Talent Church, we have covenanted to plant a new faith community.  If you wonder why, it might help you to remember that if it had not been for Trinity Methodist Church’s effort to plant our church in 1859, we would not be here. Disciples make disciples, and churches make churches!