Madison UMC reaches young adults
“We are reaching lots of people. Our efforts on the campus of Dakota State University (DSU) and in the community keep growing,” says Pastor Barry Whipkey, who serves Madison United Methodist Church in South Dakota. Whipkey estimates that more than 200 young adults and high school students are engaged with the congregation each week.
It all started with the Missional Consultation Church Initiative (MCCI). Through the MCCI process, one of the goals or prescriptions for the church is to reach to the young adults in the community through outreach. The congregation decided to hire a second pastor to reach out beyond the church doors. Pastor Andrew Gross currently serves as the director of outreach, youth, and praise team.
Pastor Andrew spends time on the DSU campus working with Campus Crusude, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the football and track teams. He holds small groups, one-on-one sessions, organizes service projects, and worship.
“We are seeing a nice blend of the campus community at church on Sundays in worship and as part of the praise team,” Whipkey says.
Madison UMC received a Young Adult and Campus Ministry grant. Grants are awarded quarterly. Applications are due Jan. 31 for the first quarter of 2019. Get more information here.