Sioux Falls mayor Paul Ten Haken shares his called story with Rev. Manuel Loaza at launch of The Journey at Wesley UMC, on Sept. 12 in Sioux falls, South Dakota. Photos by Doreen Gosmire.

“It is important to meet people where they are. It is a calling to reach out, love our neighbor and help them grow in their faith,” says Rev. Manuel Loaeza, who serves at Wesley United Methodist Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Wesley UMC spent some time pondering how they could connect with more people. The congregation wanted to take a fresh look at how they could use technology and create a new expression, an invitation for diverse people in the surrounding neighborhood to get to know Jesus.

The result is The Journey, a new worship experience at Wesley United Methodist Church.

Emily Maddaugh, who is 11 years old and attends Wesley UMC asked her father what the idea or The Journey was all about, “Are we going hear about people’s journey with God?”

That was precisely what happened on Sunday, September 12, 2021, at the launch of The Journey. Paul TenHaken, the mayor of Sioux Falls, was invited to share his faith journey with those attending. TenHaken shared that his faith drives his life. God speaks to him in unexpected ways.

Lots of families with children were present at The Journey.

“I first felt my call to do more and live out my faith on a mission trip,” said TenHaken. “Throughout scripture, the disciples were called but were not real anxious to follow their call from God. I was even more reluctant.”

TenHaken describes his current role as the mayor of Sioux Falls as a call from God to serve others. He shared a story about helping a homeless man who died because of his addiction, loss of connection, and lack of resources. “That drove me to believe that we could do more in this city and that God was calling me to step up.” View TenHaken's message here.

Those participating in the launch of The Journey included people from the neighborhood surrounding the church of all ages and diverse cultures. They experienced contemporary music, a casual atmosphere, and festive activities after worship. As people exited worship, they were given bags and water bottles with the Journey logo. Everyone enjoyed  a lunch with hot dogs, hamburgers, and more.  On there lawn were inflatables —bouncy houses, slides, face painting, and a dunking tank.

Emily’s inquiry to learn about the faith journey of others was the inspiration that has became a challenge and focus for Wesley UMC. A challenge that led to another connection, The Embrace Network.

Currently, there are 12 network churches in Minnesota and South Dakota. Many churches join the Embrace Network because they are feeling God’s nudge to change something. A congregation may be experiencing declining numbers in worship, a lack of resources to hire pastoral and other staff, or perhaps is just feeling stuck.  

Kids had lots of fun at The Journey worship experience.

That is how Wesley UMC saw things, “We had this desire to see new people coming to our church. We wanted people to feel like they were invited,” says Pastor Manny.

For Wesley UMC, joining the Embrace Network meant there was assistance in getting the technology in place, including screens, projection, and sound. The network also assists with worship. Messages at The Journey are a live broadcast from Embrace. The network also provides sermon series resources like the graphics for bulletins, social media, and website.

Wesely UMC and other members of the Embrace Network get content for kids ministry, youth ministry, and small groups. Pastor Manny connects with other Embrace Network pastors in monthly coaching and leadership development opportunities.

“We are grateful for the encouragement and support,” said Pastor Manny. “My faith has been deepened in this journey. I am grateful to have the opportunity to meet people where they are and lead them to a relationship with God.”