by Rev. Rand Sargent

Creating New Ministries

One of the activities our family became involved in around 10 years ago was participating in Drum and Bugle Corps.  What exactly is that?  Drum Corps is high-performance marching music for youth and young adults up to age 21. Think of a Concert Band or Wind Ensemble performing complex musical compositions with incredible excellence.  Then put that performance on the move as it is marched for about 12 minutes with judges—some on the field—doing critiquing. Then take this show on the road in the Summer for between 25 to 40 performances all over North America.  Now, that’s Drum Corps!

Our sons became involved in the activity because they loved music and wanted an experience beyond what they were getting in High School programs.   Eventually, my wife and I became volunteers for several seasons by providing the on-the-road support which must take place for  a group to function.  Along the way we saw some great, inspiring performances as well as meeting some really wonderful people. 

This activity is obviously a very creative endeavor.  It is absolutely amazing what young people with solid teaching will produce each day, as well as dramatically improving their performance over time.  I’ve found a few insights in Drum Corps that can be applied to developing new ministries in our Western District.  Please allow me to share them:

Any person doing the activity is engaging in their passion.  The same could be said about many followers of Jesus doing ministry.  You can endure many hard things along the journey when you love what you are doing.  Therefore, let your passion flow!

• Persons who spend a summer marching together become a family.  The common bond makes them pull for each other, no matter what.  Followers of Jesus working on an outreach to serve others likewise bring their best and support each other along the way. So, look for others who share your passion and work together.
• Creative thinking produces creative actions.  Every day, each musical athlete is working to make their personal performance better.  Followers of Jesus bring tremendous experience, insight and inventiveness about how to serve others more significantly.  Did not Jesus say we should let our light shine?
• People working in support help the excellence happen.  Without instructors, drivers, cooks, etc, no touring Drum Corps gets very far.  Our Western District Church Extension Society exists to support your congregation’s success in creating new ministries that serve others. It is our vision to realize a healthy congregation in every community, possessing the facilities and having resources that enable God's people to worship, learn, teach, and witness to the Good News of Jesus Christ.

A service we provide is new ministry consultation on discerning what you feel called to do as well as how to make it happen.  Rev. Joyce Sluss is our New Ministries Coordinator and is available to assist you.  We provide grants for new ministry startups.  So, please let us be your ministry partner for creating that new ministry.

We welcome guests to attend our WDCES Directors meetings.  The next Board Meeting we have scheduled takes place July 28th at Noon at the United Methodist Church in Stayton.

By Grace Alone,

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WDCES President

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