Ministries to Strengthen Local Churches
Aldersgate Renewal Ministries
Aldersgate Renewal Ministries is a non-political and non-adversarial movement who is committed to equipping the local church to minister to the world in the power of the Holy Spirit. ARM envisions that every local church would proclaim and demonstrate the Gospel in the character and power of Jesus Christ. ARM purposes to strengthen the church with a strategy of team-led renewal events tailored to the spiritual needs of the local congregation. ARM offers tools to help the local church establish a vibrant prayer, worship and faith-sharing life fueled by the power of the Holy Spirit. To individuals, ARM offers learning experiences that teach about the integral ministry of the Holy Spirit who empowers them to pray, worship and to share their faith journey, carrying on the ministry of Jesus. Also, ARM seeks to minister to ministers. Mindful of the unique and serious challenges that clergy face, ARM provides opportunities for spiritual renewal, refreshment and leadership development for those in ministry.
http://aldersgaterenewal.org/
Alpha
Whether you grew up a Christian or never set foot in Church, whether you are eighteen or eighty, whether you raise kids or raise cattle … Alpha is for everyone. Running in every setting from church to pub, Alpha is an opportunity to explore life’s big questions. A ten-week program involving a meal, a talk, and small group discussion, Alpha offers people a non-threatening way to explore the Christian faith and the answers it brings to life’s big questions. An excellent way for a congregation to practice invitational evangelism.
www.alphausa.org
Bristol House
Bristol House has for many years published books and materials for United Methodists. Bristol provides excellent, biblically-based confirmation materials (“We Believe”), and biblically-based Sunday School curriculum that is Wesleyan in theology. Adult curriculum studies are available, along with other books and resources for local church ministry and personal spiritual growth.
www.bristolhouseltd.com
Church Renewal: United Theological Seminary
United Theological Seminary is an official UMC Seminary that has recently experienced renewal itself, having been in dire straits some years back. In their turnaround, they committed to the orthodox faith, personal and social holiness, and to renewing the church. As such part of their website directly addresses church renewal and, much like Wesley21, lists many resources.
www.churchrenewal.united.edu
Seedbed
Seed bed is a resource site produced by Asbury Seminary that combines a variety of valuable products and sources. All are thoroughly Wesleyan and most relate to renewal in some way. Seedbed also sells the books they review and otherwise feature on the site. Many links are present, as well some embedded short videos by seminary professors. The site is well laid out and of highest quality and should be a favorite for those looking for Wesleyan resources.
www.seedbed.com
Ministries for Outreach
International Justice Mission
International Justice Mission is a human rights agency that brings rescue to victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. IJM lawyers, investigators and aftercare professionals work with local officials to secure immediate victim rescue and aftercare, to prosecute perpetrators and to ensure that public justice systems – police, courts and laws – effectively protect the poor.
www.ijm.org/
The Mission Society
At The Mission Society, we are in the business of connecting God’s people with ministries that help fulfill their unique callings, passions, and interests. The Mission Society has developed international mission ministries that address the needs of today’s world and exhibit a culture marked by people of integrity, a genuine prayer life, and obedience to the mission of bringing people to Christ. We are called and committed to reaching others, an effort which requires Christian nationals, missionaries, and local churches in all parts of the world working in partnership. The Mission Society has a long history of partnering with local churches to provide speakers and resources and to aid the growth of local churches’ mission awareness and activity. As a “faith-based” organization, The Mission Society does not receive denominational funding and works with a variety of Wesleyan evangelical denominations both within the United States and in other parts of the world.
www.themissionsociety.org/
To Write Love on Her Arms
To Write Love on Her Arms is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire, and invest directly into treatment and recovery.
http://twloha.com