Develop a Discipleship System
One Matters
Every year, Discipleship Ministries partners with Annual Conferences (AC) by offering the One Matters Award (OMA) to one eligible congregation at each Annual Conference. The award, consisting of a commemorative plaque and a check for $1,000.00 (one thousand dollars), is delivered to the congregation during the annual conference session.
OMA has a strong focus on making disciples because, by integrating into the church body, the individual may experience the personal transformation to potentially engage in the church’s mission for the transformation of the world. While most Discipleship Ministries Programs focus on existing members, OMA focus on new members. After all, ONE Matters.
Read About One Matters Churches
Discipleship Ministries Honors Asbury UMC, Allen, Maryland
Tucked into Maryland’s northwest corner, Allen has a population of 420. About one-fourth of those residents attend Asbury UMC. Most members of the rural congregation are retirees and older adults. In 2021, the church celebrated two professions of faith, four baptisms, and four confirmations. This year Asbury UMC was one of several congregations receiving a One Matters Award from Discipleship Ministries.
Central Texas Congregation Receives 2022 One Matters Award
Members of the 186-member Tongan First United Methodist Church in Euless, Texas, know what it is to be a stranger, and they receive newcomers with a smile and open arms. Situated between Dallas and Fort Worth, Euless is home to one of the country’s largest Tongan communities, which initially formed half a century ago as immigrants came to the Texas city for its proximity to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and its jobs. Tongans compose about six percent of the city’s population of 60,500.
Small-But-Mighty Missouri Church Receives 2022 One Matters Award
“Small but mighty” aptly describes the 125-member Potosi United Methodist Church, some 70 miles southwest of St. Louis, Missouri. The Washington County seat is home to 2,500 people.
The Rev. Kim Jenne, Missouri Annual Conference director of connectional ministries, attributed Potosi’s growth to the efforts of the Rev. David Hendrick, a part-time local pastor, and to church leaders who focus on building connections with newcomers to the community.