Back when I was a District Superintendent, I used to get people to go and visit a church. They would come back, without telling anyone why they were there, and tell me what they thought of the service. The question I always asked them was: “Would you go back had you been a first time […]
Rev. Dr. Sarah Calvert is the new District Superintendent of the Arlington District. On Sunday, July 28, 2019, we gathered at Clarendon UMC to celebrate with Sarah. Rev. Tracey Wines, Rev. Michelle Chaney, Rev. Jason Duley, Mr. Gene Cross, Ms. Laura Chwastyk and Rev. Kyungsuk Cho all shared in a Welcoming Service. The Camp Highroad […]
Did you know that part of the mission of the Development Company is to assist in ministry expansion of churches and affiliated organizations across the Virginia Conference by offering a variety of loan services? Whether it is new construction, the refinance of an existing debt or a loan focused on building rehabilitation, we are here […]
A colleague of mine had a four-point charge. He asked them one day if they didn’t think that closing one church would be a good idea. They all agreed since the churches were very close together. He then asked, “Which one?” Not one person thought their church should be closed. I’m afraid we are all […]
Our team of lending experts offers a wealth of experience to assist churches with the growth of their missions and ministries. After a loan is made, it is customary for the loan officer to follow-up with church leadership on processing loan payments and nurturing the relationship. The focus of these contacts is to coach leaders […]
Over recent years, United Methodist churches have faced increasing challenges of substantial attendee decline, as well as a growth in congregational age. Based on this growing trend, church leaders are consistently finding a need to make decisions relating to the choice of business strategies. In other words, leadership must decide such scenarios as refinance existing […]
Hiawatha Nicely joined the Board of Managers for the Development Company in 2018 and has been of great service to our mission. Hiawatha, or “Hi” as some call him, grew up in Alleghany County and went to Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia. He is an active member of St. Mark’s UMC in Troutville, […]
(Source: Lewis Center for Church Leadership; originally published February 18, 2019) One key to effective outreach is making sure that worship visitors feel truly welcome. These 50 Ways will help your congregation make a good first impression and extend hospitality in meaningful ways. Engage your leaders and members Teach that hospitality is at the core […]
The Virginia United Methodist Development Company announces that pastors will be able to get a quarter percent increase on Investment Rates at Annual Conference. Our goal is to encourage pastors to save for the futuree. This offer is for pastors and spouses only! This offer will only be available during Annual Conference. Visit the Foundation […]
Lori joined the Development Company’s Board in April 2018. She had previously served on the Foundation Board for ten years. Presently, Lori is the chairperson of the Finance Committee for the Development Company. Lori works for PBMares and is the Director, State and Local Tax Team Leader in Fairfax, Virginia. She leads the firm in […]