Expanded hospitality campaign offers new resources to churches

United Methodist News Service
HOUSTON—The United Methodist Church is expanding its campaign to reach people seeking spiritual meaning with new commercials, training and resources for congregations.
The church will spend up to $25 million on television advertising and related efforts during the next four years, said Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton, Pittsburgh Episcopal Area, at a Jan. 28 news conference at the “Healthy Churches” event.
“Over the next four years, we will significantly increase opportunities to help United Methodist congregations reach into their communities and raise their identity,” said Bickerton, president of the General Commission on Communication. It is responsible for the Igniting Ministry hospitality and image campaign.
“Every local church will have access to free, online tools to help them grow,” Bickerton said. “We are creating a visibility and awareness of the denomination that will help local churches all across the United States.”
Training is to be available on the Internet as well as through on-site events. Detailed information on the advertising program is available at www.ignitingministry.org.