(New Ministry Strategies) Pike Road UMC is a relatively young church plant in Pike Road, Alabama. Worship, as outlined in the United Methodist liturgy and its hymns, is at the heart of what they do. Their pastor, Rev. Dr. Lane Davis, explains, “When our core group first started planning and praying for this church, one of the first things that we discerned was that we wanted an authentically
United Methodist Church in the Pike Road community,” adding, “We hope that anyone that comes to Pike Road UMC will experience the rich tradition of our Wesleyan heritage in what they hear, sing, and witness.” Although they are up to the challenge of finding new ways to reach their community, they first aim to establish a firm foundation in the United Methodist tradition of worship.
They are also focused on personal growth in discipleship, and their adults and youth have many opportunities through small groups, Sunday school, Disciple Bible studies, and retreats. “Our laity have really stepped up to lead these opportunities,” Pastor Lane notes, “People in Pike Road are eager to bring their true, honest selves to Church each Sunday and to experience God’s love in a community that encourages them towards sanctification.” They are looking to expand their outreach and discipleship for children, too, so they can create more opportunities for spiritual growth for people of all ages.
Pike Road United Methodist Church plans to do more missional outreach as they consider the resources they have as well as what is already being done in the community. According to Pastor Lane, “Currently, we are fortunate in that our host congregation, Grace Episcopal Church, already has established missional ministries that they have graciously invited us to join. So, our youth have packed diapers to be distributed in a diaper bank, and we have collected can openers to be sent to local food banks for those that need them. We have also made initial outreach into the Pike Road schools, showing our appreciation to our educators and coaches for their work in the community.” Through prayerful discernment, they have been contemplating their community’s specific needs and are looking forward to taking on more outreach opportunities in the future.
“We are excited to be doing ministry as a United Methodist Church! The denomination has been through some rough times, and many of the people in our church have been through personal difficult seasons as well. And yet, when we gather on Sunday mornings, we gather with joy and excitement for the new things God is doing,” says Pastor Lane. Pike Road welcomes everyone to worship with them on Sundays at 10:30 AM in the Chapel of Grace Episcopal Church located at 906 Pike Road. Find out more at
https://www.pikeroadumc.org/.
