MUP Launches a Journey of Faith and Innovation in 2026

Beginning in 2026, we, the members of Missouri Union Presbytery, will embark on an exciting journey of faith, wonder and hope.

We will explore new ways to be the church of God, including new ways to worship, new ways to welcome all persons into our fellowship, and new ways to be faithful to the God whose grace has saved us.

Together we’ll explore ways to bring new breath and imagination to worship, new ways to reach out to our communities, new ways to minister to all ages in our congregations and ways to add to rather than replace our beloved traditions.

We’ll look at strategies and innovations that can work for congregations small and large, things that can start small and grow, things that can start on a shoestring of hope and through God’s grace grow into something consequential.

We’ll invite local, regional and national speakers to our Presbytery meetings, we’ll have workshops, and seminars. We’ll encourage adventurous innovation that works in our church settings, and we’ll support one another as we grow together in Christ in the 21^st century.

We’ll be in-person. We’ll be online. We’ll bring the information and resources to you so you can try it in your setting.

TOPICS WE’LL EXPLORE TOGETHER:

1. New Thoughts on Welcoming Newcomers

‘Meet me at church’ just doesn’t do it anymore. We’ll explore how to find shared interests and create friendly spaces where visitors and new attendees can feel like one of the ‘family’.

2. Ways to Drop the Tech

In a world where technology so easily separates us, we can learn to have real face-to-face conversations and relationships.

3. Rich & Connective Worship

We’ll learn easy transitions that make worship deeper for all attendees without abandoning beloved traditions.

4. Become More Relatable

We’ll examine some ways to include newcomers, old timers, and everyone in-between into our church family.

5. Sharing the Stories of Faith

How to tell YOUR faith story by word and deed in a world that may have never heard the story of Jesus.

…And more to come!

Plan to join us in this new

and exciting journey to THRIVE!