Why we do what we do

We get these questions all the time: WHY did you start a new church?  Or a new United Methodist Church? Aren't there enough churches already? WHAT is different about Bellwether?

Great questions. They come up because it doesn't take someone long to discover we're not your typical United Methodist Church. Whether you visit our Sunday morning service at Jackson Academy, spend time on our Web site, or talk with our people, you'll quickly find we tend to think a bit differently than a lot of churches think.

We're NOT claiming to be better than other churches. We are claiming to be different.

There are many great churches in our Metro Jackson area that meet the needs of thousands. We're simply convinced there is another group of people who are still looking for something wholly different.

We know there are hundreds, if not thousands, in this same community who have tried church and walked away. Churches do not speak to them. They are not challenged, for whatever reasons, in church. They are not growing in their spiritual lives as they may have once hoped. They are still searching to connect more profoundly with the God who created them.

So we have set out to create a church---a community, really, because we all know church is more about people than bricks and mortar---that is authentic. It's a church where you can show up in a suit (some of our folks do), or in jeans (some of our folks do that too) and yet connect with one another in a meaningful way. A church where you can be yourself---regardless of how your week went---be real about the issues life is throwing at you, and be challenged as you consider what the next step might be in your spiritual life.

But most importantly, as a church, we are trying to show people a glimpse of the real Jesus. What did He do? He came to us, met people where they were, and loved them. He still does today. We try to do the same.

Now, we still don't have a building - yet. We plan to one day, but even when we do, it will be very different than the typical church. We suspect it will be a place that's open 24/7, where physical and spiritual needs are met, and where groups that gather all week long will be just as important as those who show up on Sunday morning, dressed in their Sunday best.

We have said from day one church should be more - for people, for our community, for the world. Therefore, we want Bellwether to be a place where people discover: the family they never knew, gifts they never realized, a safe space to ask questions, and the love Christ has for them.

And finally, we believe when church does this, it really is the hope for this world.