It Takes a Village Podcast

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Gibson Village – Q&A’s

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

What is the history and context of Forest Hill United Methodist Church in Concord, NC?

Forest Hill UMC has been serving the Concord community since 1888 and has a rich tradition of outreach and missional engagement. The church has two campus locations: Downtown and Gibson Village. The Gibson Village campus became a missional outreach hub after merging with Kerr Street UMC in 2019. Activities at Gibson Village include: weekly community meals, health initiatives, and recreational activities.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

How is Forest Hill UMC engaging with the Gibson Village community?

Forest Hill UMC has been engaging with the Gibson Village community through surveys, one-on-one conversations with neighborhood association leaders, and listening sessions. The church is also praying together as a congregation and using resources like “The Listening Church” and “The Futuring Church” to discern how to better meet the needs of the diverse community.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

What Scripture has been influential in Forest Hill’s visioning for a new worshiping community at Gibson Village?

Acts 2:42-47, provides a model for a relational, community-centered, and Spirit-led outreach. This scripture emphasizes the importance of teaching, fellowship, generosity, and the work of the Holy Spirit. All of these things shape the vision for the new worshiping community at Gibson Village. These values are essential for nurturing a faith community.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

How does scripture inform leadership within Forest Hill UMC?

Scripture serves as the foundation for leadership at Forest Hill UMC, guiding decisions related to servant leadership, justice, teaching, and transformational discipleship. It helps the church address contemporary issues by empowering leaders to act in love, justice, and mercy. Scripture helps shape the church’s mission, ensuring it remains grounded in the teachings of Jesus and aligned with the work of the Holy Spirit.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

How does the early church’s model in Acts 2 influence Forest Hill UMC’s mission?

The early church’s model in Acts 2 influences Forest Hill UMC’s mission by promoting authentic relationships, shared resources, and hospitality. The church is working to create a space where diverse people can come together in worship and fellowship, much like the early church did. This approach includes being flexible to the changing needs of the community while remaining grounded in faith and service to others.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

What role does the Holy Spirit play in the church’s mission and outreach efforts?

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding and empowering the church’s mission. Just as the early church was led by the Holy Spirit, Forest Hill UMC seeks to remain open to the Spirit’s direction in its outreach efforts, ensuring that the church’s work aligns with God’s will and responds to the needs of the community. The church’s efforts are grounded in prayer and spiritual discernment to allow the Holy Spirit to shape the ministry.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

What is the Gibson Village CBO (Community Based Organization)?

In addition to the faith community, Forest Hill UMC aims to support economic development by helping small businesses grow. The church is leveraging its commercial kitchen and other resources to aid local entrepreneurs. Partnerships with the City of Concord, the N.C. State Extension Office, and the Gibson Village Neighborhood Association will help bring this vision to life. The church also plans to host a Gibson Village Pop-up Market to support local businesses and provide access to fresh produce, coffee, and live entertainment
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

What is the long-term vision for the Gibson Village community and how is the church working toward it?

The long-term vision for Gibson Village is to create a vibrant, diverse worshiping community that fosters faith, inclusion, and belonging. The church is actively working to build relationships with the neighborhood, support economic development, and create a welcoming space for people to gather. By using resources like the commercial kitchen and hosting community events like the Pop-up Market, Forest Hill UMC aims to build a strong, supportive community rooted in the teachings of Jesus and guided by the Holy Spirit.