Campaign Will Help Guide Americans' Search for Spirituality; UMC Welcomes Non-Church Goers with Message of Community.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- As millions of Americans search to find a spiritual home, The United Methodist Church (UMC) today launched a new national advertising campaign inviting seekers to experience The United Methodist Church. The United Methodist Church is the second largest Protestant denomination, with 8.3 million members in the United States and nearly 11 million globally.

"The goal of this campaign is to reach youths and adults who are not currently exposed to church but are open to attending, whether or not they choose to become members," said the Rev. Larry Hollon, chief executive at United Methodist Communications. "At a time when many Christian groups and religious organizations are viewed as being exclusive, we believe it is important to reach out to the unchurched to let them know that they are welcome. We accept everyone because we believe that God cares for everyone."

The denomination first launched an advertising campaign in 2001. First-time attendance increased 19 percent at 164 test churches while overall worship attendance increased by 7 percent. The denomination's legislative body voted in 2004 to expand the campaign in 2005-2008 after research showed more than seven in ten United Methodist pastors backed the advertising efforts. Two-thirds of the pastors said the principles of the welcoming campaign had helped to make their congregations more open and inviting to unchurched persons.

"Advertising is the realization that the church needs to be visible in the marketplace of ideas," Hollon said. "While we will continue to reach out to churchgoers through traditional venues, we recognize that different people receive information in a variety of ways. If we want to be visible to those people then we simply must find new and different ways to get our name and values into the community and let people know they are welcome at UMC. That's what this campaign is all about."

Find Your Path. Share the "Journey"

UMC's new "Journey" advertising campaign highlights the spiritual journey that brings one closer to one's true self, to one another and to God. It reflects the many examples in Scripture that illustrate the "journey." Abraham followed God's leading, though he was uncertain where the path would take him. Moses and the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for years, following a cloud that represented God's Spirit. Even Jesus was a traveler, moving from place to place while calling others to follow him as, together, they sought to know and do God's will.

The ads are designed to speak to many different people on a variety of levels based upon their current church experience, or lack thereof.

The Campaign

The $2 million national television advertising campaign airs August 29 through September 18. In addition to national advertising, 64 community churches and church-related organizations were provided matching grants to launch local television, radio, cinema, and outdoor advertising campaigns. UMC provided matching grants to 64 community churches and church related organizations. This is Phase I of a $25 million UMC advertising campaign scheduled for 2005-2008.

To view the ads, visit http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=6&mid=9548.

To schedule an interview with Bishop Thomas Bickerton, President of United Methodist Communications, contact Stephen Drachler at 615-742-5411 or [e-mail].

About the United Methodist Church

The United Methodist Church of today came together in 1968 when The Methodist Church and The Evangelical United Brethren Church unified. Today, The United Methodist Church has more than 8.3 million members in the U.S. and nearly 11 million internationally. It is the second largest Protestant denomination in the United States. For more information about the United Methodist Church, visit www.umc.org.