The ancient church spread rapidly throughout the Mediterranean world and, centuries later, the Methodist Church spread like wildfire on the American frontier thanks largely to lay Christians who shared the Christian faith in their homes and communities. Over time, our primary church leadership models have emphasized the leadership of the clergy and have devalued the ministry of the laity. IMPACT offers practical and proven plans to help clergy and laity partner together again to spread the Gospel in a new day and age!

The church likely rises and falls with the missional investment of the laity. So, of course, this book is for the laity. But, it is also for pastors and judicatory leaders. Our hope for this resource is to rekindle the spark and set the laity on fire – on fire for Christ. Our tribe, The United Methodist Church, was founded as a movement of laity and reached millions of people. Our hope and prayer is that this resource will help re-engage and empower the laity.