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"We're excited about the expansion of the Russia United Methodist Church, especially because Russians do most of the expanding themselves!" writes Jarrell Tyson, a United Methodist Missionary assigned by the General Board of Global Ministries as Director of Church Development of the Russia United Methodist Church (RUMC). Tyson, and his wife, Natalie, report that they spend much time helping Russia United Methodist churches with new groups and leadership workshops.
"Russian Methodists have appropriated the 'Kitchen Evangelism' style, and start either satellite groups in neighboring villages or start churches for families or friends in other cities," according to the Tysons. One whole Russian church in the Moscow District took a team to start a church in Archangel in the far north.
"We still start and lead monthly Bible study groups, either through the Russia Peace Foundation or at the request of Russian Methodists, until they grow into congregations and are assigned local pastors or seminary students.
"Churches often start as Bible study groups for the beginners, the curious, the nonbelievers. We provide Bibles (thanks to your donations) and watch the amazing 'Flame' catch and burn! When a local leader emerges, we pass on study materials (in Russian) to them."
Without outside financial support, we don't think the RUMC could survive," conclude the Tysons.
Next page: Russia Offers Real Example of Church Growth
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URL: http://gbgm-umc.org/news/2001/jan/russiagrowmw.stm