The Wesleyan Church is happy to announce a formal partnership with MOPS International. All Wesleyan churches that would like to host MOPS at their church can do so at a Wesleyan discount of 50%, and any church plant can begin for free within the first year of their launch.
In a recent conversation with Doris Meyer, board chairman for Mothers of Preschoolers International (MOPS), and Sherry Surratt, MOPS CEO, we talked about outreach strategies for young families. I was reminded that families with young children aren’t always considering the church when it comes to seeking help to raise their families or spiritual guidance in parenting.
But when a church hosts a MOPS group, a gathering where moms of preschoolers can find a friend, eat a hot meal and have time to focus on becoming a better mother, she begins to realize–maybe for the first time–that the church cares about her as a woman, a wife, and a mom.
Greg McClain, pastor of Wesleyan Church of Hamburg in Hamburg, N.Y., realizes the value of the MOPS group they host bi-weekly. ‘The MOPS team, by providing quality childcare and meaningful interactions (including adult conversation) for the mothers, offers a welcome haven for moms of the church and others with no church connection. What a tender season to be able to share with these dear women and their little ones. What a critical moment to be able to serve them with a few moments of respite, new friendships, and the truth of Jesus.
Pastor McClain knows that it takes more than just posting weekend service times or providing a great children’s ministry to catch a busy young family’s attention. Hosting a MOPS group lets the moms in the community know their church values moms and families and proactively thinks about their needs. MOPS International knows from its research that the season of preschool parenting is the most critical time in a mom’s life, when she is most looking for friendships and mentoring help. Pastor McClain reports that they have seen many young families come into their church through MOPS and sees it as a valuable tool in reaching the young families of Hamburg.
“The building pulses with energy on the Fridays when MOPS is here. Little ones happily playing together (most of the time) and moms enjoying each others’ company. It’s the happy energy of the love of Jesus. As a church, we could probably cobble together a similar ministry. But I believe that our ministry is better because of the connection and the accountability that the MOPS organization provides. I love the MOPS ministry and am grateful for the impact it has on young mothers around here (and not just because they sometimes share their leftover snacks),” said Pastor McClain.
Learn more about MOPS and contact Gayle Wright at MOPS International with any questions. Each new group will have a MOPS group care specialist who will provide training and help get your group started.
Let’s join together with MOPS International to reach every young family for Christ.
Jo Anne Lyon
General Superintendent of The Wesleyan Church
