by Rev. Lyn Poplin
We are deeply grateful to the Methodist Foundation for Arkansas (MFA) for making it possible for five Arkansas United Methodist pastors to participate in Creating a Culture of Renewal® (CCR). Through this generous grant, these pastors have the opportunity to engage in a three-year journey designed to transform congregations from the inside out—helping leaders dream again, clarify purpose, and align people and ministries around a shared vision of hope and growth.
CCR, developed by Rev. Dr. Rebekah Simon-Peter, combines spiritual growth, practical leadership skills, and visionary thinking. Participants learn how to lead from a place of authenticity, courage, and creativity—building churches that are vibrant, mission-focused, and ready for God’s next chapter.
As I reflect on this journey, I can’t help but think of football. Every pastor is, in a sense, the quarterback of their church. In football, the quarterback faces nearly 1,200 pounds of defensive pressure trying to bring him down. The offensive line forms what’s called “the pocket,” giving the quarterback time to read the field, make adjustments, and decide whether to pass, run, or change the play altogether.
In ministry, our “pocket” is formed by our church leaders, volunteers, and congregation members who create space for discernment, prayer, and visioning. The stronger our communication and trust, the more time we have to read the field—to notice what’s happening in our community, sense God’s movement, and respond faithfully.
Quarterbacks spend countless hours studying film, learning to read defensive patterns and anticipate where pressure will come from. Likewise, pastors in the Creating a Culture of Renewal program are learning to anticipate cultural shifts, recognize community needs, and adjust their leadership approach to keep the mission of Christ moving forward.
It’s not about feeling literal vibrations through our shoes, but rather developing a spiritual awareness—a deep sensitivity to the Spirit’s movement and to the strengths and challenges of our congregations. Through CCR, we are learning to trust that awareness and to communicate more effectively with our teams, forming stronger “pockets” for ministry.
Rev. Jesse James shared, “Being able to learn and grow with United Methodists all over the nation has been rewarding and fun so far. This is the power of the UM connection. I’m looking forward to applying what I learn through CCR to a church on fire for ministry.”
Rev. Sara Pair said, “As a new pastor to a congregation, I am incredibly grateful to the MFA for the gifts the Creating a Culture of Renewal program will provide me and our Leadership Team. From developing emotional intelligence to engaging a diversity of leaders, and setting and achieving a bold vision, CCR will be an invaluable process as we strive to be the church God is calling us to be.”
Rev. Charles (Chase) Henley-Green added, “I’m excited for the opportunity the MFA has made possible. I’m looking forward to building on what has just begun and endeavor over the three years to absorb processes and systems, along with great tools to add to my toolbox, that myself and my congregation can explore and try. My hopes are that it will tighten screws while challenging us to have our imaginations surge for what is possible for ministry to break barriers.”
As pastors, we don’t always know what the next “play” will be. But through Creating a Culture of Renewal, we’re gaining the tools, confidence, and vision to call the next play with faith and boldness—trusting that the Holy Spirit is both our coach and our strength in ministry.
On behalf of all the participants, I want to again thank the Methodist Foundation for Arkansas for their generosity and vision. Because of this partnership, churches across our Conference are learning to build stronger pockets, read the field with clarity, and lead their congregations toward God’s future with renewed hope.