It wasn’t strategic planning or suburban demographics that led Pastor David McNitzky’s Alamo Heights United Methodist Church to open a satellite campus – it was the prayer team.
David’s large congregation had hit a plateau and expansion north of town was where the Spirit seemed to be leading. In this interview, David explains how his congregation’s willingness to listen to the Spirit and take chances with new ministry expressions keeps the church energized.
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Synopsis
Alamo Heights has ‘change’ in its DNA – not simply because it’s changed in the past, but because the attitude is continually nurtured by a veteran pastor who prays hard to keep things fresh. Learn how David is channeling that energy to open new venues for ministry and train up leaders to make it happen. Here are my notes:
Listening to the Spirit
Alamo Heights founded a campus 20 miles north based on a strong leading from the Lord. David cultivates a leadership style that is intent on listening to the Spirit – and tries to model that to other leaders.
House Churches
Instead of sending every one of his bright leaders off to seminary, David has started a regular leadership training for the ‘chosen’ that equips them to lead ‘house churches.’ So far they’ve spun off 3 and with 40 people in the class, more growth in this kind of small group worship experience may be down the pike.
Study!
David spends nearly 1 whole day per week in the local library. Leadership is dependent upon learning, he says, and keeping the mind stimulated breeds fresh ideas. How much time are you spending in the study?
About David McNitzky
David has been the senior pastor at Alamo Heights United Methodist Church in San Antonio for the past 16 years. Previously he was senior pastor at First United Methodist Church in Boerne (1988-1995), pastor, Helotes Hills United Methodist Church (1983-1988), and pastor, Los Fresnos United Methodist Church (1980-1983). Reverend McNitzky and his spouse Pamela, have three sons, Mark, Ryan, and Reed.
Books David Recommends
The Tangible Kingdom – Hugh Halter
To Change the World – James Hunter
The Jesus Way – Eugene Peterson
