TOWARDS THE DEVELOPMENT OF A

A THREE-DENOMINATION PARISH IN KEARNY, ARIZONA

Over the last few years, a vision for a multi-denominational congregation has evolved in Kearny, Arizona. At the Church of the Good Shepherd, people of several denominational backgrounds come together weekly to worship God together and to engage one another in what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ in the world.

On some Sundays the structure of the worship is free-form United Methodist service of the Word, on others a liturgical United Methodist communion service is celebrated, and on others an Episcopal or Lutheran service is held. Are people confused? No, they are curious, interested, engaged, and growing. There being neither a Lutheran (ELCA) nor an Episcopal Church in town, Episcopalians and Lutherans, along with United Methodists, are sharing their rich heritages with one another and recognizing the validity of multiple forms and styles of worship. Presbyterians and people from other traditions are also finding a home in our midst. People with no church background come and grow as well.

Our cooperation is made possible by a trio of ecumenical agreements which have been negotiated among our denominations in the last few years.