When A Church Dares To Dream Big
Jul 16, 2025
Dear Friends,
We’re excited to share the first story in our new monthly series of Stories of Igniting Imagination from the Learning and Innovation team. Each month, you’ll receive a glimpse into how leaders across the country are encountering the Holy Spirit through shared learning, bold ministry, and holy friendship.
This month, we begin in Atlanta — where a local church is attempting something so big, it could only succeed with God.
Read the story below. Sit with the question. See where the Spirit might be stirring in your context — and if a story comes to mind, we’d love to hear it. In next month’s email, we’ll feature a story from one of our readers. You can share your story here.
May these stories spark fresh vision and faithful courage for each of us — for such a time as this.
Grace and peace,
Rev. Dr. Blair Thompson
Chief Learning and Innovation Officer
Texas Methodist Foundation
When a Church Dares to Dream Big
What bold dream is stirring in your heart — so big it would be impossible without God?
That question took on new depth during a recent Learning Journey to Atlanta, where District Superintendents from the South Central Jurisdiction witnessed a powerful expression of ministry in motion at Atlanta First United Methodist Church. Hosted by Rev. Jasmine Smothers, the group explored the church’s ambitious redevelopment project — a vision that reimagines church property as a catalyst for community transformation.
The project includes 320 housing units — most of them deeply affordable — alongside space for a school, a new fellowship hall, gym, church offices, and 10,000 square feet of retail. It’s a comprehensive, Spirit-led response to real needs, made possible only through deep and diverse partnerships with the city, housing agencies, developers, nonprofits, and others.
At the heart of the vision is a guiding mantra:
“Attempt something so big that without God it’s bound to fail.”
“We left not only with insight,” reflected Rev. Robert Ortiz, Las Misiones District Superintendent, “but with a deeper awareness of how the Holy Spirit is building on the church’s long legacy — stirring fresh imagination for how we live out justice, compassion, and bold, Spirit-led innovation in our communities today.”
What vision is the Spirit planting in your community — one that will require divine power and unexpected partners?
If you'd like a partner in leadership, lending, or philanthropy — we’d love to walk with you. Contact us and tell us about your God-sized dream.