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UMDF Featured Churches

"Featured Churches" contains stories and photos of churches that have received loans from the United Methodist Development Fund of the General Board of Global Ministries.

Congregation Tithes to Community: Castleton United Methodist Church, Indianapolis

Castleton United Methodist Church is a growing congregation in a suburb of Indianapolis, Indiana. When a 20-year-old, 35,000 square foot facility - formerly part of the local Methodist Hospital - became available the congregation saw an opportunity to prepare a way for their congregation to expand. They planned to lease out the space as offices to pay off their debt and then use it for eventual expansion of the congregation.

After the property was purchased, the congregation realized that their original plan would not be feasible. They found they could not compete with office space already available in the community. They were very disappointed and could not decide what to do next. They looked at several options but none of them were a good fit. Then the pastor, Mac Hamon, proposed this challenge. "We expect our members to tithe to the church. Why shouldn't the church tithe to the community? This building represents more than a tithe of space which could be used for ministries to those in our community most in need." The congregation accepted this challenge and with that acceptance the whole attitude of the congregation was changed. They were excited, energized and enthusiastic.

The congregation renovated the building with $100,000 and volunteer labor. They opened their ministry center August 1, 2002. At least 15% of the space is used as a homeless shelter. The shelter serves an average of 50 people a month. It is able to serve this many people because of its affiliation with the Interfaith Hospitality Network. The Network provides transportation to homeless shelters for those who are homeless and who wish to be sheltered. The Castleton shelter also provides shelter to refugees. It has provided a temporary home for 2 African families, a Croatian and a Serbian family since its opening.

The remainder of the ministry center is used for local church and community ministries. These ministries range from Addiction to Youth ministries, Exercise space to Parish nursing. All of these ministries are organized and provided by church members who volunteer their time.

Castleton UMC holds a distinct place in the history of The United Methodist Development Fund. Castleton UMC received the first million-dollar loan The UMDF has ever bestowed. This loan was for the purchase of the building now serving as the ministry center. A loan this large represents quite a commitment for a congregation. The congregation had faith that the church would continue to grow and that growth would ensure the repayment of their debt.

As so often happens, the congregation has continued to grow because of its outreach ministry. Currently, they need an expanded worship area to accommodate this growth. The congregation is looking at creative ways to expand their sanctuary without rebuilding or incurring additional debt. Stewardship of existing resources is a lesson that the ministry center has taught Castleton UMC. It is their goal to grow as a congregation in number as well as grow in service to the community.