WATERTOWN, SOUTH DAKOTA -- Encounter, a satellite campus of Watertown Cornerstone United Methodist Church (UMC) is reaching over 145 people each week in Watertown, South Dakota. "We are trying to touch people in a whole new way," said Pastor Paul Kimball, Encounter site pastor.

Cornerstone launches Encounter

Cornerstone UMC had been discussing for several years how they could reach those in Watertown that were not attending church.  Why not just invite people to Cornerstone? "There are a lot of people who struggle with church," said Rev. Roger Spahr, senior pastor.  "There are some people who have driven into our parking lot and just could not come into this building."

Spahr and members of Cornerstone decided to try something totally different. 

Encounter was launched as a satellite campus.  Kimball was selected as the site pastor and is responsible for small groups, outreach, and leading worship.  Spahr preaches each week at the worship.  Cornerstone provides the office and other management functions for Encounter. 

Encounter a unique experience

Encounter is a unique experience.  Worship is held each week downtown at the Goss Opera House. There are round tables and chairs. The unconventional setting helps to create a more relaxed atmosphere.  “We hope that people are greeted and feel welcome from the minute they walk in the door, until they leave,” stated Kimball.

The worship experience includes lots of singing, prayers, scripture and a message.  Spahr travels from Cornerstone to Encounter each Sunday to deliver the message.  Kimball leads the remainder of the service.

After the message each week there is “table time.”  Everyone at a table discusses questions about the message that day.  “I try to have table leaders or people who are experienced with the table time, at each table,” stated Kimball. 

The round tables and table time allow people to feel comfortable in discussing things they have been struggling with in life or simply connect with someone at the table.  “It is about connecting and reaching out,” said Kimball. 

“A lot of people who come to Encounter have been struggling with addictions, violence or feeling like the church let them down.  We try to reach them where they are. The table discussion helps with that,” described Kimball.

Outreach and service in the community is a big part of what Encounter does.  Each week there are small group bible studies, mission opportunities and ways for people to serve others.

What is next?

Encounter is all about meeting people where they are.  The name speaks for itself -- allowing people to encounter the love or Jesus regardless of where they have been or what their past is.  The hope is to continue to invite more people to encounter Christ.

Encounter continues to appeal to a lot of different people in Watertown.  “Encounter may some day be its own chartered church, or may always be a satellite.  Only God knows, “ said Spahr. 

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Encounter from Dakotas UMC on Vimeo.