MITCHELL, SOUTH DAKOTA – Fusion Church in Mitchell, South Dakota has begun a journey to become an independent congregation within the Dakotas Conference of The United Methodist Church. 

Fusion began in 2011 as a partnership between Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) and the Mitchell first United Methodist Church (UMC).  The goal of the partnership was to reach young adults age 18 to 35 years who did not have a church home. 

Fusion features a weekly modern worship style with a casual atmosphere, rocking music, graphics and videos to illustrate the message of the gospel.  The worship is held at the Sherman Center on the campus of Dakota Wesleyan University. 

In November of 2013, a task force of members from Mitchell First UMC and Fusion made a recommendation to the First United Methodist Church Council, that the two groups become independent. The task force worked with Paul Nixon and Emily Reese, consultants from Path 1 of the General Board of Discipleship (GBOD).

“Fusion is an opportunity for the United Methodist Church to reach a group of people who prefer a less traditional approach,” said Brandon Vetter, DWU’s campus pastor, in a Dakota Wesleyan news release.

The attendance at Fusion averages around 120 people weekly.  Some DWU students, about 10-20, attend the weekly worship service

Rev. Brandon Vetter, will continue to serve as the campus pastor and the pastor for Fusion until this summer.  The hope is to have Vetter transition to serving Fusion full-time. 

“Fusion is an opportunity to make new disciples and to grow the United Methodist Church.  Our hope is to appoint a full time pastor to Fusion, “ stated Rev. Greg Kroger, Director of Ministries for the Dakotas Conference. 

See related stories from Dakota Wesleyan University and the Mitchell Daily Republic.