Five-star churches:
Kingsport congregations reach for the heavens

What does it take to be a Five-Star Church in the Holston Conference? Go ask somebody in the Kingsport District.

Of 385 total churches in Holston qualifying as the most missions-oriented congregations of 2001, Kingsport had the highest percentage of all 12 districts. Forty-four of Kingsport's 59 congregations – 75 percent – received a Five-Star rating by the end of last year.

Second were the Big Stone Gap and Morristown Districts, tying with 51 percent of their churches qualifying for the honor. Tazewell was third with 44 percent, followed by Maryville with 41 percent and Johnson City with 39 percent.

Conference-wide, an average 42 percent of all 935 congregations achieved Five-Star status. To qualify, Holston churches must pay their apportionments in full and give any amount of money to each of these four Advance Special categories: International, United States, United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), and Conference-Initiated Specials.

Established by the conference Missions Team, the Five-Star program provides recognition for churches to give to Advance Special missions, such as the Ishe Anesu project in Zimbabwe or Holston Hispanic ministries.

The Rev. Grady Winegar, Kingsport superintendent, said his district actually set a goal of 100 percent participation in the Five-Star club. Ministers were encouraged to meet the goal during district meetings, charge conferences, and through the district newsletter.

"We're delighted that our people are responding to the full scope of what missions accomplish – in our conference, country, overseas, and through very special emergency ministries by UMCOR," Winegar said.

Five-Star Churches for 2001 will be recognized at Annual Conference in June.

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