United Methodist Church of the Resurrection

I am not religious, I'd even consider myself to be a Jesus Lovin Agnostic. And yet I love COR, specifically the Downtown location. Pastor Anne and the staff have treated me with such love and respect knowing my position. I spent 30 years as an Evangelical Pastor so I understand the inner-workings of a church, and Pastor Adam and the COR Staff are doing a fabulous job building a Jesus Loving Community here in Kansas City. So even if you'd consider yourself to be a non-believer, but lack community or a weekly dose of Love, Grace, Mercy, Forgiveness, and Compassion ... then start attending COR. It would be a great New Years Goal for the coming year. I actually know Pastor Adam personally having grown up with him I can tell you he is legit. He is sincere and genuine in his pursuit and it reflects in the success of COR. I love the heart and mission of COR, I think you will too.

Adam Hamilton is the preacher. Just go. The window behind the pulpit is worth the visit. You don’t need to be a church person to feel welcome.

At first, I was very hesitant because of the size of the church. I was looking for something small where I could have a personal relationship with members and the staff. I wondered how could a huge church get to know “me” and provide personal support if I needed them. To my surprise, COR quickly resolved all of my concerns and completely blew away all preconceived notions regarding large churches. This church is amazing and it now a huge part of my life.

First, it is a church for thinking people to gather, share ideas, and challenge each other to see all sides of an issue. They tackle the difficult topics in an objective and respectful manner that allows all sides to understand the issue from a biblical perspective. They don’t judge but instead welcome everyone regardless of their situation.

Their congregational care is AMAZING. A family member of ours became seriously ill and eventually died in hospice. Two or three times per day a lay person (from the Congregational Care Ministry) or one of the pastors would come to see us. They walked with us every step of this difficult journey and then cared for us by providing a wonderful celebration of life ceremony. I could not have asked for anything more than the love and personal care pour out by the pastors and CCMs.

As a man, one of the best things about COR is diversity of their ministries. COR provides unique opportunities to serve that simply don’t exist in smaller churches. I can use a chainsaw in their Disaster Response Ministry, I can fix cars for low income families in their Automotive ministry, I can update computers for children, I can use a camera to serve God in their photography ministry, I can restore houses, paint schools, build playgrounds, etc, etc. Whatever your skillset or interest, COR will provide a way for you to serve God with your abilities.

Bottom line: The sermons and music are wonderful but if you really want to get connected join a small group or get involved with one of the ministries. You will be richly blessed and your life will never be the same.

Although I have attended Resurrection on and off for a number of years, I joined only recently and will serve on missions having the greatest needs. I would like to reply (speaking only for myself ) to those who commented that the church is "too big", or "not biblical," or the funding raised for the new building will lead to "corruption." I worked with and observed mission teams in Haiti shortly after the Earthquake of 2010, and again in 2011. Resurrection is very careful to partner with Haitians and to select effective long-term projects that directly benefit Haitian communities. The church is a good steward of other people's money. (Donations and funds are in good hands, and the levels of accountability are high and public.) Although it isn't always easy to speak directly to Pastor Adam, (20K members,) there are many highly skilled pastors, staff and volunteers who are committed to serving you. I remember being prepped for surgery once and given anesthesia. As I began to drift off, I noticed a pastor holding my hand and praying for me. (I had not known about her visit, and she later confirmed a member had informed her about me.) To those who say Resurrection is "non-biblical," I suggest you read The Beatitudes. Through the deeds of member volunteers, pastors and staff, Resurrection lives every one of them. Below are images of Haitian school children assisted by Resurrection members.