Grace-fueled Discipleship
Grace-fueled Discipleship -- By Tammie Grimm -- Did you know John Wesley never used the word “disciple” to refer to persons who seek to follow Jesus? It’s true. Yes, he did use the word “disciple,” however, it was only in reference to the persons who were companions...
The Grace that Awakens
The Grace that Awakens -- By Bill Ury -- A beloved mentor of mine would shake up a room when he would talk about the free grace of God and the sinner’s response by saying, “God has a problem!” He would go on to discuss the fact that Jesus would not misuse his love to...
Disaffiliation Ends
Disaffiliation Ends By Heather Hahn July/August 2024 The United Methodist Church’s focus on disaffiliation has come to an end and a new push for regionalization is just beginning. By a vote of 516 to 203, General Conference delegates supported the end of a...
Ukranian Delegate Glad to be United Methodist
Ukranian Delegate Glad to be United Methodist By Sam Hodges The Rev. Yulia Starodubets came to the United Methodist General Conference from Ukraine, which is more than two years into a grinding war with Russia. Because commercial air travel in her country remains...
Reduced Budget Passed
Reduced Budget Passed By Heather Hahn General Conference delegates on May 3 approved a denominational budget with a bottom line that will vary by about $20 million, depending on giving collection rates over the next two years. But no matter what happens, the total...
Eurasia Granted Disaffiliation, Liberia Denied
Eurasia Granted Disaffiliation, Liberia Denied By Sam Hodges, UM News July/August 2024 Early in its Charlotte deliberations, the Standing Committee on Central Conference matters nearly overwhelmingly approved a petition enabling four Eurasian annual conferences to...
Young People’s Address
Young People's Address By Eveline Chikwanah To thunderous applause, Alejandra Salemi of the Florida Conference said the denomination’s lawmaking assembly is being held “in the midst of what feels like an emotional whirlpool that only something like divorce proceedings...
Bishop Wilson: Inspire Next 7 Generations
Bishop Wilson: Inspire Next 7 Generations By Todd Seifert Bishop David Wilson, the denomination’s first Native American bishop, encouraged General Conference delegates to consider the people who inspired their faith in the past while considering how decisions today...
Bishop Holston: Become “who God Needs Us to Be”
Bishop Holston: Become "who God Needs Us to Be" By Jessica Brodie Bringing a word on staying who “God needs us to be” in spite of the ever-changing noise of this world, Bishop L. Jonathan Holston of the South Carolina Conference delivered the Council of Bishops’...
Prayer Room was Sanctuary for Delegates
Prayer Room was Sanctuary for Delegates By Audrey Stanton-Smith At the end of a quiet hallway on the upper floor of the Charlotte Convention Center, delegates and visitors find space to pray. “It is quiet, and it’s sort of away from everybody,” said Amy Steele, dean...
General Conference News Briefs
General Conference News Briefs July/August 2024 - Delegates celebrate success, growth of Africa University By Eveline Chikwanah General Conference delegates, church leaders and alumni celebrated the impact of Africa University and the support from United Methodists...
The “Big Tent” Shrank in Charlotte
The "Big Tent" Shrank in Charlotte By Elizabeth Fink This is not an easy piece to write. The emotions are raw. The future of the United Methodist Church has been set on a path I cannot follow. While many may view the changes as progress, I see them as heartbreaking...
