April 7, 2018
Dear Members of our United Methodist Church:
This week the Connectional Table (CT) celebrated the 50th anniversary of the founding of The United Methodist Church and focused on the CT’s purpose – to discern and articulate the vision and to be stewards of the mission, ministries and resources of our denomination. And though we engaged difficult and complex issues, we also explored narratives of possibility for our worldwide connection.
As we end our meeting, we wish to share with the whole church a simple message of hope: The MISSION is yet alive, and we believe….
- Despite the uncertainty of our times, God is still calling us to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
- Our central mission is to join in God’s work in the world. No matter what, we are still invited into the mission of God.
- We must take faithful steps to live as a worldwide church in mission to the world.
- No matter the challenges we face, God is still calling The United Methodist Church…
- To engage in ministry with the poor
- To improve global health
- To develop principled Christian leaders
- To create new and renewed congregations
We believe. Yet, perhaps like you, we sometimes struggle with unbelief. Therefore, we commit to praying for one another and for our whole connection that God would help our unbelief, comfort us in our uncertainty, and continue to give us hope.
“Immediately the father of the child cried out, ‘I believe; help my unbelief!’” (Mark 9:24)
Each morning, we wake up in a world mired in the sins of violence, racism, war, and more. Children go without food, families lose their homes, young and old struggle with addictions.
The world is in need of the saving love of Jesus Christ, and The United Methodist Church has always been an effective witness of Christ’s love. It is vitally important that we continue to be so now.
Therefore, today and every day, the mission is yet alive.
Blessings in Christ,
Bishop Christian Alsted, Chair
Rev. Kennetha J. Bigham-Tsai, Chief Connectional Ministries Officer