In the Church
Practicing Faith
The Comic Book Collector – A Parable
Many of us, myself included, are convinced and addicted to a sense about ourselves – that we are incomplete. We cannot accept that who we are is lovable and complete. Read more
Jan 19, 2021
3:35 PM
Christ Lights Our Way
The new year is a reminder that God calls us to engage in new things and new ways of practicing our faith. Now is the time for us to rise up and walk the path of Christ followers, writes Bishop Bob Hoshibata. Read more
Jan 5, 2021
3:52 PM
Abiding in Exile: The Ritual of Grief
Just because we are tired of grieving doesn't mean that we can give up the practice of grieving, and that need to grieve includes clergy and other religious leaders, writes the Rev. Eric Rucker. Read more
Jan 4, 2021
3:24 PM
Gratitude as a Spiritual Discipline
Church and Society theological intern Amanda Holmes reflects on the spiritual discipline of gratitude and its connection to movements of justice. Read more
Dec 17, 2020
2:33 PM
Global Nature
Photo by Philippe Kituka Lolonga
United Methodists Killed in Congo Massacre
At least 25 civilians, including seven United Methodists from two families, were killed in the latest violence in East Congo, according to the Beni District superintendent. Read more
Jan 14, 2021
3:59 PM
Religious Freedom and Christian Mission, Part II
Have the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 (RFRA) and the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA), supposed to protect religion, benefited Christian witness to the gospel? Dr. Robert A. Hunt thinks they haven't. Read more
Jan 12, 2021
4:44 PM
Religious Freedom and Christian Mission, Part I
A central question for Christians is whether the right to freedom of religion, as understood in the context of the United States, benefits the mission of the church, writes the Rev. Dr. Robert Hunt. Read more
Jan 11, 2021
3:49 PM
Ordained Ministry
Each God’s Own: Beloved and Called
There are times when faith is anchored by biblical accounts of long dead saints. There are times when personal sparks of God’s love lift, comfort, inform. And there are times when the testimony of another upholds and inspires. We need all three. Read more
Jan 14, 2021
God is Able; We Are Capable
In our interactions with God, through our worship we offer glory back to God because God is able. Our worship of God is a response to this belief: God is able, and God believes in us—that we are capable, writes Rev. Mara Bailey Read more
Jan 7, 2021
Local Church
Former Megachurch Pastor Gets 6 Years in Prison
Former United Methodist megachurch pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell of Houston has been sentenced to 6 years in federal prison and another year on supervised release after pleading guilty for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Read more
Jan 14, 2021
Historic Denman Building Closes with Bittersweet Memories
Site of United Methodist worship, evangelism and spirituality ministries for more than 40 years, the Denman Building's closure reflects the influences of the coronavirus pandemic and the decline in financial support for church-wide agencies. Read more
Jan 13, 2021
Finance and Administration
Estimating Financial Impact of Church Exits
Based on a survey of the 54 U.S. conferences, the finance agency now estimates the denomination stands to lose about 20% of U.S. local church net expenditures between 2021 and 2024. Forty-seven conferences responded to the agency’s survey. Read more
Nov 23, 2020
Protocol Legislation Tops Agenda of UMC 'High Court'
The United Methodist Judicial Council expects to decide soon whether it has the jurisdiction to consider the constitutionality of legislation for a proposed plan for separating the denomination. Read more
Nov 14, 2020
Council Urges No New US Bishops for 4 years
United Methodist bishops — faced with dwindling funds and a potential denominational split — want to hit the brakes on electing new bishops in the United States and adding more bishops in Africa. Read more
Nov 6, 2020
