In the Church

Kevin Smalls: A Straightforward Letter to Former United Methodists

I’ve been surprised by how former United Methodists, from the vantage point of their newly found denominational contexts, have spewed heavy vitriol against the home they once knew as “church.”

Remembering James T. Laney, a Lifelong Friend to Korea

For nearly eight decades, the Rev. James T. Laney’s life intersected with Korea — first as a young American soldier, then as a Methodist missionary, later as U.S. ambassador to South Korea and as an advocate for peace and reconciliation of Korea.

African Methodists Pledge to Speak Out Against Injustice

Africa Methodist Council conference heads pledge to be catalysts for transformation and speak out against social injustices. Deliberations centered on youth unemployment, migration issues and the underutilization of technology for mission and service

John Sumwalt: Seeing With Clear Eyes

I used to have no problem reading my sermon manuscript in 12-point font. Then I changed it to 14, then 16, and sometimes even 18.

John Sumwalt: Angel of Grief Brings Comfort

Someone once said to me, after watching his father suffer greatly before he died, that he had come to believe that his father’s suffering, as excruciating as it was for him and for their family to watch, had served a purpose.

How small congregations can flourish

John Sumwalt: The Beginning of Spiritual Health

If you ask that question in a public forum these days, one political party is sure to point to the other and then offer a list of all their misdeeds and lies. The truth is that there is some darkness in all of us.

Slack's New Leadership Role Nuanced with Concern for Clergywomen

The Rev. Sarah Slack was recently appointed senior pastor at First United Methodist in Maryville, Tennessee, currently the only female senior pastor in Holston Conference's 10 largest churches.

Love: Inside and Out | Amor: Al Derecho y al Revés

In the Epistle reading for Aug. 30, Romans 12:9-21, there are twenty-three imperatives. Preachers might divide this passage into two parts: verses 9-13 (how to relate to fellow Christians) and verses 14-21 (how to relate to those outside the Church)

New Insurance Standards for United Methodist Churches

Most UMC Clergy and other leaders probably don't know about the “New Proper Insurance Standards” and the Book of Discipline Responsibilities. In this column, Jeff Koch explains just what is necessary to be in compliance.

Conference Confronts Cyber Theft with Faith, Resolve

The United Methodist Church’s New England Conference is working to recover after a cybercrime incident resulted in the theft of about $1.6 million earlier this month.

Church Giving Shows Signs of Stability

United Methodist leaders got a midyear checkup on the denomination’s financial health — and all vital signs point in the right direction.