Messages from our Bishop - March 6, 2023

United Methodist Friends,
 
When we focus on the mission that God has given the United Methodist Church, great things happen.  The mission of the United Methodist Church is to “make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world” (Paragraph 120, The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, BOD).  Last week, I shared nine simple words that point us toward the mission.  

Love God
Love people
Make a difference
Make disciples

 
I also referenced paragraph 121, a key statement of the rationale for the mission of The United Methodist Church.  It is inspiring because it points to both our history and broadly identifies the difference we have and continue to make.  “Whenever United Methodism has had a clear sense of mission, God has used our Church to save persons, heal relationships, transform social structures, and spread scriptural holiness, thereby changing the world” (BOD 121).
 
Let’s spend time talking about our mission when we gather.  Let’s share the stories of God’s work through our church.  God works through us to change lives.  God works among us to heal broken relationships.  God grants us the wisdom and courage to address social evils.  It is through our churches that scriptural holiness is spread throughout the world. 
 
Our mission is not simply for others, although people from all walks of life benefit from the work that flows out of the mission of the church.  Mission is life-giving to us as well.  The closing statement of Paragraph 121 says it well.  “In order to be truly alive, we embrace Jesus’ mandate to love God and to love our neighbor and to make disciples of all peoples.”
 
We have something to celebrate!  We are alive! We make a difference!
 

James G. Nunn