This Sunday and in the weeks to come United Methodist pastors everywhere will be addressing their congregations about the decisions of General Conference 2019. Church members will have different reactions to the decisions and may have questions about how this will affect them or their congregation. Here are some talking points pastors may find helpful as they prepare to preach and lead discussions.
Read MoreThe long-awaited Special Session of the General Conference of the United Methodist Church in St. Louis, Mo., has finished its work. The three days were very painful for people who attended or watched at home via livestream. The pain inflicted upon our LGBTQI members, friends and families was intense. But there was also pain in seeing the deep divide among the delegates. Likewise, many of us feel this doesn’t reflect the United Methodist Church’s doctrine on grace.
Read MoreGeneral Conference maintains language on ordination of LGBTQI persons, same-gender marriages in The United Methodist Church.
Read MoreCouncil of Bishops President Bishop Kenneth H. Carter today called on United Methodists to make every effort to maintain unity for the sake of God’s mission as the denomination’s top legislative body began its work in St. Louis, Missouri.
Read MoreDelegates, Bishops, and observers spent the first day of the Special Session of the General Conference centered in deep prayer for the church before beginning the hard work of reviewing church policy regarding homosexuality.
Read MoreAfter the tragic Feb. 15 workplace shooting at the Henry Pratt manufacturing business in Aurora, Ill., local Northern Illinois Conference churches and ministries offered prayers and vigils. Five people were killed and five police officers along with one worker were injured when an employee opened fire inside the facility after he was reportedly terminated.
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