As we finish out this year, I wanted to share some of the things I have learned from John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement. There are many things we can learn from him about the gospel. We have and will consider those as well. However, I wanted to share a few of the very practical things I have learned from Wesley. 1. We always need to read the Bible in context. In my earliest days as a Christian, I noticed that most people talked about the Bible a verse at a tim

For God so loved small towns that He sent His one and only Son… That’s not how John 3:16 reads, of course—but it was the theme of a workshop I attended at the Exponential Conference last month. I went to four workshops, and this one was by far the most encouraging and impactful. The heart of the workshop was simple: God loves small towns, and God longs to reach people in small towns. I’ll admit that when I think about church planting or multiplication, I often focus on popula

As we enter this season of Thanksgiving, I cannot help but have a grateful heart for what God is growing across our Conference. I pray that when we see what the Lord is doing that it helps fuel the desire to keep our hand to the plow for the work still ahead. Because there is much work to be done! Nominate Vision Carriers We’re praying for 1–3 Vision Carriers per district — faithful laity who will help champion the multiplication vision of Every Church Plants. Vision Carriers

They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor, their righteousness endures forever; their horn will be lifted high in honor.  – Psalm 112:9   Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday (except for Easter). It holds a special place in my heart. Valerie and I started our married life serving the Union Church in Bogota, Colombia. We were far from home, serving a congregation of people who were also far from home. Summer holidays and Christmas found our congregation scattering to t

Last month, I offered a reflection on the nature of Communion and how it lies at the center of the Gospel. This month, I will direct some attention to the other sacrament recognized by the Global Methodist Church: Baptism.   Baptism is first and foremost something that Jesus did for us. When Jesus went to get baptized by John in the Jordan, Matthew tells us that John didn’t want to do it. Jesus’ response is remarkable: “Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting fo

Christian parents often pray with their children, but are we teaching them to pray on their own? Do you have hope for our upcoming generations to be leaders of the Church?  Not only do we need well-equipped leaders to lead, plant, and grow churches now, but we also need them in the future.  As adults, we participate in, serve, and lead our newly formed denomination, hoping to thrive not just for today, but for generations to come.  Let’s equip our children to be the faith lea