Rev. James Parks

A few weeks ago, our Cabinet and additional leaders gathered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for training with the International Leadership Institute (ILI) as part of their History Makers initiative. This training is being used across the Global Methodist Church and around the world. Its vision is clear and compelling: to change history by accelerating the spread of the Gospel through leaders of leaders empowered by the Holy Spirit. The training centers on eight core values: Intimacy with God,...

On Easter, I shared with the congregation I serve that I have what I jokingly call “pre-parcel anxiety.” It’s not a real diagnosis, but it does mean I find myself checking the front porch often. I listen for delivery trucks and want to be there the moment a package arrives I’ve noticed I do something similar when guests are coming over. I don’t want to miss them. I want to be at the door, ready to welcome them when they arrive. It has made me wonder: how often do we miss what God is...

Our hope is that Annual Conference will be more than a meeting. We envision it as a time of retreat where we—both as individuals and as a conference—Our hope is that Annual Conference will be more than a meeting. We envision it as a time of retreat where we—both as individuals and as a conference—can realign our lives and ministries with the Holy Spirit. Watch Invitation Video Here When I think about “keeping in step,” I picture different running partners I have had over the years. In my...