Rev. Dr. Travis Stevick

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 for us to fulfill...

That title might seem a bit provocative, and it is certainly at least a bit of an exaggeration. After all, the real center of the Gospel is the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ for us and our salvation. Everything else gains theological value by how it is related to that center. What I mean is that I have become increasingly convinced that the practice of Holy Communion is vitally important. In the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, Jesus famously predicts his own death...

In today’s world, when we think about starting a new church, or taking the gospel to a new place, I think it is easy to want to ask first...