Wesleyan Accent
From 1968 to Today: The Power of Investing in Young Leaders
November 7, 2016
As WME works to encourage and empower young leaders in the Wesleyan family, I often wonder what would have happened without the generosity of that anonymous gift giver. What would the kingdom have lost had those two young people not encountered Jesus in Kenya and Hong Kong?
Fiction in the Pulpit: Preachers’ Favorite Books
Following our series of posts exploring theology and literature – from Steinbeck and the prophet Jeremiah to Jane Eyre, Jane Austen and John Wesley to the poetry of Mary Oliver – we asked several pastors and preachers from various Wesleyan/Methodist denominations what works of fiction have had the biggest impact on them personally.
Michelle Bauer ~ When the Wine Runs Out
November 5, 2016
The “wine” that we bring to any situation will eventually run out. It’s not a matter of “if” but “when.” We will get tired. We will get frustrated. We will start to doubt our ability to pull something off. We will want to quit. Some of us have amazing amounts of discipline and will power and can push ourselves for a long time. Others of us have a track record of petering out at the first sign of difficulty. But eventually, we all run out of whatever we brought to the party.
Elizabeth Glass Turner ~ Sermon Prompts for the Sunday After the Cubs Win the World Series
November 3, 2016
The Cubs losing became something familiar, comfortable, but as food for the hope for tomorrow – “someday.” Someday, all the way. Next year. For the Chicago Cubs, it was always regular season, never World Series. It was Friday, but maybe, someday, Sunday would come. The fans kept coming, rain or shine, for the hope of tomorrow, because today stunk. Someday, though. Someday.
Evangelism in the 21st Century
November 2, 2016
From the archives: enjoy this quick “Seven Minute Seminary” video from World Methodist Evangelism Executive Director Dr. Kimberly Reisman.
Andy Stoddard ~ Pretty Feet
The reason why those feet are beautiful is because God is saying, yes, things are bleak now. But peace and joy are coming. Don’t give into that fear. Live in that joyful hope.
Otis T. McMillan ~ Mercy and Righteousness
October 31, 2016
As you treat others with mercy, and seek to live a godly life, you will gain the respect of others, as well as find contentment and joy. Doing right and treating others with respect brings a sense of peace and completeness. It allows one, regardless of their current circumstances, to feel complete.
Layers of Spirit Color
Like our own lives, the painting included brokenness, sin, and pain. Yet, as the Holy Spirit moved through our days together, new images emerged. Through layers of color and the intensity of heat, the previous images were reformed and renewed, and recreated into something beautiful.
Maxie Dunnam ~ When All the World Was Cursed
October 29, 2016
Change happens, renewal and revival come not because we have designed it, or wanted it, or worked for it, but because God in his infinite grace and unfettered mercy, in his own time and according to his design, brings new life to persons, to congregations, to denominations, to movements, and ministries.
Elizabeth Glass Turner ~ When Preachers Read
October 27, 2016
Many people need to move from the familiar to the alien, from concrete to abstract. Jesus knew this in his own preaching. To prophetically proclaim is to take people on a journey. When pastors read, pastors deliberately invest in looking for effective ways to communicate the truth of scripture. Engaging in classics not only allows you to use stories and images that will engage your listeners as you bridge them to the biblical text, but also allows you to engage listeners whose intellects will appreciate the connections you draw.