Many news outlets have picked up the story of the decline of the church. Many strategies have been crafted to counterbalance this dataset. What if there has always been a way to not only prevent the decline but to engage the world around us well? How to Respond to Church Decline in a Changing Culture In Love Goes F1rst, Andrew
official website Members 0 K+ Congregations 0 + The Methodist story in Uruguay is one of historic pioneering. In 1969, the Iglesia Metodista en el Uruguay (IMU) became the first Methodist church in Latin America to become autonomous. Today, under the leadership of President Raul Sosa, the church consists of approximately 1,000 members across 20 congregations. In a nation often
official website Members 0 K+ Congregations 0 + The Methodist Church of New Zealand (Te Hāhi Weteriana o Aotearoa) is a diverse and multicultural church shaped by both Māori and Pākehā (European) traditions, as well as Pacific and immigrant communities. Officially established in 1822, it is now led by President Rev. Peter Taylor and Vice President TeRito Peyroux-Semu. The church
official website Members 0 K+ Congregations 0 + It is by the Andes where the Iglesia Metodista del Perú faithfully proclaims the gospel and serves communities across diverse cultural and geographic landscapes. The Methodist story in Peru is one of “Holistic Mission” — a beautiful blend of high-quality education and a fearless witness for social justice. Today, under the leadership
official website Members 0 K+ In South America, the Comunidad Evangélica Metodista del Paraguay (CEMP) represents a growing Methodist witness led by Bishop Eligio Genes Fernández. The Evangelical Methodist Church of Paraguay grew out of missionary work in the 1940’s, and the first Methodist worship gathering in Paraguay was held in 1988. Since then, the church as an autonomous body
official website Members 0 K+ Congregations 0 K+ The Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma is the largest Christian denomination in the country, shaping the spiritual and cultural life of the nation. It grew out of the Wesleyan movement in Australia and became autonomous in 1964. The Church has held significant influence and is considered one of the three “pillars”
official website Members 0 K+ Congregations 0 K+ Formed in 1977 through the union of the Congregational Union in Australia, the Methodist Church of Australasia, and the Presbyterian Church of Australia, the Uniting Church in Australia is a uniquely Australian expression of the “Global Parish.” It is currently led by Rev. Charissa Suli, the youngest person and first person of color
official website Members 0 K+ Congregations 0 + Methodist work in Panama was initiated by a laywoman “Madre Abel” between 1811 and 1821; however, the Church was officially established in 1906 through the work of missionaries from the United States. The Iglesia Evangélica Metodista de Panamá became autonomous in the early 1970’s. Today it is a small but faithful community
Check out the earlier articles in this series where Maxie shared about the need for personal holiness (part 1), surrender (part 2), and character (part 3). A couple of years ago I was smitten in my heart by a word I heard in the ordination service of the Free Methodist Church. It was verses 4 and 5 of Ezekiel 2:
The following article has been reposted with permission from Beth Felker Jones. Check out the original post at her Substack: Church Blogmatics. Understanding the Mystery of the Holy Trinity We should not be surprised to discover that God, being God, goes beyond human categories and assumptions, and we should be suspicious if we find our theologies supposing themselves capable of
It was in the forsakenness of that hour that Dorsey chipped away at the piano and wrote, “Precious Lord, take my hand …” In the sorrow of the desolation and flood of his loss, the song that inspired Dr. King was the dove that Dorsey released in search of dry land, the flight of hope. It was his blues: “I
For as long as I can remember, my family has celebrated St. Patricks’ Day like many other Irish-American families: corn beef and cabbage, homemade Irish soda bread, green dye in everyone’s beverages all served on Mom’s best Irish linen tablecloth. Typically, the sound of The Chieftains or Tommy Makem and The Clancy Brothers can be heard on my parent’s stereo.
“Something in you dies when you give yourself indiscriminately to gluttony, whether in food, drink, or sex.”[1] While it was New Testament scholar N.T. Wright who wrote that, it could just as easily have been written by singer-songwriter Andrew Hozier-Byrne (“Hozier”), as commentary on his song, “Take Me to Church.” The only difference is that Hozier celebrates this kind of
What is the difference between praying and living a life of prayer? Practically everyone prays now and then — even atheists, when they end up in foxholes. Offering an occasional prayer is much different than living a life of prayer, though. Biblical teaching suggests that a fully formed faith will express itself in a prayerful life. “Rejoice always,” the Apostle
And when you’re on death row, you’re not really concerned with trivial pursuits, are you? Paul wasn’t dwelling on trivialities; he was dialed into eternities. That’s why it was particularly devastating for Demas to desert him. Because look at what Demas did: he loved this present world – its comfort, safety, and reputation – and in so doing ignored the
Our story can be one of experiencing God’s transforming presence in our lives as we recognize the depths of our need for Christ, and Jesus’s ability and willingness to meet that great need. We can move forward with confidence, knowing that the Lord will sustain the church one way or another. And as we move into the future, we will
Well, the Christian doctrine of the afterlife is simply integral to Christian doctrine, period, and indeed, the faith as a whole makes no sense if the life to come is ignored or trivialized. The heart of the Christian faith is the incarnation, death and resurrection of Christ, which provides salvation and redemption for God’s whole fallen creation.
I believe
Note from the Editor: This film is rated “R” and therefore is not advised for all audiences. You are encouraged to use your own discernment in your viewing choices. “Calvary” is not for the faint of heart. This movie is audaciously candid and ruthlessly palpable. Replete with memorable dialogues and unforgettable characters, its core message is both timeless and timely.
The bells that tolled, according to John Donne, were a sign to those who heard that we are all mortal and meet the same end known as death; that when one dies a part of all of us dies. The stone that rolled, according to Matthew, was a sign to those who witness it that the end known as death
“Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” On the road, an interesting question is posed. First of all, consider what we know of Saul in the early portion of the book of Acts. He watched the coats of the witnesses who approved the men creating the first Christian martyr, stoning Stephen. Later Saul “breathes murderous threats” against the followers of
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