vol. Book

The Future Of The United Methodist Church

Seven Vision Pathways

Plot

If the mission of the United Methodist Church is "making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world," we must have a way to get there. After careful listening to the church and deelp reflection about its renewal around this mission, the Council of Bishops identified [seven vision pathways] and invited the church in all its expressions to start walking down at least one of these pathways toward fulfillment of the mission. That started a conversation with the general agencies of the UMC and the General Conference, which resulted in a formulation of "four areas of focus." This book is not a program-in-a-kit that, if adopted, will guarantee success. This book is about a way of walking and seeing and being. It's an invitation to see the church and the world with the eyes of God and to walk with confidence and dispatch on paths that are not new but are for many untried. It's a conversation among the bishops about how best to lead our church.

In this book you will find an integration of the 1) Three Simple Rules, 2) Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations, 3) Seven Vision Pathways, 4) and the Four Areas of Focus into a clear and compelling direction for our church for years to come. Nine bishops of The United Methodist Church urge congregations to stand together, under God’s grace, to lead others to vibrant faith, steadfast hope, and joyful living. The authors call for a new partnership with God to bring God’s reign to fruition for all God’s people. With concrete guidance about how to create and transform disciples, readers are invited to travel the path that leads to the abundant living that Jesus talked about. This book will also inspire and motivate congregations to work together to be a vibrant presence in their neighborhoods and communities.

The Seven Pathways are: Planting New Congregations, Transforming Existing Congregations, Teaching the United Methodist Way, Strengthing Clergy and Lay Leadership, Children and Poverty, Expanding Racial/Ethnic Ministries, and Eliminating Poverty by Stamping out Disease.