Ministry Matters: Methodism reimagined: connecting the dots | Keeping the focus on God

What new connections need to be made that aren't immediately obvious? Methodism reimagined: connecting the dots by Matt Rawle   In this article, the second of two parts, Rev. Matt Rawle looks ahead from how the center of nine gives us a way to analyze how we can perceive new ways of connecting with one another in both the excitement of innovation and the realities of grief. We hope Rev. Rawle gives you help in reimagining your ministry for the future. Read here

How can you embrace the goodness of your own body? Becoming body conscious by Michael Koppel   Body consciousness has come to mean something rather superficial in our culture. Instead of looking out for the well-being of others and ourselves, we lift up appearance and internalize self-judgment while leaving out what matters: genuine acceptance. Read here

How can sermons be joyful and lead to lives of joyful service? Keeping the focus on God by Paul Scott Wilson   The winds facing the church in our era are as great as any the church has faced since the Reformation. The argument here is not that we need new sermon forms, new ideas to try, but rather that we need faithful sermons and approaches that help the gospel to be proclaimed. Since the church typically falls short in this regard, it might try preaching the gospel. Read here

Share your insights and learn what you have in common with other leaders. It’s been an unpredictable two years. Tell us what is working well, what’s not working, where you go for help, and what your biggest challenges are. Then receive the report and hear how other pastors are meeting their challenges.   Our purpose here is to help you by creating and providing resources and services you need to accomplish your goals in ministry.  Each survey takes five minutes or less.  We’ll share the results, emailing the report to you after the survey has ended, so that you too can learn more about what is happening today in the broader life of the church. TAKE OUR SURVEY TODAY

Lectionary reflections for July 17, 2022 Worship elements for this coming Sunday

Worshipping with children this coming Sunday

We're looking for congregational leaders like you. Our mission is to offer resources and content that can help you in your work—and we want to know how you are putting those resources to use. We're looking for congregational leaders to review books and other resources for MinistryMatters, helping orient our readers to the resource and explaining how the resource has influenced your practices in ministry. If you are interested in becoming a published reviewer, please contact our editor here.