Ministry Matters - Discerning what discipleship means | Putting intentionality back in our discernment

How do we understand our discipleship today? Discerning what discipleship means by Karoline Lewis   The woman at the well is my person—that is, my person in the Bible. She can’t be my “go-to” person, I guess, given the fact that two thousand years separate us. But almost every day, she inspires me. From her I have learned more about faith, more about myself, and more about God, than from many of my contemporary acquaintances. I admire her. Read here

How can we faithfully discern a way forward in this season of schism? Putting intentionality back in our discernment by Laceye Warner   Too often it seems, the discussions around disaffiliation have been hurried along and treated perfunctorily, and many leaders may feel ill-equipped when responding to congregants calling for discussion and votes. I hope that this framework can be helpful to those leaders and to their congregations as they conference, listen, hope, and discern together. Read here

How can you seek pathways of holiness that bring life and love to the marginalized? Unity's challenges and the future of 'incompatibility' by Wesley Bros Comics   I began this series somewhat as a response to a follower’s comment that he wanted to love queer people but he felt like he’d be betraying scripture to accept them. My denomination, The United Methodist Church, is actively splitting over issues around LGBTQ affirmation, and especially “rule-breaking” as gay bishops and clergy are approved, and same-sex marriages are officiated by UMC clergy, which violates present language in our Book of Discipline stating “the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching.” Read here

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