Mission and Ministry

Why our church is in trouble

United Methodist leaders should stop pursuing ideological goals and instead focus on making disciples of Jesus Christ, says a longtime church member.

Bishop Rubén Saenz (center) prays for delegates to the annual meeting of the United Methodist Mission in Honduras during the closing session on March 18 in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Saenz is the mission’s newly appointed episcopal leader. Photo by the Rev. Gustavo Vasquez, UM News.

Honduras mission welcomes new leader, sets goals

Bishop Rubén Saenz sets a vision for the United Methodist mission at its first annual meeting since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Church History

“Called by Name,” at left, is by contemporary American artist Laura James. At right is “Mary Magdalene Proclaims Resurrection!” also by James. A commission to paint images of Mary Magdalene from Scripture led James to rethink her assumptions about the witness to Christ’s resurrection. United Methodists say Mary Magdalene’s role as apostle offers lessons for today when women’s roles remains highly contested. Images courtesy of Laura James. Used with permission.

The quite contrary story of Mary Magdalene

She’s long had the reputation as the Gospels’ bad girl, but the biblical account of Mary Magdalene is very different. United Methodists think her role as apostle offers lessons for today.

Mission and Ministry

John Kodjo (standing), a member of Mapamboli United Methodist Church in Kinshasa, Congo, tries to salvage things from his flooded home. Torrential rains and flooding on April 5 damaged over 1,000 homes in the area and killed at least 33 people. Kodjo’s family fled on the roof of their home. Photo by the Rev. Fiston Okito, UM News.

Floods devastate United Methodists in Congo

Thousands have been displaced and two United Methodist churches have been damaged by flooding in Kinshasa, the country’s capital.

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