Living the vision

Mission and Ministry

Living the vision

UM News is spotlighting thriving congregations and ministries that embody The United Methodist Church’s vision to “love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections.”
Church Growth
The Rev. Eric Kalumba Nkulu, a Global Ministries missionary assigned as a church planter in Madagascar, receives the first stone of a new United Methodist church building from a local construction worker in Sambava, Madagascar. The church will be home to a growing congregation in the northern part of the country. Photo by Rosette Viviane, UM News.

New churches take root in Madagascar

United Methodists continue evangelism efforts on the island nation, breaking ground on two new buildings for congregations in the north and west.
Church Growth
The Rev. Anjie Peek Rivers officiates at a baptism Aug. 9 for the Nichols family at Atlanta’s Eastside Church, one of nine small, thriving United Methodist congregations featured in a new report by Wesleyan Impact Partners. In “Flourishing Small Congregations,” the Texas-based nonprofit challenges The United Methodist Church to see small churches as assets. Eastside also celebrated its 15th anniversary Aug. 9. Photo by Karina Aragon-Buchanan, Eastside Church.

How small congregations can flourish

Small churches are an asset for The United Methodist Church, argues a new report from Wesleyan Impact Partners. The report profiles nine U.S. congregations that are outsized in their community impact.
Discipleship
Pastor Dean Roush (right) and volunteers from Mora United Methodist Church in Minnesota sing with residents of a nursing home as part of the church’s community outreach. A free bread giveaway and weekly coffee chat also provide opportunities for church members to be in fellowship with their community. Video image by Lilla Marigza, UM News.

Church finds joy in bread, coffee and communion

Members of Mora United Methodist and their pastor reach beyond the church’s walls to connect with neighbors.

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