Editor’s Note: “Many Voices, One Faith” brings together diverse perspectives on topics related to faith and the church. This installment features four commentaries focusing on the question: “What is the role of evangelism in the life of a United Methodist, and why is it important?”
COMMENTARIES
Many Voices, One Faith
Every Christian can share Jesus’ love
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (UMNS) — Bishop Gary E. Mueller, who leads the Arkansas Conference, did not become a Christian because of a pastor or program, but because a friend invited him to a United Methodist Youth Fellowship meeting and shared about her relationship with Christ. This simple act of evangelism can be practiced by anyone, Mueller writes.
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Evangelism is central to our mission
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — “Evangelism always begins with God’s goodness” and is vital to Wesleyan ministry, writes the Rev. Heather Heinzman Lear, director of evangelism ministries at Discipleship Ministries.
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‘Save as many souls as you can’
ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire (UMNS) — As United Methodists, all are called to witness and make disciples. “One of the mistakes people always make is to view evangelism as the pastor’s task alone,” writes the Rev. Jean Claude Masuka Maleka, a United Methodist missionary.
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Faith is caught, not taught
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (UMNS) — “More often than not,” the Rev. Kimberly D. Reisman writes, “people come to faith because of the contagious way others live.” Reisman, executive director of World Methodist Evangelism, shares her thoughts.
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Many Voices, One Faith landing page
NEWS AND FEATURES
Kivu pastors, lay leaders get connected
BUKAVU, Congo (UMNS) — The Rev. Binwa Alimasi depends mostly on word of mouth to communicate with his congregation in the village of Makabola. However, that may soon change, thanks to training provided by the Kivu Conference. He recently gained a new communications tool: email. Philippe Kituka Lolonga reports on efforts to strengthen information and communications technology in the Eastern Congo Episcopal Area.
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PRESS RELEASES
Methodist schools association
Methodist association speaks out for refugees
LONDON — The board of directors of the International Association of Methodist Schools, Colleges and Universities expressed alarm at what it sees as a global immigration crisis and called on governments “to give serious and responsible attention to all refugees, especially women and children, and to treat them with dignity, respect and care.”
Read press release and full statement
World Council of Churches
Marking 70 years of Christian cooperation
AMSTERDAM — World Council of Churches leaders will celebrate the ecumenical organization’s 70th anniversary on Aug. 23 in the Nieuwe Kerk — a 15th-century church where it was founded. Other anniversary events include a symposium on peace and justice and a peace walk. The United Methodist Church is an active WCC member, and United Methodist Bishop Mary Ann Swenson is co-vice moderator of the WCC.
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UMNS: Pope Francis models Christian Unity at WCC
RECENT HEADLINES
Board proposal slashes general church funds
Church helps people obtain birth certificates
EVENTS
Wednesday, Aug. 29- Tuesday, Nov. 6
Online class: New Habit, One Big Goal
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