The Kerusso – May | 2023

Five Denominational Priorities (A Continuing Series by International General Superintendent Edwards)

As you know, I’ve been writing about the focus word for 2023 - PEACE. It represents a set of priorities that will continue as targets for the Conference Superintendents for these next several years.

1 - Planting Churches

2 - Educating Ministers

3 - Aspiring to Holiness

4 - Connecting People and Churches

5 - Equipping Leaders

The fourth element in the peace acronym is “Connecting People and Churches.”

Organizationally, we are “Connectional.” The EMC is not simply an association of churches that are loosely tied together by our affinity for Christ. No, we are structurally connectional. Affiliating churches agree to be bound together by policies and procedures established in what we call “The Discipline” - our Constitution and Bylaws.

In the opening section on church government, paragraph 60 includes this statement: “All local church boards, conference boards and general boards are connected to one another under the Constitution and By-laws enacted by the General Conference in the Discipline of the Evangelical Methodist Church. Our local churches and conferences are not independent affiliates. Together we have one purpose and vision as outlined in [our six] basic denominational principles.”

We are also “Congregational,” in that each local congregation has both the privilege and responsibility of calling and supporting its own pastoral staff, as well as owning and maintaining its own property and physical facility. But the fourth element of the Peace acronym is not simply about our organizational structure. That is already our status quo, and that will not change. But “Connecting People and Churches” as a priority for the next several years is about engaging the people of the denomination to go beyond the structure and connect with one another in life-giving ways. It is our hope that we can find creative ways to encourage churches to partner together toward a common goal, and in the process of partnering, they will form bonds with one another that foster creativity, and bring encouragement.

EMC Churches that are geographically close might very well plan and host youth events, missions banquets, and community outreach events. We would love to see that happen, and will be encouraging it among our pastors, church boards, and general church leadership.

The writers of the New Testament use the phrase “ONE ANOTHER” over and over and over again to emphasize the calling we have to be united together in love and fellowship. If we fulfill that calling, and remain united, we can accomplish incredible things in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

During the coming months and years, our Conference Superintendents will be working with you to see if they can help foster a more vibrant connection among our churches and our people. They want to encourage creativity and innovation in looking for ways to enhance partnerships that will strengthen us, and broaden our fellowship opportunities.

District “Journey” Meetings 2023

COMING UP:

Peninsula Community Church

Moses Lake, WA | May 25-26

To register and find more Moses Lake information click here: District "Journey" Meetings 2023

Please register and make payment by May 11th

Crosslink|Rutherford College, NC | June 8-9

Crosslink Church

400 Malcolm Blvd. Rutherford College, NC 28671

Registration continues for the two remaining district "Journey" meetings.

To register, find information, and for a printable flyer, click here:

District "Journey" Meetings 2023

Registration and Payment Deadlines: May 11 for Moses Lake, WA May 25 for Rutherford College, NC

FEATURED SPEAKERS: James Coulston, Jim & Dori Halbert, Mark Smith, Max & Judy Edwards

HOTEL INFORMATION/SUGGESTIONS:

Comfort Inn 1607 Fairgrove Church Rd SE, Conover, NC (828) 465-1100

Fairfield Inn & Suites 1950 13th Ave Dr SE, Hickory, NC (828) 431-3000

Hilton Garden Inn 1320 17th St Dr SE, Hickory, NC (828) 327-1000

Hampton Inn 1956 13th Ave Dr SE, Hickory, NC (828) 624-2000

RESTAURANTS CLOSE BY THE CHURCH:

JD's Smokehouse, Subway, Bojangles, Twin Brother's Pizza, Myra's, Longhorn Steakhouse, Cracker Barrel

AREA ATTRACTIONS:

South Mountain State Park, Grandfather Mountain, Biltmore, Linville Falls, and more!

Please remember, we REALLY want you to bring your lay leaders. We deeply value our connection to the laity and especially look forward to them participating in the Leadership Summit on Friday morning.