At the Annual Conference Bishop Jung spoke about his commitment to visit all 485 churches in the Conference. He also exhorted us to remember, among the many good works we do as Church, most of all we are called to make disciples of Jesus Christ. A full summary of his remarks is available here.
“I celebrate an awareness of the presence of God and God’s leadership in our Annual Conference. In this gathering as Annual Conference, we come together to encourage and lift up each other for ministry. We remember that, in response to the call of Jesus, we have declared our ministry to be “making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”
Our congregations do many other good and wonderful things, but our central mission is “to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” If we are faithful to that mission, we will grow in strength and in numbers.
We need to Imagine Wisconsin Anew!
We need to move out from our comfort zone. I recommend joining Imagining Wisconsin Anew in our mission and ministry directions. Imagining Wisconsin Anew is an effort to bear good fruit by serving new people, diverse people, young people, elderly people, all people. It is about being passionate in inviting new people to a relationship with Jesus Christ. For more information about Imagining Wisconsin Anew, visit our website at www.wisconsinumc.org and click on the Imagining Wisconsin Anew box. There you will find literature and videos that tell all about this important ministry.
I invite each of you to test your assumptions and to think creatively. I invite you to ask, “What business am I in?”– “Introducing others to Jesus,” or “Maintaining a dying congregation?” I invite you to engage your unaffiliated neighbors in serious conversation and invite them to be a part of your congregation!
God has called us to make a difference in the world – here and now. We are called to help people discover and identify the fruit of the Spirit in their lives and world.”