Lay Leaders

Ecumenism
Stephen Ministers from First United Methodist Church of Haddonfield, N.J., discuss how to share and use information gained during a celebration and learning event for the ecumenical ministry Sept. 26. While the church has 17 active Stephen Ministers and two supervisory Stephen Leaders, it hopes to recruit more to meet growing needs in its community.  From left are Dan Gendron, Michael Persons, Betty Jo Zeno, Bud DelCamp and Stephen Ministry Co-Leader Lou Schopfer. Gendron joined the ministry after appreciating the care his late wife received from a Stephen Minister.  Photo by John W. Coleman, UM News.

Stephen Ministries marks 50 years of training caregivers

The ecumenical ministry is hosting nationwide training events to equip church members, including United Methodists, to provide one-on-one support to people facing life’s challenges.
General Church
Bishop Ande Emmanuel of Nigeria (right) leads a celebratory dance line to the song “We Are Marching in the Light of God” at the close of the United Methodist Leadership Gathering on Oct. 24 at Knox United Church in Calgary, Canada. After long hours of small-group discussion, Leadership Gathering participants revealed their recommendations for The United Methodist Church yet to be. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Gathering offers 16 ideas for church future

After long hours of small-group discussion, Leadership Gathering participants revealed their recommendations for The United Methodist Church yet to be.
General Church
The Rev. Eunice Iliya (center) joins with hundreds of others attending the United Methodist Leadership Gathering in waving their glowing cell phones to the tune of “This Little Light of Mine,” at the close of morning worship on Oct. 23 in the sanctuary of Knox United Church in Calgary, Canada, which is hosting the global event. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Ideas for the future church start to take shape

United Methodists at the Leadership Gathering began to imagine a church that, in the best Wesleyan tradition, connects passionate evangelism with prophetic witness that disrupts the global rise of tyranny.
General Church
The Council of Bishops Leadership Gathering is set to take place Oct. 20-24 at Knox United Church in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Logo courtesy of United Methodist Communications.

What to know about the Leadership Gathering

After many months of preparation, the Leadership Gathering is set to take place this week in Canada to help imagine The United Methodist Church of tomorrow. Here are answers to frequently asked questions.

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