Local Church

Taeron Flemming, a mime and community pastor at The Well Church in Washington, D.C., performs Feb. 26 during the Fresh Expressions United Methodist National Gathering 2026 at First United Methodist Church in Ocala, Fla. Flemming teaches mime as a Fresh Expressions ministry. Photo by Brian Rose, Church of the Restoration in Reston, Va.

Fresh Expressions movement gains momentum

United Methodist ministries set in tattoo parlors, yoga studios and restaurants are reaching people outside the sanctuary.

Church Leadership

The Rev. Daniel Hawkins (left) leads service at Martin United Methodist Church in Bedford, Texas. About a third of the congregation is Tongan and they lean toward traditional theology and politics, Hawkins says. He calls Martin a “purple church” with a blend of red (Republican) and blue (Democrat) members. “We have been comfortable with the idea of being unified without being uniform.” Photo courtesy of Martin United Methodist Church.

Pastors walk a political tightrope

Political and moral polarization is prominent in the United States, and United Methodist pastors are treading carefully on these issues as they lead diverse congregations.

Local Church

Winter guard meets Wesleyan warmth

St. John’s United Methodist Church in South Carolina opens its doors to out-of-state teen performers at a moment’s notice, showing the United Methodist connection at work.

Church Leadership

The Rev. Stephen Handy (center) sits with Tommas Bolton (left) and Kevin Haas during a community meal at McKendree United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tenn. “We sit with them,” Handy said. “We want to know the names; we want to hear the stories.” Handy has been pastor at McKendree since 2009 and also supervises about 20 urban churches between Nashville and Memphis, encouraging them to get out in their neighborhoods. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Dare to take risks to move church forward, pastor says

The Rev. Stephen Handy envisions more United Methodist churches using the spare space in their buildings to build partnerships in their neighborhoods.

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