The United Methodist church remains committed to its core mission of “making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” While our mission remains constant, our strategies continue to evolve to accommodate new realities and technologies. In a post-covid world, many congregations will continue to offer hybrid worship (both in-person and online).

Some congregations are going further in offering digital discipleship options. In 2023, the service BeADisciple began offering an online app to allow people to join group meetings online. Digital Discipleship is an online community founded by Anne Bosarge, the director of Leadership Strategies and Local Church Resources for the South Georgia Annual Conference, that has reached thousands globally through its service.

Other churches are using digital tools not just to reach new people, but to provide a safe space for faithful United Methodists whose former churches have disaffiliated from The UMC. Online ministries provide them with opportunities for worship and community in the absence of a physical congregation.

During the past several years, the Connectional Table has invited United Methodists around the world to gather with neighbors and colleagues for times of holy conferencing. These “Imagining the Future” conversations were held across Africa, Europe, the Philippines and the United States. Together they explored our identity, vision, connectionalism, and mission.

Between 2019 and 2023, 25% of United Methodist congregations disaffiliated from The UMC, the vast majority of which have been in the United States. This period of disaffiliation has brought with it much tension, grief and strong feelings. Many faithful United Methodists whose congregations disaffiliated were left without a church home.

In the midst of this season of mourning and uncertainty, United Methodists stepped up by offering support and guidance to faithful United Methodist members and congregations. Many annual conferences started lighthouse congregations that cater specifically to United Methodists impacted by disaffiliation.

Others have used the time to reaffirm their commitment to The United Methodist Church and begin thinking proactively what the future will mean for both the denomination and their local ministry.

United Methodist leaders are bringing legislative proposals before the General Conference to create new regional conferences that will each have equal power to pass legislation within their prospective regions.

Under the proposed plan, there will be four regional conferences: Africa, Europe, Philippines and the U.S. All will possess the same duties and powers to pass legislation for greater missional impact in their respective regions. Bishops and the Connectional Table have been holding meetings with Central Conference leaders to explain how regionalization would allow for more contextual and equitable decision-making within The UMC.

This new organizational plan seeks to empower each region to act more nimbly in reaching people for Christ — without waiting for General Conference, which typically meets every four years. The regionalization plan is one way that leaders envision a more connectional and contextualized future for The United Methodist Church.

The United Methodist Church continues to use its voice and resources to address the needs of people and communities all over the globe. As people of God, we are called to be good caretakers of all of God’s creation.

Climate change is one of the most pressing concerns for humanity. We are already living with some of the consequences of a changing climate on our planet in the form of more frequent and severe climate disasters such as hurricanes, blizzards, floods, tornados, droughts and wildfires. As it always has, the United Methodist Committee of Relief (UMCOR) will remain on the frontlines responding to disasters as they happen.

But United Methodists are doing more than just reacting to climate disasters. The denomination’s leadership is also taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint, while encouraging congregations and ministries to be more environmentally-conscious.

Annual conferences and local ministries are also investing in sustainable energy sources. In Mozambique for instance, a new initiative is underway to install solar panels in church parsonages that previously had no electricity. The impacts of climate change affect marginalized and historically oppressed communities disproportionally. In the Philippines United Methodist leaders met with the indigenous Aeta community to develop a community-based contingency plan to address future disasters. Using The UMC combined resources and connectional ministries we will continue to work toward a more just and sustainable world for all.

As followers of Jesus Christ United Methodists are called “to seek justice and love kindness and walk humbly with our God.” To seek justice we must be engaged in the world, serving as advocates for the poor, the stranger, the oppressed and all who suffer from injustices.

In 2023, the United Methodist Church continued its work on the ground supporting Ukrainians in their struggle against Russia by providing safe spaces for refugees and displaced persons.

United Methodist mourned the loss of life on both sides in the recent conflict in Gaza, while condemning the taking of hostages and attacks on civilians. We continue to pray and work for peace in Middle East for Jews, Muslims, Christians and all peoples alike.

Our advocacy for justice is grounded in scripture and the Wesleyan tradition as we apply Christ’s timeless teachings to both the current crises of our time and emerging new issues. In this spirit, Church and Society is submitting revised social principles to General Conference as part of our continued commitment to justice for all God’s children and creation.

We seek to become a more inclusive church in which all people are welcome to participate and serve fully in our ministries. Here are some of the ways:

Dismantling Racism

United Methodists continue to combat racism both in our society and our churches. In 2023, the Council of Bishops reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling racism. Meanwhile the General Commission on Religion and Race hosted the “Facing the Future” conference to support UM clergy serving in cross-cultural appointments.

Women in Ministry

The United Methodist Church recognizes the call of women to ordained ministry. In some parts of the world, The UMC may be the only denomination to allow women to preach and lead churches. All over the globe women serve as elders, deacons and bishops within The UMC. There are currently 17 women serving as active bishops in the Church today. We remain committed to full gender equality and act as an advocate for the rights and empowerment of women everywhere.

Human Sexuality and Gender Identity

Many United Methodists are forging a path to make the denomination more welcoming and affirming of LGBTQ persons. Meanwhile UMC historians are seeking to provide a more detailed account of the contentious debate over human sexuality in the church over the past 20 years.

Diverse Abilities

The United Methodist congregations and ministries are actively working to support and celebrate people with disabilities by ensuring United Methodist properties, services, ministries and fellowship opportunities meet everyone’s unique needs.

Church missions and evangelism continue to adapt to new realities, crises and possibilities. All across the world, people are connecting to The United Methodist Church in new ways and in new places.

In the wake of disaffiliation, many United Methodist are finding hope for future, dynamic ministries in the form of new “fresh expressions.” Fresh Expressions seek to cultivate communities of love and grace for people neglected by the church. The four values of these new faith communities are inclusiveness, accessibility, transformation and connection.

Churches continue to emerge in unlikely places and attract unexpected people everywhere. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, United Methodist missionaries established a new church inside a camp for people displaced by the ongoing wars in the region. In Romania, the Church has opened its doors to Ukrainian women displaced by the war in their country, offering them a place to receive therapy for their past trauma. In 2023, United Methodists in Las Vegas launched a new church to serve the city’s growing Pacific Islander community, which provides contextualized worship services and ministry opportunities for Tongans, Samoans and Filipinos.

As United Methodists we celebrate and uplift the many places where we experience God in our ministries. We know that by focusing our attention on where God is most clearly present, we can better discern where God is leading us into the future.

Where have you seen God’s presence most clearly in your own life and local ministry? Where do you think God is leading you? Here a few inspiring stories to get you started.