In recent years, awareness and acceptance of neurodiversity—the reality that people’s brains develop and function in different ways—has grown significantly. Often associated with conditions like autism and ADHD, neurodivergence reflects a wide spectrum of human experience. Yet the church has not always embraced these differences …
Intentional Discipleship
“Over this next year, I am going to require that every local church develop a plan for forming disciples.” – Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi, 2026 Annual Conference Discipleship is the process in which we learn about about, grow closer to, and …
EPA celebrates six new CLM graduates
On Sunday, June 28, 2026 six lay members of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference became Certified Lay Ministers (CLM) in a ceremony at Christ United Methodist Church, Broomall. The Rev. Dr. Jesse Coale, pastor of Christ UMC, Broomall, warmly welcomed everyone. …
What’s New at IGNITE 2026: GLOW
IGNITE 2026 is coming to Wildwood, NJ on October 9-11, and this year’s theme — GLOW — is going to be electric. Based on Ephesians 5:8, “Live as children of light,” GLOW is all about the transformation that happens when …
Register today for the 2026 Laity Academy: Foundations of Faith
“God set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.” -Psalm 40:2b-3a Before the frame of a house can be raised, a strong foundation …
Plant something this summer that blooms in the fall
As the seasons move from spring to summer, the rhythms that structure our days often shift too – and that includes our churches’ youth ministries. Whether your youth group just wrapped a confirmation class, finished a school year strong, or …
Grace UMC’s daily prayer inspires creative approach to apportionments
Last July, Grace United Methodist Church in Philadelphia began a new prayer practice. Every weekday at 7am, they gather for a half-hour community prayer call that anyone can join by phone. The ministry, called “Grace without Walls,” extends beyond church …
Pathways Bridges inspires congregations to move “from the table to the streets”
Across communities, congregations participating in Pathways Bridges are reimagining what it means to be the church, shifting from inward-focused ministry to meaningful community engagement. For many, Bridges has become more than a series of workshops. It is a community bonded …
Divided We Fell, Together We Rose: How a Food Bank Came Back to Life
At first glance, the church appears much like any other United Methodist congregation—its sign bearing the familiar cross and flame, tall columns welcoming visitors, and a carillon marking the hours. Yet beyond this ordinary exterior lies a story shaped by …
Preaching Institute Summit inspires preachers through community
Every preacher knows the moment. It’s late in the week. The sanctuary is empty. A passage of scripture sits open on the desk, waiting for clarity that hasn’t quite arrived yet. Somewhere between prayer, study, and the weight of Sunday …