At the Global Methodist Church Annual Conference, Bishop Jeff Greenway shared some thoughts for those who are a part of our denomination.  Here is a list of what he said: 

1. Stay focused on the mission. 

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…Matthew 28:19

 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;  for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16

2. Remember what time it is.  

As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you,  and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:1-2

3. Get younger.  

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12

4. Remember what we believe matters. 

You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. Titus 2:1

5. Stop making church members and start making disciples. 

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. Luke 9:23-24

6. Call people to more. 

Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity…  Hebrews 6:1a

7. Embrace multiplication and church planting. 

And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 2 Timothy 2:2

8. Look forward not back. 

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14

9. Embrace a general Episcopacy.

Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.  Acts 20:28

10. Be comfortable with ambiguity.

It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: Acts 15:28



I deliberately did not describe what each of these mean, as I encourage you to view his sermon directly.  It is an enlightening and inspiring talk as a guide to help us as we continue to strive for growth here at Christ Church Gasonia. 

Here is the link, and you should begin at 46:02 of the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMrBR7TbqoU&list=PLavDihKH4yILpG2DYpo4YgfZqallbsgZI&index=5

Blessings,

Pastor Marcy