Online Archives

NEWS

by Erik Alsgaard
UMCONNECTION STAFF

Bishop John R. Schol, episcopal leader of the Baltimore-Washington Conference, is inviting laity and clergy from across the conference to attend one of three meetings to help set the shape of mission and ministry for the future.

In a letter, Bishop Schol invited people to discipleship planning sessions 'to further develop the vision, mission, beliefs and values for our conference.'

The bishop, who began his ministry here Sept. 1, announced shortly thereafter that making disciples for Jesus Christ and attracting leaders who make disciples would be his top priorities. Since then, he has been on a seemingly non-stop road trip, meeting with people from all nine districts in the conference, seeking and gathering input as he lays out his plans for the church.

'These are exciting and challenging times for the church,' Bishop Schol writes in the letter. He notes that in the conference, 'we have some of the most important and effective ministry in all the world. We are doing some of the most innovative discipleship ministry.'

But, he says, there are also challenges.

'Worship attendance and confessions of faith have been on a steady decline for the conference, yet apportionments are rising at a high rate,' he writes. 'This is a prescription for disaster.'

The letter further notes that the average age of a United Methodist is 57, 'yet within society it is 39.'

'We have some pastors who are discouraged, frustrated and questioning their calling. We have some congregations that are institutionally focused, serving themselves rather than engaging in the community and embracing potential new disciples,' he writes.

And yet, he notes, there is hope.

'I have seen how God is working through a number of our congregations and pastoral leaders,' he writes.

The bishop's vision for the conference is focused on making disciples. He writes that he is taking new and bold steps 'to make a holistic discipleship journey our focus and priority. But I cannot do it without you.'

The series of meetings, each about two hours in length, will have participants gather to talk about one of four areas, answering the question: 'What is the vision, mission, beliefs or values of the annual conference?'

Participants will be able to register for no more than two groups. Registration is free.
The bishop had said in earlier meetings that defining the conference's vision, mission, beliefs and values is essential in establishing the 'playing field' for ministry.

'Once we establish that,' he said, 'we know what ministries the conference will place its time, talents and energies behind.'

Bishop Schol has invited United Methodists to observe the rest of the month of January as a time of prayer and fasting, 'that God will use the days ahead to help shape us for a bold and life-transforming adventure.'

The bishop himself is fasting one day a week during the month.

Online registration for these events is available at www.bwcumc.org.