The Future of the United Methodist Church
7 Vision Pathways
By Scott J. Jones, Bruce Ough Published
The Seven Pathways were created by the United Methodist bishops and presented at the 2008 General Conference as a vision statement for the Church. Contributors include: Bishops Sharon Brown Christopher, Gregory Vaughn Palmer, G. Lindsey Davis, Robert Schnase, Scott J. Jones, Hee-Soo Jung, E. James Swanson Sr., Minerva G. Carcano, Thomas J. Bickerton, and Bruce R. Ough.
The seven pathways are: Planting New Congregations, Transforming Existing Congregations, Teaching the United Methodist Way, Strengthing Clergy and Lay Leadership, Children and Poverty, Expanding Racial/Ethnic Ministries, and Eliminating Poverty by Stamping out Disease.
Endorsements
"...a compelling resource that conveys a way to drive the conversation for how we can be more effective at making disciples in congregations of any size." --Eric Helms, The United Methodist Church of Somers Point
"The seven pathways are exactly what The United Methodist Church needs in order to remain effective and viable for generations to come." -- Emanuel Cleaver, III, St. James United Methodist Church
"These chapters provide hope for our denomination and a sense of direction that will enhance the bonds of discipleship." --Randy Mickler, Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church
"This book gives the next right steps for truly modeling the mission, bringing new light, life, and hope to a hurting world." – Mike Slaughter, Senior Pastor of Ginghamsburg Church, Tipp City, Ohio
"This book reminds us that God has plans for the Church and we do have a future with hope." --Tyrone D. Gordon, Senior Pastor St. Luke "Community" United Methodist Church, Dallas, Texas
"This book will motivate you to travel the path that Jesus calls each one of us to follow." -- Pat Day, First United Methodist Church Shreveport
" I pray that United Methodists around the globe will consider taking the Pathways outlined in this book and, as disciples, go beyond simple belief; and then, as the Bishops rightly call us to do, '…follow Christ into the world.'”
--Mark Craig, Highland Park United Methodist Church
About the Author
Scott J. Jones
Scott J. Jones is the Resident Bishop of the Great Plains area of The United Methodist Church. He was formerly the McCreless Associate Professor of Evangelism at Perkins School of Theology (Southern Methodist University), where he taught courses in evangelism and Wesley studies. Previous books include The Evangelistic Love of God and Neighbor, Staying at the Table, and Wesley and the Quadrilateral (co-author), all published by Abingdon Press.