Varick Memorial Ame Zion Church

Why we will no longer be a welcoming church

We’ve decided to quit being a welcoming church. No kidding. We’re giving it up. Like so many congregations, we’ve sunk an amazing amount of time and energy into becoming a welcoming church. We changed worship styles, trained greeters and ushers, wore name tags, brewed coffee, went to workshops on hospitality and put our friendliest people …

What the Bible Says About Homosexuality

What does the Bible truly say about homosexuality? In this blog you can find out the truth about what it says concerning same-sex love.

Should Your Church Live Stream?

Chances are, your church has either started live streaming recently or has considered it at some point. With equipment improvements, lower entry costs, and availability through the web and social media, live streaming is becoming more common in the church. If you are considering adding a streamed service or posting videos for replay viewing to …

Seven Reasons Why We Should Not Accept Millions of Years

There is an intensifying controversy in the church all over the world regarding the age of the earth.

Church Decline: What if Your Church Disappeared?

The community grows, but your church declines. Does anybody know what you offer? If you church was forced to close its doors, would anyone notice?

What is baptism in the Holy Spirit?

Baptism in the Holy Spirit is the means by which God places new believers into the body of Christ. As the Holy Spirit regenerates and indwells our human spirits, bringing us new life and ensuring our everlasting fellowship with God, the Spirit also immerses us into the universal church.

How To Reach Unchurched People Who Don't Think They Need God

I read a survey the other day that made me literally sit up straight as I took notice. The number of people in Canada (my country) who profess “no religion” is now at 24%, up from 16.5% a decade earlier. That’s a massive shift in a mere ten years. As I reflect on it all,…

To those who are contemplating leaving the United Methodist Church

I write this letter with an aching heart. I have heard the pain in the voices of so many of you, wondering if it is time to “shake the dust off” and leave your local church. As your bishop, I cannot ask you to stay in a place where your soul cannot be at rest. However, I will share with you why I, a

Does Jesus have something to teach us about toxic busyness?

There's definitely a lot of important things to be done. But is our busyness always productive?

Does U.S. theological education have a future?

Scholars see a coming shortage of teachers for The United Methodist Church's teachers. They met to discuss the problem and what to do about it.

What names can we use for God?

ID Card Benefits for Religious Organizations

Find out how religious organizations and church groups are using ID card technology to help identify church members and keep them more secure.

Why say "the body of Christ, broken for you"?

Learn the two reasons those words are spoken at communion.

Real happiness is more than putting on a face

What makes us happy? A United Methodist pastor and a professor agree that it is not about externals we receive or achieve, but an 'inside job.'

Could reorganizing agencies boost church vitality?

Plan UMC aims to align denominational resources toward fostering vital congregations. United Methodists debate whether it does.

Does the church have an official Bible?

United Methodists are not restricted to one version of the Bible. Learn why.

Pacific Beach United Methodist Church

What do these stories say to us about hope for ourselves, for our loved ones and for our hurting world?

What churches can do when students are home on break

When college students return home on break, some struggle to reconnect. United Methodist churches can use these creative ideas to minister to them.

6 examples of effective Wesleyan evangelism

United Methodist Harry Denman Award winners show that sharing the good news doesn’t have to be scary or intrusive.

Ways to help when fire strikes

There are several ways United Methodists can assist communities affected by wildfires through support of victims, firefighters, and others.