“The heart of Christian ministry is Christ’s ministry of outreaching love. ... All Christians are called through their baptism to this ministry of servanthood in the world to the glory of God and for human fulfilment. ...” Para. 126, The Book of Discipline 2012
For most United Methodists, their ministry is as laity whose words, behavior and actions express the mind and mission of Christ in all aspects of their lives. For others, that expression also comes within full-time professional ministry within the church or other settings where occupation and vocation intersect.
In this issue, produced in collaboration with the Ministry Division of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, we focus on the journeys and the service of people called to representative ministry, those ordained and licensed as well as those commissioned and consecrated to serve.
As you read, also listen – with a discerning heart and mind. Remember your baptism; answer God’s call to your ministry.
Ministry: All are called through baptism
Discerning God’s Call
Profile: Bich Thy “Betty” Nguyen
Mentoring offers bread for the journey
The path to ordination
Paying for seminary
Profile: Michael Baughman
Young Clergy Initiative helps church prepare for the future
Chaplains, pastoral counselors share Christ’s love
Profile: Michael Parker
Deacons show Christ to a hurting world
Profile: Ingrid McIntyre
Certification enhances ministry accountability
Profile: Holley Potts
Ministry in The United Methodist Church
Profile: Julio Valenzuela
Could mission be your calling?
Profile: George Ashford Jr.
Profile: Neusa Ndalamba
Lay servant ministry continues tradition
‘What do you mean, we’re getting a new pastor?’
Becoming an inclusive church: the challenges of clergy diversity
Despite changes, gender challenges persist for clergywomen
Profile: Dianne Christopher
Serving and supporting through community
Living at the crossroads of grace
Profile: Megan Shitama
Grants support theological education worldwide
Profile: Susan Victor
Features
Searching Scriptures reveals grace-filled work of the Spirit
This means of grace allows us both to experience God’s grace – and to be channels extending God’s gracious love to others.
Immigrant from Peru aspires to help others
A World Communion Scholar beginning her studies tells her dreams for ministry with survivors of domestic violence.
Anticipating Advent
Brief synopses of studies new for Advent 2014 and an outline of giving and welcoming opportunities will aid your planning.
United Methodists offer balm for Ebola
Support for those providing direct healthcare is among the ways United Methodists are responding to the crisis in West Africa.
Departments
First Thoughts
The Rev. Larry Hollon tells of discerning his call to ordained ministry.
Reflections
Send Letters to the Editor to knoble@umcom.org or to Interpreter Editor, P. O. Box 320, Nashville, TN 37202-0320.
It Worked for Us
Using a church gym to reach out; teaching life skills to special-needs students; aiding breast cancer survivors; apple pies galore
IdeaMart
Laity Sunday; back-to school continues; help others on Halloween; All Saints Day; Children’s Sabbath
‘We asked ...,’ ‘You said ....’
Readers answer, “What does it mean to you to hear that as a baptized Christian, you are called to ministry?”
Technology
Grants and a communications strategy are providing education and pastoral care in the midst of the Ebola crisis.
To Be United Methodist
The Rev. Diane Harrison planted a church – inside a women’s prison.
Lighten Up
Very short stories to make you smile.
COVER PHOTO: UMCOM/KATHLEEN BARRY
