United Methodist Communications
Office of Public Information
Nashville, Tennessee – As a denomination, it’s important that pastors, church staff, and members have a common understanding of the core background of The United Methodist Church. The new “We are the church. Together” resource from United Methodist Communications helps congregations root into shared beliefs, history, mission, and ministry to stand strong and face the future — together.
The organized Google slides presentation aids leaders walk their church through what it means to be United Methodist and answering questions that members are asking.
Content includes information about Wesleyan heritage, the church’s foundation, and structure. The presentation is built around four #BeUMC campaign themes: making disciples, belonging & inclusion, experience of God through the UMC, and influence, connection, and impact.
“We created this in partnership with several leaders in the denomination in response to a real felt need of local churches who are not feeling equipped to have important conversations about what the church believes,” said Jennifer Rodia, United Methodist Communications’ Chief Communications Officer. “In speaking with conference communicators and church leaders, we identified that a customizable slide deck would be a helpful resource.”
On a local level, it can be challenging to discuss church foundations. The presentation includes a two-minute video about The United Methodist Church. It explores what the UMC believes. It also touches on the Book of Discipline, Wesley’s Articles of Religion, and what was printed in the church’s first books. The video works in presentation and is sharable in other communication channels.
A direct download for the PowerPoint presentation is available here.
The easy-to-use presentation is customizable and provides space for discussion breaks. “Use it as a daylong retreat, shrunk down to an hour meeting or made into a series of topical sessions. Whichever method you choose, the deck suggests pathways to reach your goal,” adds Rodia.
The deck includes detailed instructions and presenter slide notes.
“This is excellent. It’s exciting. I’m enthusiastic about it, shared Bishop Julius Trimble of the Indiana Annual Conference after a presentation about the resource during August’s Council of Bishops meeting. “This is going to be very helpful for cabinets, for communicators, and for pastors and all of us as bishops who have a teaching role.”
The slide deck is available for download at ResourceUMC.org.