Lead Courageously

The Living God of the Holy Spirit has empowered us with spiritual gifts that we are called to use to ‘resist evil’ and build the kin-dom of God on earth.  Joining together as people of faith with diversely gifted folks is how United Methodists ‘lead courageously.’ We lead courageously in natural disasters all over the world through UMCOR, often being the first on the ground.  The UMC has been at the forefront of Anti-Racism efforts, addressing issues facing the homeless, environmental concerns, education, health care, opposing the Death Penalty, speaking out against war and violence, showing compassion with those living with mental health conditions, concerns of immigrants and refugees.  Engrained in UMC history is our striving for justice in many social concerns.  We are fruitful in our efforts because of our strong connectional system, which unites members across our planet.

At the first inaugural Annual Conference of the Horizon Texas Conference, I met new siblings in ministry serving all over Texas! It was an awe-inspiring feeling looking around a packed auditorium filled with UMC pastors and lay leaders from a plethora of places, backgrounds, cultures, languages, ages, hobbies, political persuasions, abilities, conditions and most importantly spiritual gifts.  Some are gifted in financial understanding, some teaching, some counseling, some preaching, some musicians, some launch new things, some guiding through transitions…

What spiritual gift(s) do you have? How can you use them to ‘lead courageously’? Need help identifying your gift(s) and/or how you can ‘lead courageously’? Talk with Pastor Brian.