New Study Guide Explores Participation in God’s Mission for the Church

The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) and the Association of United Methodist Theological Schools announced the release of a new study guide, “Missio Dei and the United States: Toward a Faithful United Methodist Witness.”

The guide, suitable for a six- to eight-week study, is a resource to help readers take stock of Wesleyan heritage and ask how to best participate in God’s mission for the church. The study guide’s premise is that the mission field is ripe for a vital United Methodist witness here and now.

The study guide includes an introduction by Rev. Dr. Kim Cape, general secretary at GBHEM, and chapters from the following United Methodist bishops:

1. Bishop Scott J. Jones – Engage for a Vibrant Methodist Movement 
2. Bishop J. Michael Lowry – Engage for Such a Time as This 
3. Bishop Grant Hagiya – Engage for the Benefit of the World
4.  Bishop Bob Farr – Engage with Soul Curiosity
5. Bishop Hope Morgan Ward – Engage with Strength and Generosity
6. Bishop Robert C. Schnase – Engage to Multiply Our Witness 
7. Bishop Kenneth H. Carter Jr. – Engage for Generous Orthodoxy, United Methodism, and the Missio Dei in the United States 

As the U.S. continues to experience changes that are increasingly rapid and drastic, we, as Christians, believe that God is at work in ways that are obvious and mysterious, to reconcile, redeem, save, and recreate humanity along with all creation. Through grace, we must heed the call and take up our purpose to participate in God’s salvific mission.

“Missio Dei and the United States” is the result of the academic colloquy that shares its name held at Boston University School of Theology in November 2017. The colloquy brought together more than 40 United Methodist scholars and seven United Methodist bishops from across the U.S. to engage in constructive dialogue that will open new pathways in our understanding and faithful practice of the Missio Dei. The participants explored what the future of the church could look like from a missional perspective.  

“Missio Dei and the United States: Toward a Faithful United Methodist Witness” study guide is available on Cokebury.com and Amazon.com. For more information about GBHEM’s Publishing Office, visit Publications or follow @GBHEMPublishing on Facebook.  

Click HERE to download questions accompanying the “Missio Dei”  Study Guide.  

About GBHEM: As the leadership development agency of The United Methodist Church, the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry’s mission is to build capacity for United Methodist lay and clergy leaders to discover, claim and flourish in Christ’s calling in their lives, by creating connections and providing resources to aid in recruitment, education, professional development and spiritual formation. Every elder, deacon and licensed local pastor benefits from our training and candidacy programs. Many young adults find help in clarifying their vocation and God’s call in their lives through our leadership and discernment programs. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook: @GBHEM.