With all the issues facing The United Methodist Church today, there
are plenty of theories and opinions about what we should do. Frankly,
many of us are weary of the relentless bickering associated with all the
rhetoric. What are we fighting for? This question not only points us to
the futility of our disunity but also compels us to consider what we
are fighting for—what deserves our greatest intensity and effort as we
seek to be faithful followers of Jesus Christ.
Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton offers a way to move beyond all the
discord to a hope-filled future by exploring how we can come together
around what matters most so that the gospel of Jesus Christ becomes a
vibrant part of our lives and witness. He says that fights, feuds, and
uncertainties can distract us, leaving us ineffective and mired in
mediocrity and decline; but focusing on what matters most causes our
ministries to flourish and the church to become a relevant and vital
presence in the community and world.With a warm and practical approach, he leads us on a journey of discernment, inviting us to explore:
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the spiritual problem at the heart of the issues we’re facing,
- three foundational reminders
- guidelines for determining the essentials necessary to make disciples,
- a motto for working together in the midst of disagreement,
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and thoughts about the ultimate essential, love.
The Pastor Resources Download will give you ideas and tools for use
in leading your congregation during a church-wide focus on What Are We
Fighting For? Resources include promotional videos, a special “message”
for pastors and church leaders, sermon starters, graphics, and how-to
instructions for incorporating the theme into worship.
[Due to the large file size (2GB), download time may be longer than expected depending on your Internet speed.]
