The #BeUMC campaign reminds us of who we are at our best — the spirit-filled, resilient, connected, missional, faithful, diverse, deeply rooted, committed, disciple-making, Jesus-seeking, generous, justice-seeking, world-changing people of God called The United Methodist Church.
Each month we will offer resources for each of these characteristics of United Methodists. You may request to borrow these resources from the NC Conference Media Center and use them to connect your congregation to what it means to be United Methodist. The lists will include DVD studies, books, and curricula for all ages.
We also recommend that you use #BeUMC: A Discussion Guide published by Resource UMC to lead discussions within your church or small group. If your church identifies as traditionalist, consider using this detailed Bible study by the Rev. Dr. John Stephens titled A Study Series for Traditional United Methodists Who Long to Remain in The United Methodist Church. It is a free PDF download.
Teach Your Church to #BeUMC
What does it mean to be United Methodist? Why should your church #BeUMC?
Many resources are available to lead your church in this conversation. The NC Conference Media Center recommends books and DVD studies to guide your church in discerning its place within the greater United Methodist Church.
- What it means to be United Methodist
- How to guide these difficult conversations
- The current debate within the UMC
- Ways that we can stay together
Current Focus
These resources can be used in small groups, churchwide discussions, and as resources for pastors and individuals. They will educate your congregation and its leaders about
-
Resources for the Disciple-Making People of God #BeUMC
First and foremost, we are dedicated to the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world in the tradition of John Wesley. We are committed to making disciples who are anchored in Scripture and formed by tradition, experience, and reason. We recommend these Bible studies that form disciples in the Wesleyan tradition. We also recommend books on creating a discipleship pathway for your church.
Monthly Themes
-
The mission of The United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Helping our neighbors, near and far, is the embodiment of faith in action.
-
United Methodists are deeply rooted in our Wesleyan heritage and values. Learn more about these roots and explore the roots of your own story. Consider the past sins embedded in our Wesleyan roots and how they contribute to ongoing systemic injustices.
-
United Methodists continue to be renewed and transformed by the work of the Holy Spirit. Our church is being reborn and renewed. The Spirit helps us communicate across languages and cultures. We work to “translate” the Spirit across ideological divides.
-
United Methodists are connected to one another, to God, and to nature. We celebrate our shared ministry and witness, shared mission, and core beliefs. Use these recommended resources to highlight the United Methodist connection in your church.
-
As we celebrate Easter, our focus this month is on how we are Jesus-seeking people of God. Use the resources listed here to teach and learn about Jesus and the many ways we continue to seek Him. We offer books, movies, and small-group studies on Jesus for adults, youth, and children. We also celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd. Look to the bottom of this post for resources on creation care for beginners and also for those already deeply concerned with care for the Earth.
-
As we enter the season of Lent, our focus this month is on our faithfulness. We are devoted to an ongoing, meaningful journey of discipleship. We explore what it means to both have faith and be faithful. We consider how spiritual practices strengthen our faith. We celebrate the faithful women of Methodism in observance of Women’s History Month.
-
Our focus this month is on our commitment to Christ and His teachings, social and racial justice, remembering our history, and commitment in relationships. Our community of faith is steadfast, loving, and supportive.
-
Our focus this month is on our resiliency in the face of COVID-19, natural disasters, mental health challenges, and other daily struggles. As United Methodists, we persevere through trials and face tomorrow with God at our side.