The Council of Bishops, in conjunction with the Connectional Table, is pleased to announce the unveiling of a new vision statement for The United Methodist Church. This vision reflects the Church’s deep commitment to embodying God’s dream for the world.
The vision states:
The United Methodist Church forms disciples of Jesus Christ who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections.
Dear United Methodists in the North Carolina Conference,
Greetings in the name and love of the Risen Christ!
On May 1, 2025, the Council of Bishops and the Connectional Table proudly unveiled a new vision for The United Methodist Church—a vision that reflects our deep commitment to embodying God’s dream for the world. A world where every person encounters the transformative grace of Jesus Christ, where communities flourish, and where all creation is made whole.
“The United Methodist Church forms disciples of Jesus Christ, who empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections.”
This renewed vision is more than words—it is an invitation to embrace joy and hope as we live God’s mission. It also provides us with a clear, Christ-centered framework for missional unity and collaboration across the {Conference/ Episcopal Area} and our worldwide connection.
Now, more than ever, the world needs to experience God’s boundless love.
As your bishop, I wholeheartedly embrace God’s call to be and form disciples of Jesus Christ, who empowered by the Holy Spirit: love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously to transform lives, communities, and the world.
In the months and years ahead, we will discern how each of us can participate in the new thing God is doing.
Together in Christ’s mission in the world,
Bishop Connie Mitchell Shelton