Imagine the buzz in Jerusalem the week after that first Easter. The crucifixion, the empty tomb, the appearances of the risen Jesus – the city must have been electric with wonder, confusion, and anticipation. Can you imagine the roller coaster of emotions experienced by the disciples? And now, we find yet another twist: Jesus’ ascension […]
Imagine, for a moment, you’re at the Super Bowl tonight, with the football team from Kansas City facing off against the team from San Francisco. The energy is electric, the crowd is roaring, and you can feel the tension. Each player on the field has a pivotal role, and their collective efforts could lead to […]
As a United Methodist clergy person, part of my annual routine is a conversation with my District Superintendent about life and ministry. My conversation with the Topeka District Superintendent, Rev. Kay Scarbrough, is next week and thought you might be interested in the written responses which I provided in advance. I would love to hear […]
“A little yeast works through the whole lump of dough.” – Galatians 5:9 I love baking bread. There is something incredible about the power of yeast. As the author of Galatians notes, just a bit of yeast is able to be effective when mixed in with the right ingredients. Just a few tablespoons of yeast can […]
In response to one of the questions from the #dreamUMC conversation on Twitter, I shared this update. Q3: Reread Wesley's Sermons and share the teaching contained therein with the congregation where I serve. #dreamUMC — Andrew Conard (@andrewconard) May 15, 2012 My Twitter friend and fellow UMCer Matt Lipan (@mattlipan and check out his blog here.) responded. […]
It is Leadership Institute time again at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection. This year there are over 2,000 church leaders from 700 churches, 46 states, Brazil, Scotland and South Africa here for 2-3 days of teaching, inspiration, worship and community. I love these days. There is something that is powerful when there are hundreds […]
Earlier this week, I met with the Resurrection West Missions team. This is a fantastic group of people in the congregation who are committed to transforming communities. This team is responsible for one of the strategic objectives that we have as a congregation at West for this year. Here it is: “In order to be […]
I have been inspired by Kevin Watson’s series of posts about the Methodist Class Meeting. It was part of what made the Methodist movement powerful. I have hoped to use the following series of posts as a guide for leading class meetings when I am the lead pastor at a church one day. The Methodist […]
Would Wesley create itineracy today? Read more at United Methodist Ordination – Pt. 2. A potent reminder at Forgive & Forget. I sometimes forget – Wherever You Are…Be Fully There. Park Launches a New Media Player – I appreciate both the design and willingness to share. Any churches have a community manager? I am intrigued […]
Over the past few weeks, I have been pondering what it means to be part of a faith community. When I am in a group setting I am often aware of what may not make sense to a newcomer. I find this to be true in worship, events, camp, meetings, etc. I believe that this […]
I spent last week at a youth camp, Institute 2010: God’s All Stars, which is a ministry of the Conference Council on Youth Ministry of the Kansas East Annual Conference. This post is part of a series reflecting on the week and making applications for the local church. I have a tendency, for good and bad, […]
Last week, I posted the following update on Twitter: is having difficulty focusing today. Hmm… Within a couple hours, I received an email of a prayer of encouragement from someone that worships online. It was a great encouragement and reminded me of the power of community online.
Rev. Andrew Conard 