First United Methodist Church

Why we will no longer be a welcoming church

We’ve decided to quit being a welcoming church. No kidding. We’re giving it up. Like so many congregations, we’ve sunk an amazing amount of time and energy into becoming a welcoming church. We changed worship styles, trained greeters and ushers, wore name tags, brewed coffee, went to workshops on hospitality and put our friendliest people …

Why Homosexuality Is Not Like Other Sins

Homosexuality is not the only sin prohibited in the Bible, but it is different from all the rest, at least right now. And we have really good news for homosexuals.

What alcoholics can teach churches

Daybreak Fellowship blends language of addiction recovery with Christian worship

10 Traits of a Great Church Member

What kind of members does God use to build a great church<br>As a pastor, I have noticed some trends among church people who help move the church forward. The following is a list of characteristics of those type of people. Not everyone will have every quality, but it’s the combination of each of them in people that builds a great church.<br>Great church members:<br>Believe and love God’s Word.<br>Joshua 1:8 “Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day…

What Jesus did Besides Go to Church

Sometimes Jesus gets a reputation for being boring. Probably because people who follow Him can be really boring. In one of my favorite videos of all time, Vintage 21 church pokes fun at our misconc…

What You Need to Know Before Joining a Church

Before we attend a church, we should know that it is a legitimate church. Now, obviously, if the sign on the front of the church reads “Church of Satan,” we know it isn’t a legitimate body of Christian believers.

To those who are contemplating leaving the United Methodist Church

I write this letter with an aching heart. I have heard the pain in the voices of so many of you, wondering if it is time to “shake the dust off” and leave your local church. As your bishop, I cannot ask you to stay in a place where your soul cannot be at rest. However, I will share with you why I, a

Does U.S. theological education have a future?

Scholars see a coming shortage of teachers for The United Methodist Church's teachers. They met to discuss the problem and what to do about it.

Real happiness is more than putting on a face

What makes us happy? A United Methodist pastor and a professor agree that it is not about externals we receive or achieve, but an 'inside job.'

6 examples of effective Wesleyan evangelism

United Methodist Harry Denman Award winners show that sharing the good news doesn’t have to be scary or intrusive.

Could reorganizing agencies boost church vitality?

Plan UMC aims to align denominational resources toward fostering vital congregations. United Methodists debate whether it does.

Can health care law save conferences money?

United Methodist conferences, facing mounting health care costs, are turning to the Affordable Care Act for relief.

Does the church have an official Bible?

United Methodists are not restricted to one version of the Bible. Learn why.

Pacific Beach United Methodist Church

Jesus talks about his love for the disciples, saying, "Love one another as I have loved you." Yet even as we read his words, we might find ourselves asking, “How do we, frail, fallible human beings even come close to fulfilling this commandment?”

What names can we use for God?

Why say "the body of Christ, broken for you"?

Learn the two reasons those words are spoken at communion.

What churches can do when students are home on break

When college students return home on break, some struggle to reconnect. United Methodist churches can use these creative ideas to minister to them.

Does Jesus have something to teach us about toxic busyness?

There's definitely a lot of important things to be done. But is our busyness always productive?

We’re getting a new pastor! What can I do?

When leadership changes, so do churches. A pastor who has been there before shares lessons learned and tips to make things work well right from the start.