Because we love our congregations, we can get caught up in the work of the church that takes place within our buildings. While it is good and necessary to concentrate on our congregations, we cannot only focus inwardly.
Evangelism is sharing the good news, loving our neighbor, and living out the Great Commission. It should be invitational, loving, and respectful. We are called to reach out to those who are hurting, speak out against injustice and oppression, and build relationships and partnerships within our local communities.
Wesley set our example
John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, believed the world was his parish. Ordained as an Anglican priest in 1728, Wesley stayed at Oxford University as a fellow of Lincoln College. Wesley’s ministry expanded from creating the “Holy Club” at Oxford University with his brother Charles to include his missionary work in Georgia, field preaching in England, and publishing.
Wesley’s work outside of the church walls helped define the movement called Methodism. He traveled extensively, preaching where he could. Then he sent other preachers to serve as well, not only in England, but also to America.
John Wesley's inspiration
Wesley was influenced by and a part of the religious movement known as “The Great Awakening,” which “included countless evangelical movements that challenged traditional ideologies of the 17th and 18th century church and was essentially a religious battleground of competing religious ideas and mass conversions.” (Mapping the Great Awakening, accessed September 8, 2026)
Learn more:
10 fascinating facts about John Wesley
John Wesley: Holiness of Heart and Life by Charles Yrigoyen, Jr.
Wesley and the People Called Methodists, second edition by Richard Heitzenrater
Many of the early Methodist preachers in the United States became circuit riders. These pastors would ride hundreds of miles across the country. Some would travel for weeks to visit all their churches and then start the route over again. Their evangelism led to Methodism becoming the leading Protestant denomination in America in the 1800s.
Wesley’s legacy continues
All United Methodists, clergy and lay, are ministers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, called to serve in the world.
The Fresh Expressions movement is one way that United Methodists are seeking to build relationships with people who do not attend church. The purpose is to meet people where they are and create community.
These intentional groups are still focused on faith but may also form around a specific activity or population. This movement has spawned a variety of communities, from the “Church of the Flying Disc,” formed around disc golf in St. Anthony, Minnesota, to feeding people at Hope Chapel in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Some clergy are specifically appointed to ministries beyond the local church. Pastors can be appointed to extension ministries, which are “settings that extend the ministry of The United Methodist Church and the witness and service of Christ’s love and justice in the world” (The Book of Discipline 2020/2024, paragraph 337.3). Ordained Deacons are explicitly charged “to a lifetime ministry of Word, Service, Compassion, and Justice, to both the community and the congregation in a ministry that connects the two” (Ibid paragraph 329).
Going outside the church building
For much of my ministry life, I have not served in a church setting. I have found much of my ministry takes place in the aisles of the grocery store, at my kids’ sporting and school events, and many other places.
Being open to the Spirit’s prompting, actively listening to people for both what they say and leave unsaid, and being present has allowed me to have deep conversations in all sorts of settings. Being an introvert, I do not always seek out conversations with strangers, but seeing the world as my parish, as John Wesley did, invites me to walk through my life differently.
Perhaps thinking of ourselves as a Methodist movement again, rather than as an institution, is our current opportunity. The Spirit provokes us to grow and change and be God’s love in action.
The Council of Bishops have invited us to lead courageously, serving God and all of God’s people. Let us share the good news of how our faith impacts our daily lives with someone who may not go to church. Let us share the love of Christ by how we live, love, and serve others.
Reflection
Who is hurting in my local community?
Is there a population or group for which my heart breaks?
What unique opportunity does my church have to reach our community?
What is God calling me/us to do?
Prayer
Gracious God, open our eyes and hearts to the needs around us. Inspire us to be creative and see the opportunities you have placed before us. Help us to trust in the Holy Spirit and step out in faith to serve. Amen.
The Rev. Tiffany McDonald is an Ordained Elder in The United Methodist Church serving in the Minnesota Annual Conference. She has served as a University Chaplain, solo pastor and associate pastor, and is currently appointed to family leave. Tiffany lives in Minnetonka, Minnesota, with her husband and two daughters. Follow her blog: redheadedrev.org
This article was published on September 22, 2026. The contact is Laura Buchanan.
