Council of Bishops & Connectional Table
The United Methodist Church
For Immediate Release
May 1, 2025
The United Methodist Church Unveils New Guiding Vision Statement
CHICAGO, IL – 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.
This vision statement complements the Church's longstanding mission statement, inspired by Matthew 28:18-20: "The mission of The United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world."
The vision encourages United Methodists to embody the following principles:
- Love Boldly: Passionately love God and, like Jesus, embrace and include people of every age, nation, race, gender and walk of life.
- Inspired by Matthew 22:37-39 and John 13:34-35
- Inspired by Matthew 22:37-39 and John 13:34-35
- Serve Joyfully: With a Christ-like heart, journey alongside the most vulnerable, offering care and compassion with joy.
- Inspired by Psalm 100:1, Nehemiah 8:10, John 13:14-15 and 1 Peter 4:10
- Inspired by Psalm 100:1, Nehemiah 8:10, John 13:14-15 and 1 Peter 4:10
- Lead Courageously: Follow Jesus’ example by resisting and dismantling all systems of evil, injustice, and oppression, striving for peace, justice and reconciliation.
- Inspired by Joshua 1:9 and Ephesians 6:10
“This is a Kairos moment in the life of The United Methodist Church. This new vision is not simply a statement or a plan, it is a catalyst for transformation,” said Bishop Tracy Smith Malone, President of the Council of Bishops. “It is a vision that will help the Church embrace the divine opportunities before us, to follow where God is leading us, and to more fully engage in our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”
The Council of Bishops and the Connectional Table will work with our United Methodist General Agencies to create resources that inspire and equip disciples, leaders, and congregations to live into this vision. Resources will be shared at Annual Conference sessions and with leaders within local churches this summer, with lay member resources anticipated to follow in late 2025/early 2026.
Learn more about the vision, access the informational video and get resources as they become available at ResourceUMC.org/vision.
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About The United Methodist Church
The United Methodist Church is a worldwide connection of about 10 million members in more 100 countries including Africa, Asia, Europe and the United States. United Methodists are people of God who share a common mission and values. The church and its members are called to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Learn more at UMC.org.
About the Council of Bishops
The Council of Bishops is the executive branch of The United Methodist Church and is made up of all active and retired bishops in the church. The council is responsible for the church's general oversight and provides spiritual leadership to almost 10 million people on four continents. Find them online at UnitedMethodistBishops.org.
About the Connectional Table
The Connectional Table works to steward the mission, vision and ministries of The United Methodist Church. For more information, please visit umcct.org.
Media contacts:
Rev. Dr. Maidstone Mulenga
Council of Bishops
The United Methodist Church
[email protected]
Brenda Smotherman
Public Relations Lead
United Methodist Communications
[email protected]
