Wesleyan Rooted Preview

I'm so excited to be preaching this next series called Wesleyan Rooted. Churches all across the Florida Conference will be participating in this same series some time this fall which was developed by pastors within our conference.

This series will help us do all three: love God, love others, and share Christ. For those of us who have been United Methodist for a long time, it will recenter us on the foundations of Methodism and our founder John Wesley. For those who may be new to the United Methodist Church, it's a way to understand how we're unique from other denominations.

Bishop Tom Berlin, our resident Bishop, shared a personal word about the series, and his invitation to everyone to participate:

Wesleyan Rooted is a comprehensive, five-part worship and spiritual formation journey that will integrate many aspects of your congregation’s programs and ministries. A wide number of people from across the Conference have been working for several months on all these components, to make this shared experience a powerful one for you.

Each week in worship, a different sermon of John Wesley will be referenced. You're welcome to read these sermons along with me. Click the link below to download the sermons.

After the split in the United Methodist Church, it's even more important for us to understand why we're United Methodist. I'm excited to grow deeper in our understanding of our Wesleyan roots with you during this important season.

There is also a small group component, which provides resources for people to gather in more personal settings outside worship for study, prayer, and mutual support. There are also suggestions for spiritual practices that can be done privately or with others. You can download the discussion guide below or pick up a printed copy from worship.

There is also a children’s component, uniquely tailored for young people in your church, including a marvelous book specifically written for their age level. The kids will be working through lessons built off a book, Big Hearts, Bright Love, written and illustrated by our conference. The proceeds of the book to go Residing Hope. The kids will have their own class meeting during the Adult's Wednesday meeting.

The students (7th-12th grade) are invited to participate in confirmation on Wednesdays while the adults and kids are in their own classes. We'll take 4-weeks to deconstruct the Apostles Creed, and look at it from a Wesleyan perspective. At the end, the student will have the choice to be baptized, reaffirm their baptism, and join the church. You can learn more below.