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Vision

Table with Ceramic Cups, Grapes and Wheat
UMC Vision - Vibrant Congregations, Mission and Ministries, Bold and Effective Leaders

MISSION OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

“The purpose of the Annual Conference is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by equipping its local churches for ministry and by providing a connection for ministry beyond the local church; all to the glory of God.”

– Book of Discipline of The UMC 2016.

VISION OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

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”

– Council of Bishops May 2025. 

VISION OF THE MICHIGAN CONFERENCE

The Michigan Conference equips and connects through Christ-centered:

  • Mission & Ministry
  • Bold & Effective Leaders
  • Vibrant Congregations

This vision will help to inform strategies, align resources, make decisions, evaluate ministry and shape what we are known for across the state.

– Conference Leadership Council Task Force 2020.   

Conference priorities for meeting the vision.

  • Sharing God’s love: a renewed passion for personal faith formation, faith sharing/gospel-bearing and vibrant congregations. This identified priority is critical to our conference.
  • Building the Beloved Community: This is essential spiritual work. It is internal work, for it asks that we work to grow beyond what is unloving in our own hearts and souls.  It is transformational work in the world as we seek to move the world toward God’s vision for it.
  • Leadership Development lay and clergy: The Annual Conference has some specific responsibilities regarding clergy leadership, credentialing and appointing.  Clergy credentialing work belongs primarily to the Board of Ordained Ministry.  Appointing work belongs to the bishop and district superintendents, but others might play important consultative roles.  Lay leadership development, viewed in all its complexity, is an important part of our staff work.  How do we help people grow in their relationship to Jesus Christ and develop their unique leadership gifts?  How do we help churches become more deeply formative communities of faith?
  • Financial sustainability: making the most of our resources as a conference and helping congregations make the most of their resource