Free Methodist Church - USA

Free Methodist World Missions serves cross-culturally as they identify, equip and send international missionaries to new areas of the world to extend the gospel. They disciple leaders in the Wesleyan ethos through the development of spiritual formation, knowledge and ministry fruitfulness. They help create new churches that transform entire communities and engage in ministries of compassion and human development all in the name of our Lord. Visit https://fmwm.org to get additional information about Free Methodist World Missions, learn more about their ministerial work, and see how you can help them continue answering God's call by faithfully serving communities worldwide.

"We have embraced 'The Free Methodist Way' and have seen the amazing results of praying all five values. They have not only shaped our identity as a Free Methodist congregation, but have sparked a renewal of faith in the hearts of our church members. We are being shaped in the likeness of Jesus Christ. We are ever-seeking for the Holy Spirit to ignite a Spirit-fueled movement within us, our church, community and the world" (Charles Mallory).

Sponsoring a child through ICCM is an impactful way to contribute to the prosperity of not only the child, but also their family and the community as a whole. There are still children awaiting a sponsor through ICCM. This an exceptional opportunity to assist in their education, nurture their abilities, and provide essential needs to those who face overwhelming obstacles. Discover the wonderful world of child sponsorship through ICCM by visiting https://buff.ly/2EvuNR7.

Eden: People+Planet, formerly known as Eden Reforestation Projects, continues to help inspire hope, healing and self-sustaining communities around the world. They work collaboratively with local communities to design and implement long-term socioeconomic benefits while enhancing biodiversity and landscape restoration. Get additional information about Eden: People+Planet, their work and impact, and see how you can support their mission by visiting https://buff.ly/3A2b7zg.

“Christ has given me strength over these many years of ministry. I have experienced numerous challenges as a deaf woman, as a widow, and as a woman pastor, but I am trying to make it my practice to choose to rely on God to help me navigate each day, as He has a plan for me. A verse that I claim every day is Philippians 4:13 [NKJV], ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’” (Sarah Harris).

“As you go, proclaim this message: 'The kingdom of heaven has come near.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.

"Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts— no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep” (Jesus in Matthew 10:7-10).

Let’s talk a bit more about roadblocks to fruitful ministry. They are mythological. Consider that Jesus sent His disciples to do the work of the ministry – healing the sick, raising the dead, cleansing the lepers, driving out demons – and to do it all while taking no extra provision for their journey. What if we’re focusing on the wrong things? What if we’re trusting in ministry scaffolding rather than a kingdom of power and authority from Jesus Himself? What if we’re getting it wrong somehow, believing that we’re being held back from ministry fruitfulness when we’ve been conveyed a kingdom that flourishes without all the budgets and trimmings? What if?

Ponder this for a moment… “Nothing is holding you back from doing the true work of the kingdom of God.” Nothing, not budget shortfalls or denominational structures, not board meetings or administrative demands, not perceived barriers or very real mountains. Nothing. Perhaps it would be helpful if you gave voice to it. Say it. “Nothing is holding me back from advancing the kingdom of God.”

Lord Jesus,
Forgive us for trusting in provision rather than power, of putting our faith in administration rather than authority. You gave us a clear example that we can journey in Your power without provision and perform the miraculous! Help us to find our way back to this reality. Send us anew but do keep us from going if we’re not endowed with Your power and authority. You alone are our source for the work of ministry. Let us never forget this!
In Your holy name.
Amen.

"... when we shift our focus from disciple-making to fighting a culture war, we inevitably begin to view those with whom we disagree as enemies. And perhaps they really are enemies who despise us and everything we stand for, but guess what? Jesus said we are to love them and pray for them. Let’s not forget that it’s agape love He calls us to, meaning we demonstrate our love with blessing even in the face of persecution" (Bishop Keith Cowart). Read and be inspired by, "Love Your Enemies," written by Bishop Keith Cowart at https://buff.ly/3Y5WIQt.

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, … but encouraging one another …” (Hebrews 10:24-25). We look forward to gathering in fellowship with you and your family to worship our Lord. In-person and online worship service information is available at https://buff.ly/39pCBDj.

How do we navigate politically polarized and emotionally charged days through true and authentic faith in Jesus Christ? Visit https://buff.ly/4fbvGNS to access helpful resources from articles, a podcast episode with our bishops, and a helpful video from Rev. Dr. Fraser Venter.

Listen to the latest episode of The Light + Life Podcast with host Brett Heintzman and guests Bishops Kaye Kolde, Kenny Martin and Keith Cowart by visiting https://buff.ly/46a6rao. The Bishops of the FMCUSA share from their heart and wisdom how to navigate turbulent political times as kingdom-centered people.

The leadership of the Free Methodist Church is made up of the Board of Bishops, the Board of Administration, the Superintendent Leadership Team, the Area Directors Leadership Team, the Executive Leadership Team, and more. Explore the denomination's skilled and accomplished leaders who are driving innovative and spiritual advancement by visiting https://buff.ly/3wumpfg.

"How can we possibly hope to win those who don’t yet know Jesus if we treat them with contempt? What would change if, instead of contempt, they were consistently met with sincere demonstrations of love? I have a feeling this is the kind of thing Jesus had in mind when He said earlier in the chapter, 'You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven' (Matthew 5:14–16 ESV)" (Bishop Keith Cowart).

Born in New York in 1823, Benjaimin Titus Roberts found his calling in ministry at the age of 21 after coming to Christ. It was under his leadership that the Free Methodist Church was established in 1860, which later expanded across the United States and around the world through the dedicated work of Free Methodist missionaries who were committed to spreading the gospel. B.T. Roberts and the Free Methodist Church promoted freedom for all people from slavery, free seats in every house of worship, freedom for women to serve in all roles in the church including pastoral ministry, and freedom for the Holy Spirit to move in public worship. B.T. Roberts' legacy continues with millions of Free Methodists around the world today. Discover and share more about the history of the Free Methodist Church at https://buff.ly/3C871bp.

Dr. Guillermo Flores will be teaching a course on Wesleyan Theology for the Center for Pastoral Formation. This course is designed for CMCs and LMCs and will be taught from August 1 to September 12. Please visit https://buff.ly/4cIDWDo to register to attend this course.

The One Voice Offering through Free Methodist World Missions helps the instrumental work of Church Planting and Leadership Development. Since 2007, FMWM has been working hard to raise funds to support national leaders and plant more churches around the world. You can help in this critical ministerial work by learning more about the One Voice Offering by visiting https://buff.ly/3QewlDc.

One Voice Offering: Inelitza This is "One Voice Offering: Inelitza" by Free Methodist World Missions on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

"Some wounds remain for God to heal. I know how much more I can trust my loving, heavenly Father to bring healing to my wounds and to lead me the rest of the way home as I rest in 'My Father’s Hands'" (Don Porterfield).

Along with our nation and countries from around the world, we were shocked at the assassination attempt against former President Donald J. Trump and grieved by the loss of life at a political rally this past weekend.

This type of tragedy is another symptom of an increasingly polarized society that repeatedly turns to hate and violence as a way to exert the will of one group over another. As Kingdom people we sense the urgency of the moment and call our churches to prayer. This is not about taking any particular political stance but a call to prayer that God would enable us as the Body of Christ to demonstrate our commitment to God’s will and the kingdom values of peace and unity.

We have been instructed by God’s Word to pray and know the power of prayer. Therefore, we urge you in your local churches to consistently pray for spiritual awakening and a turning to God, which includes praying for the welfare of the country we love and call home. We commend to you Joel 1:14 and 2 Chronicles 7:14-15 as two Scriptures that offer good guidance for this call to prayer.

Let's cry out to the Lord to see His will done in our land as it is in heaven!

“Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD” (Joel 1:14).

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place” (2 Chronicles 7:14-15).

“Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20b).

“Nothing will be impossible for you.” Jesus was clear, so let’s not overanalyze His words. What if we can take them at face value? What if Jesus really meant exactly what He said. When it comes to ministry expansion and fruitfulness, Jesus imparted to us a kingdom that spreads through the power and authority of the Word, the miraculous witness of His working in supernatural ways, and the evidence of transformation in His people. This kingdom transcends governments and institutions – it has a very real life of its own that bears witness to Jesus as the Lord of all.

Yet we talk about roadblocks to fruitfulness in ministry. Often we discuss them to such an extent that it seems nothing is possible for the church. Brothers and Sisters, nothing is a roadblock to Jesus. There are no barriers to the working of the supernatural. Fruitfulness is possible no matter how hard the ground, how stubborn the hearts of unbelievers, how deep the sin, or how large the barriers.

As we pray, let us do so with the very real expectation that nothing will be impossible for us. Let us not be discouraged by our present circumstances, but rather bolstered by the promise of our Lord. Ask the Lord, “Jesus, are our roadblocks really roadblocks to You?” Then pray expectantly. Taste and see that the Lord is good!

Jesus – Lord of the Church – we come to You with the words of Your promise on our lips, “nothing will be impossible for you.” We bring You what seems to be impossible to us asking that You move our mountains through Your great power. Let us live by faith and walk in trust. We ask this in the name of our Lord who gave us this great promise.
Amen.

"... always examine the Scriptures for yourself. ... Put yourself in the story and see where Jesus takes you. The story of your life might just change on the journey" (Daylon Welliver). Read, be inspired by and share more of, "The Most Compelling Story," at https://buff.ly/4czuCRZ.

“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up …” (Ephesians 4:11-12). Our church family is looking forward to coming together with you and your family in fellowship to praise our Lord. In-person and online worship service information is available at https://buff.ly/39pCBDj.

The Center for Pastoral Formation serves as a resource and networking center for conferences, Ministerial Education and Guidance Boards, instructors, Free Methodist educational institutions and more. The Center provides robust theological and practical training platforms to equip the next generation of ministry leaders, track their progress, and uphold standards for ministerial credentialing. Visit https://buff.ly/2MwuI3L to explore The Center for Pastoral Formation and get additional information about the ordination process, mentoring opportunities, course offerings and more.

“‘Take away, O Lord, the veil of my heart while I read the Scriptures. Blessed art Thou, O Lord: O teach me thy statutes! Give me a word, O Word of the Father: touch my heart: enlighten the understandings of my heart: open my lips and fill them with Thy praise.’ - Bishop Lancelot Andrewes (1555–1626)” (Daylon Welliver).

ICCM offers a variety of opportunities to support children and their communities worldwide. Their diverse projects range from fulfilling mission-critical needs, emergency medical care, to food funds. Schools and communities can benefit from water filters, ensuring students and residents have access to clean drinking water. Solar light technology provides children opportunities to learn and read their Bibles in rural areas with unstable power. Additionally, ICCM provides animal programs that benefit children nutritionally, educationally, and economically. Learn more about these and additional special projects available through ICCM by visiting https://buff.ly/3rDngpb.

The National Prayer Ministry of the Free Methodist Church encourages conferences, churches, pastors and congregations toward prayer saturation. The ministry helps to create, sustain and nurture a culture of perpetual growth in regards to prayer. It also provides indispensable resources and hosts meaningful gatherings to help encourage and maintain consistent growth in prayer. Visit https://npmfmc.org to get additional information about and connect with the National Prayer Ministry of the Free Methodist Church.

"Change doesn’t have to be a bad thing. There will always be change in our lives; some changes will be easier to embrace and some changes will make us feel like our hearts are breaking. Change can be our greatest adventure. Change can grow us and give us depth. Embrace the adventure. Embrace the change" (Laurie L. Yost).

Our Heavenly Father,
We lift up in prayer all those affected by the Thompson Fire. Some of our Free Methodist brothers and sisters were forced to evacuate their homes but have now been permitted to return to their communities. Lord, You know that some of these individuals were also displaced during the 2018 Camp Fire and are in dire need of the emotional and physical support that only You can offer. Please grant these communities Your strength and envelop them with Your care as they face an excessive heat warning this week. Extend Your ongoing protection as the Lake Fire continues to spread. We humbly ask, Father, for Your guidance, wisdom, and protection for all firefighters, their families and community members as they unite to support and assist each other during this time.
Amen.

"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (Jesus in John 17:20-21).

There’s something very holy and righteous about unity that should pique our attention. To what degree are our churches captivated with the thought that holy unity is very important to Jesus. What blessings come with unity and what do we sacrifice when we are not bonded in holy unity? Jesus compares our oneness to that of His relationship with the Father. Just as they are one, we are to be one. Why? “That the world may believe that you have sent me.”

Ponder that for a moment… Whether or not the world will believe in Jesus – that He was sent from the Father – is based largely on the unity of the church. Division casts a shadow of doubt on unbelievers whereas unity shines a bright light.

Jesus,
Make us one as You and the Father are one. Let us renounce all division and seek to fulfill Your holy desire for our oneness. May the world believe that You have been sent by the Father as they see holy unity in Your churches everywhere.
Amen.