The United Methodist Church Unveils New Guiding Vision Statement
The Council of Bishops, in conjunction with the Connectional Table, announced 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.
This vision statement complements the Church’s longstanding mission statement, inspired by Matthew 28:1-20: “The mission of The United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”
The new 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.
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)
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)
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 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 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 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.
