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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
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January 2005 |
From the Bishop
Resolved to make a difference
There is nothing magical about the turn of the calendar from one year to the next, but the New Year gives us an opportunity to reflect upon how best to live within God's will for our lives. So let me share with you my own resolutions for the coming year as your bishop. These "resolutions" arise out of my meeting and listening to many of you, and also out of my own prayer life and attempts to discern God's will for our common ministry together.
Here are my resolutions for 2005 for the Indiana Area:
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To strengthen our "Culture of Call" - both for clergy and laity - so that we focus upon God's call for us to be in ministry, rather than upon secular issues like career and competition. I believe that all of us yearn to make a difference, rather than to just play church. Focusing upon God's call will help us find the ways we can make a difference.
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To lead us toward a "Tradition of Tithing" as we improve our stewardship. Marsha and I tithe (give ten percent of our income) to the church and also give to other deserving charities. I believe that teaching, modeling and practicing tithing at all levels of the church will improve our stewardship. Good stewardship is my emphasis, rather than engaging in budget battles.
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To help us maintain our "Mission Momentum" by holding before us the importance of focusing the church outward in mission rather than inward in concern for survival. Whenever the church focuses upon mission and outreach, we maintain momentum for ministry. Whenever we focus upon ourselves as a church, we lose our momentum. I want to provide leadership that helps us maintain our mission momentum.
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To encourage the recruitment of a new leaders to reach a new generation for Christ and the church. Both of our conferences have a shortage of young clergy, and we need to energetically recruit, equip, support and deploy new leaders for the future.
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To lead the Indiana Area in better fulfilling the mission of The United Methodist Church: Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
My "shorthand" for these resolutions is one that I use with my signature on all letters and all e-mails: "Making a Difference - in Indiana and Around the World." That is my resolution. That is my calling. And that is my focus for the Year of Our Lord 2005.
May God help all of us to live this New Year with a renewed sense of God's direction and purpose for our lives.
Bishop Michael J. Coyner
Indiana Area of
The United Methodist Church
"Making a Difference - in Indiana and Around the World"
Last updated on 25 Apr 2008