January 24, 2025

Bishop calls for revitalization as part of restructuring plan

Restructuring to revitalize the Methodist movement

Last year, the people of the Baltimore-Washington Conference made a bold, brave decision to pursue vital change, reclaim the movement of Methodism, and create deeper, stronger, and more consequential relationships with God, one another and the world.

To accomplish these things, some restructuring changes are being made:

• All churches will be part of a collaborative hub.
• All hubs will be part of a district that maintains geographical proximity.

(This is a change from previous versions of the plan.)

• Non-mission-related, specialized administrative duties will be centralized to support churches, rather than requiring each district to provide these services.

"As we implement the structural changes," said Bishop LaTrelle Easterling, "we must not lose sight of the purpose of these changes: to support our unrelenting focus on disciple-making, nurturing our maturity in Christ, and outward-facing, community-driven ministry that transforms lives and communities. In other words, we do not gather to benefit ourselves, we gather to continue the movement begun by Jesus Christ."

Call to Action, Reflection and Renewal

Plans for the Hubs will be announced after Easter and the restructuring changes will take place this summer. As churches prepare, all church leaders are called to reflect on their baptismal vows and how these sacred commitments can inspire their lives and reinvigorate the Christ-centered movement of the church.

Bishop Easterling said, in this time of holistic renewal, action is required. She calls upon United Methodists to continually engage in these three actions, which are connected to vitality and values:

1. Renew your commitment to discipleship — Reflect deeply on your baptism and the promises you made. Commit to a disciplined practice of prayer, study, worship, and service. Through your local church, seek to deepen your discipleship, and challenge yourself to be more like Christ each day.
2. Get to know those within your community — To serve Jesus as our Lord requires a deep, ongoing relationship with God and a relationship with our neighbors. Commit to serving in the life of the Church, building up the body, and making disciples of all nations.
3. Join in the work of justice and mercy — Our baptismal vows call us to resist evil and injustice. Now is the time for action. In collaboration with other United Methodist churches in your community, seek ways to advocate for those who are suffering, marginalized, or oppressed. Practice an incarnational faith by being the hands and feet of Christ in a world that desperately needs his love.

Commit to Vital Change

And, as we move forward into the coming year, let us remember that revitalization is a way of life. It is the way of Jesus Christ, who came to bring life, and life abundantly. Together, with Christ at the center, we can regain our movement and transform the world.