Top Resources for Discernment

Either you or the church you call home may be in discernment now or prayerfully considering the formal discernment process outlined by your Annual Conference (UMC). As I mentioned previously, most UMC pastors have been in discernment for a number of years now though many local churches are approaching this for the first time together. I've compiled a list below of a few of the most helpful websites and collections of resources which other churches or groups have created and distributed to their congregations. There are many more websites or resources you can find through your own searching.

We completed a sermon series on discernment recently in the church where I serve, and these were the things which helped me a great deal as I approached the subject.

1- Read (the Word of the Lord), Isa. 40:8

2- Pray (to the Lord), Matt. 7:8

3- Hope (in the Lord), Psalm 130:7

4- Wait- (on the Lord), Isa. 25:9

Discernment is not so much a process with a formal timeline as it is a way of life for every follower of Jesus. Remaining in discernment means considering daily how Christ may be calling us to follow in faith. It's a daily call to die to self and carry a cross (Luke 14:27). It sounds serious, right? The best way to begin discerning any particular subject matter is with a blank page and no agenda.

A list of websites you may find beneficial (from North AL & TX):

• Prayerfully Discerning Our Way Forward – Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church (vhumc.org)

• Cove-Disaffiliation-FAQ.pdf (covechurch.com)

• Discernment – Huntsville First United Methodist

• Discernment | The Harvest UMC

• Frequently Asked Questions | Affiliation (thewoodlandsumc.org) (in TX)

• Discernment Info (lcumc.org) (TX)

• Discernment – Cornerstone Methodist Church (cornerstoneumc.org) (TX)

I leave you with this well-known passage often referred to as the 'priestly blessing' from the Old Testament of God's Word. Please reach out to let us know how we can specifically be praying for you in the days ahead.

The Blessing from Numbers 6-

22 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 23 “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the people of Israel: you shall say to them,

24 The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

27 “So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them.

Grace and peace to you in Christ Jesus,

Wes