September 20, 2022
Friends of the Alabama-West Florida Conference,
In my journey around the conference in August visiting with laity and clergy, it occurred to me that it could be helpful to share with you several reasons why I choose to stay United Methodist. I shared in those sessions that I am a United Methodist bishop and I firmly believe a future UMC needs traditional orthodox members as well as progressive members and everyone in between. A church cannot effectively reach the least, the lost and the lonely if it is of one mind on every topic. It takes a big tent membership to challenge one another in our discipleship efforts and our spiritual journey.
Click here for a pdf copy of the top reasons why I love being a United Methodist.
Perhaps you will find these thoughts helpful. As I shared in my previous communication piece, our AWF staff compiled a FAQ document as a result of the many questions asked at the August sessions. If you have not shared that with your church or small group, please do so. Click here for FAQ document.
My prayers are with each of you and I welcome your prayers as I continue to focus on mission and ministry and spending time with those who wish to remain United Methodist.
In Christ,
Bishop David Graves
Resident Bishop
Alabama-West Florida Conference