Local Church Resources

An international bestseller that teaches concepts of reconciliation and conversation to transform personal, professional, and even global conflict through a fictionalized story of parents who are struggling with their own children and with problems that have come to consume their lives.

Bishop Farr offers remarks and context related to the Way Forward discussion at one of his 21 regional Way Forward Conversations.

Being true to who we are can be difficult in a diverse community, but true belonging is not something we negotiate or accomplish with others; it’s a daily practice that demands integrity and authenticity. Learn from Brown’s approach to being authentic without alienating yourself from others, especially those with whom you disagree.

Suggested outline for how to plan and conduct a Courageous Conversation about the Way Forward report including four sessions with PowerPoint presentation templates. The resources also include links to support materials and videos produced by the Way Forward Commission and Council of Bishops.

This best-seller has taught millions how to transform anger and hurt feelings into powerful dialogue. With practical ideas, this resource imagines it is possible to make it safe to talk about almost anything.

A collection of resources—including small group studies and books—intended to inform the conversations around human sexuality within the United Methodist Church as the denomination prepares for the General Conference.

A guide to transforming everyday conversations at work and at home with effective ways to overcome barriers to meaningful communication, enrich relationships, increase clarity and improve understanding, handle strong emotions, and connect more deeply with others.

Four devotional sessions with video and discussion guide support on holy conversation as a means of grace designed for use with small group or leadership training. Great for church councils and leadership teams.

Developed by Rev. Ashley Morgan Kirk, High School Pastor at Church of the Resurrection, Leawood Campus and Elder in the Missouri Conference. A tool to help local church members understand the UMC denominational conversation around human sexuality. These are four predominant views within the UMC. There are many perspectives that fall beyond these basic descriptions, but it may serve as a starting point for local church conversations. There are two file types - one that includes more description around progressive and traditionalist viewpoints. Again, no description is all-encompassing of a theological perspective. This resource is meant to serve as a conversation starter.

Developed by Rev. Ashley Morgan Kirk, High School Pastor at Church of the Resurrection, Leawood Campus and Elder in the Missouri Conference. A tool to help local church members understand the UMC denominational conversation around human sexuality. These are four predominant views within the UMC. There are many perspectives that fall beyond these basic descriptions, but it may serve as a starting point for local church conversations. There are two file types - one that includes more description around progressive and traditionalist viewpoints. Again, no description is all-encompassing of a theological perspective. This resource is meant to serve as a conversation starter.

From the Faultlines collection, this resource contributes to the conversation by presenting questions for laity and clergy to explore as they engage in open dialogue in an atmosphere of mutual respect, even when the conversation partners disagree.

From the Faultlines collection, this four-week study will help you grapple with various views about the ministry and teaching of The United Methodist Church around issues of human sexuality. And it will help you discern, in prayer and conversation, how you can respond faithfully in love of God and neighbor.

Small group discussion questions set in a PowerPoint slide show for use in aiding discussion and study of Missio Dei and the United States: Toward a Faithful United Methodist Witness.

Suitable for a six-to-eight week study, the resource will help you take stock of the Wesleyan heritage and ask how we can best participate in God's mission for the church.

At a glance comparison of the three plans submitted to the Special Session of General Conference by the Council of Bishops: Traditionalist, One Church and Connectional Conference plans.

This Sunday and in the weeks to come United Methodist pastors everywhere will be addressing their congregations about the decisions of General Conference 2019. Church members will have different reactions to the decisions and may have questions about how this will affect them or their congregation. Here are some talking points pastors may find helpful as they prepare to preach and lead discussions.

La Croix UMC in Cape Girardeau released this original four-week biblically-based series on “The Fine Art of Disagreement” with accompanying videos and small group curriculum. Visit https://vimeo.com/showcase/5572868?fbclid=IwAR314oPnrLMLeK5JFlEpK-VOcZLaUerHIPlw5NpoddTb6_wTQ5uk-5nrqt8​ to download this FREE small group resource. “We presented this series at La Croix ahead of the special-called session of General Conference in 2019, to prepare people to handle the storm that could be ahead,” ...

Developed to aid local pastors in effectively communicating the issues facing the denomination on human sexuality that threatens the unity of the church in a manner that strengthens and nurtures.

A book and study guide to understand how The Episcopal Church, its churches, and congregations and diocese across the Anglican Communion may stay together in the midst of division over same-sex marriage.

This book represents the earnest conferencing by an international group of scholars who met to discuss human sexuality and the future of The United Methodist Church.

Suitable for a 4-week study, this resource addresses how the church be a witness and provide for a diversified human community.

Vital Conversations 4: Race, Culture, The Church, And Human Sexuality is a video study course for small groups in congregations, campus ministries, and local and regional church leadership teams.