Exploring our Methodist Roots

This year the Virginia Annual Conference will examine our identity as United Methodists as we explore our historical and theological roots. Using Rev. Jim Harnish’s book Journey to the Center of the Faith as our frame, each month, Bishop Sue will be joined by a special guest and together they will explore an aspect of who we are as United Methodists.

Each episode will be released on the second Monday of each month at 12 noon. In addition to the episode, there will be a discussion guide.

In the lead up to the gathering, the Council of Bishops is working with United Methodist Communications to host a series of three webinars open to all United Methodists. These webinars will focus on how the vision statement’s call to “love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously” connects back to the denomination’s mission and Wesleyan theology. The webinars are free and recordings will be made available publicly. Each will be roughly an hour and half in length.

The first webinar is themed "Love Boldly" and explores the foundations of Wesleyan theology and how they shape United Methodist identity today. Participants will reflect on core theological commitments, shared beliefs, and how theology informs who we are as Wesleyans and as The United Methodist Church.

The second webinar is themed "Serve Joyfully" and examines Wesleyan approaches to mission, with attention to mutuality, formation, and decolonial perspectives. Participants will engage how mission is practiced in relationship, shaped by context, and grounded in a call to serve with humility and joy.