An Aura of Hope: United Methodism's Next Chapter in the United States - Paperback

by Lovett H. Jr. Weems (Author)

Equipping United Methodist leaders for a changing landscape. United Methodists are navigating questions about identity, purpose, and the path forward. An Aura of Hope by Lovett H. Weems, Jr., offers a timely roadmap for renewal and growth during this pivotal moment. Drawing on his extensive experience as founding director of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership, Weems provides strategic insights that illuminate how historical divisions, current trends, and the post-disaffiliation landscape have shaped today's United Methodist Church. This ten-chapter book combines rigorous data analysis with pastoral wisdom to address critical questions: - Who are we now as a denomination? - How can a diverse and inclusive church achieve the growth necessary for effective ministry? Through accessible prose and practical guidance, Weems charts a distinctly Wesleyan path forward--one that focuses on "the people God has given us," those outside traditional church connections who need to experience God's transforming grace. Written with both clergy and laity in mind, this hopeful yet realistic assessment equips United Methodist leaders at all levels with the tools and vision needed to engage their changing context and pursue faithful next steps for their congregations and annual conferences. With the purchase of An Aura of Hope, readers also receive access to the following extras: 1. Downloadable charts, graphs, and data points supporting the book's claims 2. A set of guidelines and suggestions from the author for how leaders can share the book's call to action with their congregations 3. Three "Stories of Hope" from United Methodist church leaders on how they are living into the new United Methodist Church.

Author Biography

Lovett H. Weems Jr. is distinguished professor of church leadership emeritus and senior consultant of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. Weems was the founding director of the Lewis Center in 2003, coming to the position after eighteen years as president of Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Missouri. A native of Mississippi, he was a local church pastor in that state for many years. He is the author of several books from Abingdon Press, including a revised edition of his classic, Church Leadership: Vision, Team, Culture, and Integrity. He co-edits the online newsletter "Leading Ideas."