As followers of Jesus, we often wonder what faithful living looks like in a world that feels increasingly divided, uncertain, and weary. While the challenges around us may change, Christ’s call remains the same: love God, love neighbor, and make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
This year, United Methodists across Michigan gathered around three simple but powerful words: Love Boldly. Serve Joyfully. Lead Courageously.
These are more than conference themes or catchy phrases. They are an invitation to a way of life rooted in the Gospel.
Love Boldly
Jesus never loved halfway.
He loved the outcast, the forgotten, the doubters, the sinners, the saints, and everyone in between. His love crossed boundaries, challenged assumptions, and transformed lives.
To love boldly means choosing compassion over judgment. It means extending grace when it would be easier to criticize. It means seeing every person as a beloved child of God, even when we disagree.
Bold love isn’t passive. It shows up. It listens. It forgives. It welcomes. It reflects the heart of Christ.
As a church, we are called to be known not for what we’re against, but for how deeply we love.
Serve Joyfully
Service is at the heart of who we are as Christians.
Whether it’s packing food for families, serving meals, volunteering at community events, visiting a neighbor, teaching a class, singing in the choir, greeting at the door, or simply offering a helping hand, every act of service matters.
Yet joyful service isn’t about checking a box or filling a volunteer slot.
Joyful service comes from recognizing that we are participating in God’s work. It is the privilege of being Christ’s hands and feet in the world. It is finding purpose in helping others and discovering that often, when we serve, we are blessed in return.
The church is at its best when its people serve not out of obligation, but out of gratitude for all God has done.
Lead Courageously
Leadership isn’t reserved for pastors, staff members, or elected leaders.
Every follower of Jesus is called to lead in some way.
Sometimes courageous leadership looks like speaking truth with love. Sometimes it means stepping into a new ministry, inviting someone to church, standing up for what is right, or simply taking the next faithful step when the future feels uncertain.
Courage doesn’t mean having all the answers. It means trusting God enough to move forward anyway.
The early disciples changed the world not because they were fearless, but because they were faithful.
Today, God continues to call ordinary people to extraordinary acts of faithfulness.
A Church Called Forward
At Jackson First United Methodist Church, we believe God is still moving. We believe lives are still being transformed. We believe our community needs churches willing to love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously.
This calling belongs to all of us.
It happens in worship and in workplaces. In classrooms and living rooms. Around dinner tables and conference tables. In moments of celebration and seasons of struggle.
The mission of the church has never been about maintaining a building or preserving traditions for their own sake. It has always been about helping people encounter the life-changing love of Jesus Christ.
As we move forward together, may we be people who love without fear, serve with glad hearts, and follow God’s leading with courage.
The world doesn’t need a perfect church.
It needs a faithful one.
And by God’s grace, that’s exactly what we’re striving to be.
Love boldly. Serve joyfully. Lead courageously.