The vision states, “The United Methodist Church forms disciples of Jesus Christ who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections.”
The United Methodist Church (UMC) aims to inspire and guide its members in living out God’s mission. This vision complements the church’s existing mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ. The vision emphasizes a commitment to embodying God’s dream for the world by transforming lives, communities, and the world through discipleship.
Love Boldly
“Love boldly,” inspired by the words of Jesus in Matthew 22:37–39 and John 13:34–35, is a core expression of what it means to live as a faithful disciple. In Matthew 22, Jesus calls us to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves—summarizing the essence of all God’s commandments. In John 13, Jesus goes even further, commanding His followers to love one another as He has loved us—a radical, sacrificial, and inclusive love that becomes the defining mark of Christian community.
For United Methodists, to “love boldly” means to respond to this call with passion and courage. It reflects a deep, unwavering love for God that is lived out through the intentional embrace of others—regardless of age, nation, race, gender, socioeconomic status, ability, or background. Following the example of Jesus, United Methodists strive to create communities where all people feel welcomed, valued, and affirmed as beloved children of God.
This bold love refuses to be passive or selective. It challenges injustice, breaks down barriers, and seeks reconciliation. It is not just an emotion or ideal, but an active commitment to living out God’s love in real, transformative ways—in families, churches, neighborhoods, and the wider world. Loving boldly is both a witness to God’s grace and a testimony of Christ’s presence alive in us.
Serve Joyfully
“Serve joyfully,” rooted in the spirit of Psalm 100:1, Nehemiah 8:10, John 13:14–15, and 1 Peter 4:10, captures the call to embody the servant-hearted nature of Christ with gladness and humility. In Psalm 100, we are invited to “make a joyful noise to the Lord” and to serve Him with gladness, reminding us that service is not a burden, but a joyful expression of gratitude and worship. Nehemiah 8:10 reminds us that “the joy of the Lord is your strength,” reinforcing that true service flows from the inner joy that God provides. In John 13, Jesus models servant leadership by washing the disciples’ feet, calling us to do the same in love and humility. And 1 Peter 4:10 teaches that each of us has received gifts from God, not for ourselves, but to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s grace.
For United Methodists, to “serve joyfully” means to engage in acts of care, compassion, and justice with a Christ-like spirit—motivated not by obligation, but by love and joy. It calls us to come alongside those who are vulnerable, marginalized, or in need, not from a place of superiority, but in solidarity and humility. It means offering our time, resources, and presence in ways that reflect the character of Jesus, who served others with tenderness, dignity, and purpose.
Joyful service does not ignore pain or suffering; rather, it shines light into those places with hope and grace. It is a witness that, even in brokenness, God’s love is active and alive. Whether feeding the hungry, visiting the lonely, advocating for justice, or simply offering a listening ear, serving joyfully transforms both the giver and the receiver, drawing all closer to the heart of God.
Lead Courageously
“Lead courageously,” inspired by Joshua 1:9 and Ephesians 6:10, is a call for bold, faithful leadership that reflects the heart and mission of Jesus Christ. In Joshua 1:9, God commands His servant to “be strong and courageous” in the face of daunting challenges, with the assurance that the Lord will be present every step of the way. Ephesians 6:10 urges believers to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His power,” preparing them to stand firm against the forces of evil through spiritual readiness, truth, and righteousness.
For United Methodists, to “lead courageously” means to follow Jesus’ example by actively confronting and dismantling systems of evil, injustice, and oppression—wherever they are found. It is a call to rise with moral clarity and spiritual resolve, not for personal power or recognition, but to bear witness to God’s justice, mercy, and love in a world that often resists them. This courageous leadership begins with humility and a willingness to listen, learn, and stand in solidarity with the vulnerable and marginalized.
It requires discernment and spiritual strength to navigate complex social, political, and cultural landscapes while remaining anchored in the Gospel. It also involves making difficult choices, speaking uncomfortable truths, and leading communities toward healing, reconciliation, and transformation. Like Jesus, courageous leaders embody servant leadership—laying down self-interest to pursue peace, advocate for equity, and create space for restoration.
This aspect of the vision affirms that leadership in the way of Christ is not passive or timid—it is deeply rooted in love, justice, and unwavering faith. It is a call to stand firm, even when the path is uncertain, trusting that God’s Spirit equips and empowers those who lead with conviction, compassion, and courage.
Focus on Discipleship
The new vision statement is designed to complement and deepen the denomination’s long-standing mission statement, which has guided The United Methodist Church for nearly 30 years: “To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world,” rooted in Matthew 28:18–20, commonly known as the Great Commission. In that passage, Jesus calls His followers to go into all the world, baptizing, teaching, and forming disciples in His name—a mandate that continues to shape the Church’s identity and purpose.
While the mission articulates what the Church is called to do—make disciples and transform the world—the new vision seeks to clarify how United Methodists live out that mission in today’s context. It offers a framework of spiritual values and actions that guide disciples toward Christ-like living: loving boldly, serving joyfully, leading courageously, and resisting evil with grace and strength. Each element of the vision provides tangible expressions of discipleship that reflect Jesus’ ministry and empower the Church to remain faithful and relevant in a rapidly changing world.
Together, the mission and vision statements form a holistic foundation: one that calls the Church to both proclaim the Gospel and embody it, transforming lives, communities, and systems through the power of Christ’s love.
Guidance for Action
The vision is far more than a written statement or a set of ideals—it is a compelling call to action. It challenges both individuals and entire congregations to move beyond mere acknowledgment and actively engage with its principles in meaningful, tangible ways. This call invites deep reflection on how one’s daily life, relationships, and choices can align with the values of the vision. It also urges communities of faith to consider how they can collectively embody and express these principles through service, outreach, worship, and discipleship. Ultimately, the vision seeks to inspire a lifestyle of intentional faithfulness, where the truths of the Gospel are not only believed but lived out in every sphere of life.
This vision is being actively realized through the flagship program of the Baguio Episcopal Area, which serves as the primary vehicle for putting the vision into action. The program is implemented in every District within the Central Luzon Philippines Annual Conference, ensuring consistent engagement and alignment with the vision at the local level. Furthermore, its reach extends across the entire Baguio episcopacy within the Philippines Central Conference, creating a unified and coordinated approach to discipleship, ministry, and mission throughout the region.
By integrating the vision into the core life and work of the Church across multiple layers—district, annual conference, and episcopal area—this program ensures that the principles of loving boldly, serving joyfully, leading courageously, and resisting evil are not just aspirational, but embodied in the daily practice of ministry and community life.