Brothers and sisters, do not be weary in doing what is right.

[Adapted from a sermon delivered by Apostle Janne Grover to the Central USA Mission Center Conference in November 2023]

At the 2023 World Conference, President Steve Veazey reminded us that discernment does not mean we take a “wait and see” attitude. We must walk courageously with Jesus, the peaceful One, and pay attention to insights that emerge as we respond and reflect on our ministry experiences.

This discernment process has held diverse voices and perspectives-some seeking change, some with strong convictions of their own discernment, but all seeking a future of hope for the church.

Through discernment, courage, sacrifice, generosity, flexibility, and creativity we will become more authentically Christ-centered communities of spiritual formation, compassionate ministry, and action. Our hopeful future must be lived now.

We are moving from a Restored movement and structure to a Restoration movement more fully dedicated to God’s vision for creation. Gospel imperatives of restoring persons, communities, and Earth to healthy relationship with God and others are not for the sake of our institutional well-being, but for the blessing and healing of Earth; for creating safe, brave space of sanctuary for all persons—regardless of life circumstance and regardless of partisan political affiliation.

If we are serious about being authentic, Christ-centered, welcoming, and affirming communities and generosity, justice, and peacefulness dedicated to the healing of Earth as a gospel and Restoration imperative, we already will be living the hopeful future we seek! It is not after Bridge of Hope; it is not after we have shored up the endowments; it is not after we name a new prophet-president.

It is now! Let us not be so focused on what is not that we waste the hope of what God is up to now.

I believe with every assurance that our hopeful future is now, if we choose it, and if we courageously live it into being!

Prayer Phrase

“…he has given us a new birth into a living hope” (1 Peter 1:3).

Spiritual Practice

Weaving a Life

Hold, or imagine yourself holding, a piece of patterned cloth. Examine it carefully. Notice overlapping threads mingling colors that form the design. Write a journal entry or meditate about the threads and patterns of your life. What design do you see? How does the life pattern you are weaving create justice and wholeness in God’s world? What new pattern is God calling you to weave in 2025?

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.