Isaiah 43:19 — “See, I am doing a new thing!”
As members of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, we stand on a strong and solid foundation. It is one shaped by our history, guided by our doctrine, and rooted in our calling to serve this season, this present age. Remember, we are a people of faith, justice, and mission.
We must be trained to share the Gospel, to lead in our local churches, and to minister throughout our Episcopal Districts. Yet, even with all this power and authority, there are times when God is not loud, but still active.
There are moments when God doesn't show up in the ways we're accustomed to, no revival fire, no shouting choir, no crowded pews, but instead shows up in silence. Yes, it is in these quiet moments that we, the people of God, must learn to listen and discern, as Isaiah declared, "that God is doing a new thing.”
God Is Still at Work Even in the Silence
Throughout our CME tradition, we’ve learned to trust in the movement of God, especially in times of struggle and transformation. From our humble beginnings in 1870 to the spiritual and social needs of our people today, we must adapt and thrive in a changing world knowing that God has never left us. Remember, God's voice has not always thundered. Sometimes, it whispered.
God is still working and still calling children to preach. He is still stirring up the hearts of laity. God is still planting seeds of innovation in our Connectional ministries. However, God is doing it in ways we may not immediately recognize.
The Holy Spirit might not come through packed sanctuaries or traditional outreach programs but through quiet conversations, new digital platforms, neighborhood engagement, and deep one-on-one discipleship. Can you see it? Do you hear Him?
Discipleship in A New Season
Discipleship has always been central to our mission as a church. We affirm that all believers are called to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But let us go deeper. We need leaders, clergy and lay who are willing to pause, pray, and perceive what God is doing in their midst. We need Christian Education Departments that not only teach lessons but nurture spiritual discernment. We need disciples who do not just fill roles but follow Jesus daily even when it is hard and even when it is quiet.
Evangelize with Sensitivity
The CME Church has long believed in evangelism rooted in relationship and relevancy. As Bishop Othal H. Lakey once reminded us, "Evangelism must be rooted in the realities of the people we serve." In this current moment, people are not simply looking for church, they are looking for hope, healing, and authenticity.
Evangelism today is not about having the loudest voice or the biggest event. It is about meeting people where they are, listening deeply, and pointing them toward Jesus. It is about living lives that say, “Come and see.” Yes, God is still using the CME Church to do just that. Across our districts and regions, churches are finding new ways to witness through food programs, community care, social justice, online ministries, and youth and young adult movements.
Perceiving the New Thing
The Word through Isaiah is both a promise and a challenge: God is doing a new thing. Do you not perceive it? If we keep trying to recreate yesterday, we may miss tomorrow. However, if we slow down and listen to the Holy Spirit, we will find ourselves right in the middle of God’s next move.
The Challenge
CME family, God is not finished with us. In fact, God is just getting started. The question is not whether God is speaking, but are we listening? Let us ask ourselves. What new ministries are being born in silence? What old methods need to be laid down so God can build something fresh? How can I grow as a disciple who listens before leading? How can we as a Church evangelize in ways that reflect God’s present voice?
We are the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, recognizing the importance of Christ in our daily lives.
