Bishop Easterling announces Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, Lead Courageously and Miracle Sunday Initiative
Dear Pastor and Congregational Leader,
The Council of Bishops, supported by the Connectional Table and the General Council on Finance and Administration, invites all congregations worldwide to join a God-led, Holy Spirit-empowered six-week emphasis: Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, Lead Courageously.
There will be a Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, Lead Courageously and Miracle Sunday Initiative to unite 30,000 congregations worldwide to extend the mission of The United Methodist Church and to raise vital support for 500 clergy a year through The Endowment for Theological Education outside the U.S.
Together with all other congregations world-wide, I invite you to set aside the six weeks following Easter so that your congregation will be part of this worldwide effort. I have named Rev. Marion Easterling as Conference Coordinator for the Baltimore-Washington Conference.
What your congregation will receive:
- A complete six-week worship and small-group series developed by global leaders
- Thematic materials aligned with Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, Lead Courageously
- Stories and videos from graduates from theological schools in Africa, Europe and the Philippines that highlight the urgent need for theological education outside the United States
Why it matters:
- More than 70% of U.S. clergy hold a theological degree while fewer than 5% of clergy outside the U.S. do, creating a stark disparity in pastoral formation.
- An offering from your congregation – together with all others worldwide – will help close that gap by funding and sustaining theological education for emerging pastors in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines.
The six-week series themes include:
- April 12: Disciples Formed by Jesus Christ
- April 19: Disciples Empowered by the Holy Spirit
- April 26: Disciples Love Boldly
- May 3: Disciples Serve Joyfully
- May 10: Disciples Lead Courageously
- May 17: Disciples Transform the World – Miracle Sunday
You will receive additional details and resources early in the new year directly from the coordinator of the initiative. Please set aside the six weeks following Easter so our Annual Conference can lead the way in uniting The United Methodist Church around our vision and the critical mission and work in Africa, Europe and the Philippines.
Blessings and peace,
Bishop LaTrelle Miller Easterling
October 30, 2025