The Kerusso – June | 2025
Kerusso (Greek): “To publish, proclaim openly: something which has been done.”
Recalling our Mission Rev. Max Edwards Last month, I wrote about the purpose of our annual gatherings, which we call “Journey” meetings. Coming together in those sessions for inspiration and fellowship are vital components to a healthy connectional relationship. The Evangelical Methodist Church is NOT a corporate machine, nor is it a club to which member churches belong. NO, the EMC is a living organism, made up of our people, our pastors, and our active witness and ministry in the communities we serve. Therefore, our routine gatherings are much more than family reunions at which we connect with long-lost relatives. They are part of the fabric which connects and shapes us as a cohesive unit. The Word of God beautifully reminds us that we are the very body of Christ, and just as the parts of the body are connected by living tissue such as bones, sinew, and ligaments, so we are connected together by our active involvement with one another. “… We will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (Ephesians 4:15-16)
In function, our gatherings are less like that once-in-a-blue-moon get together, and more like the family dinner table. They help hold us together for our ongoing mission to touch the world effectively for Jesus Christ. The overarching mission of the Evangelical Methodist Church can be summarized in four words: Worship, Discipleship, Holiness, and Evangelism. These are the things that our churches and leaders are doing, and MUST DO, if we are to make any eternal difference in people’s lives. Together with our churches and leaders around the country and the world, we are busy:
Promoting Worship! Our first calling is to worship God in spirit and truth. This is the foundation from which all other aspects of our mission flow. The adoration of the one true God is our highest calling and greatest privilege.
Fostering Discipleship! We are called to a lifelong journey of learning and growing in Christ. This means not only our own growth but also helping others to grow, nurturing them in their faith and understanding of Christ’s core teachings.
Modeling Holiness! We must always strive to live lives set apart for God, reflecting His character to the world. Our people are to demonstrate holiness of heart and life, making our message more compelling and authentic to others.
Inspiring Evangelism! We are to share the good news of Jesus Christ with those who don't know Him through personal and corporate missions efforts, inviting people into a relationship with God, and into a safe and loving community.