The Kerusso – January/February | 2026 Kerusso (Greek): “To publish, proclaim openly: something which has been done.”
Serving Others Max Edwards
Over the last eight years, I have sought the guidance of the Holy Spirit regarding a theme – a Scriptural word on which to focus my thoughts for the year. Last year the word was “Listen.” Through the pen of the psalmist, the Lord pleads for His people to listen to Him. In 1946, Pastor John Hamblen of Abilene, Texas, was listening earnestly, listening to the Holy Spirit’s call to stand against an ever-widening tide of modernism that was rapidly eroding any clear understanding of scriptural authority in the Methodist Church. At 69, and with health struggles, he could have simply retired and enjoyed his last years and his pension. But instead of serving himself, Dr. J. H. Hamblen chose to serve others by walking away from ease and compromise, working to help found the Evangelical Methodist Church. For 2026, our focus word will be “Serve.” The Apostle Peter urged Christ’s people to use their God-given gifts to serve others. Adding weight to the admonition is his reminder that we serve because we are stewards of God’s grace. We have been given so much grace, how could we do other than be gracious by serving?!
In July of this year, people from all across the EMC both domestically and globally will be gathering in Indianapolis to celebrate 80 years of service to the spiritually needy people of the world. This will be our 34th General Conference, and there are so many wonderful things in store. We trust that you will make definite plans now to attend. This entire Kerusso edition is devoted to providing you with key pieces of information about the event, and there’s lots to tell … speakers, music, ordinations, break-out sessions, elections, youth activities, children’s programming, and our 80th anniversary celebration. Please take time to read each page for important details. As you turn the page to read about some of these things, please keep a few special things in mind. ONE – We are aware that you receive so many daily emails, and we are making a strategy shift where the published Kerusso is concerned for the near future at least. We are only planning six editions of the Kerusso this year – coming to you every other month instead of monthly. We hope that this will afford you a little less clutter, and a little more efficiency as you read updates from the ministry office. Each edition will be longer than the former monthly installments, but you’ll spend less time opening emails, and more time reading important updates. TWO – Registration for General Conference will formally open in February. At that time, you’ll receive a separate email with the registration link. There will be a financial advantage for early registration, so be ready to register ASAP when you receive it. Thanks!! On to page two …