Do Not Be Afraid

Bishops and Young Clergy Share Signs of Resurrection and Words of Hope

Do Not Be Afraid is a collection of essays by bishops and clergy representing several generations and world regions. This book doesn’t gloss over reality; the essays describe the forty plus year membership decline of the United Methodist Church in the United States. But the authors, bishops and young clergy, also write about a resurrection and new life being breathed into many unexpected places. Editor Dr. John Harnish masterfully weaves the chapters together so that the readers understand why each writer was included, as well as how each comes from a unique context.

Is your church composed of only elderly members? Are you wondering why the Holy Spirit doesn’t show up on Sunday morning? Have you tried unsuccessfully to use the mega church model in your mini church setting? Are you exhausted at the end of the day after only accomplishing half of your ministry to do list? Has your congregation decided that it’s time to bring in hospice? This book will remind you to look for transformation in the cemeteries that surround the church. It will inspire you to be open to Spirit-led imagination and innovation. It will challenge you to trust God no matter what you are confronted with.

Praise for Do Not Be Afraid

Do Not Be Afraid is a welcome contribution to a church that longs to hear the good news of a future with hope. Amid the death and decline of many of the old ways, the authors describe creative new ministries in the community, renewed congregations and ordinary people whose lives have been transformed by Jesus Christ.
—Bishop Janice Riggle Huie, Dallas, Texas

All will be heartened as they read through these pages and discover a treasure of encouraging reminders to not be afraid for the future for the United Methodist Church and its related institutions. It confronts us with the reality of needed flexibility, adaptation, major innovation, and the need to make some things brand new.
—Dr. Myron F. McCoy, Senior Pastor of the First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple and former president of St. Paul School of Theology, Kansas City