Vision and Mission

   Vision and mission are important. Indeed, much has been written across the years about both.  

Vision: The Book of Proverbs says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish . . .” (Proverbs 29:18 KJV). Similarly, agricultural scientist and inventor George Washington Carver is quoted as saying. “Where there is no vision, there is no hope.” Author and political activist Helen Keller made a statement about vision that was especially impactful because of her physical deafness and blindness. “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.”  

Mission:  American Psychologist Arnold H. Glasgow stated, "Make your life a mission - not an intermission."  German author Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said, "Every person above the ordinary has a certain mission that they are called to fulfill."  Rick Warren wrote, “God has given you a mission in life, and only you can fulfill it.  

I am thankful for The United Methodist Church’s vision statement which was released in mid- May, 2025 to complement our oft-quoted mission statement. UMC Vision: The United Methodist Church forms disciples of Jesus Christ who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections. UMC Mission: To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Our West Virginia Conference’s focus is in alignment with the General 

Church’s vision and mission. West Virginia Conference Vision: In the West Virginia Conference, we live into the worldwide United Methodist vision by transforming Appalachia through God’s love—growing disciples, healing communities, and casting a future of hope rooted in Christ. West Virginia Conference Mission: To Discover, Develop, and Deploy passionate spiritual leaders of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.  

Central to both West Virginia and the worldwide United Methodist Church is the formation of disciples of Jesus Christ. West Virginia adds an emphasis on developing leaders. Below are West Virginia’s definitions of a passionate spiritual disciple and a passionate spiritual leader.  

Spiritual Disciples: A Passionate Spiritual Disciple (PSD) is a Christ-follower committed to imitating Jesus’ example. Filled with and guided by the Holy Spirit, PSDs demonstrate the fruit described in Galatians 5:22-23 as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. A PSD is in covenant with other Christ 

followers to grow spiritually, missionally and relationally.  

I will add that Passionate Spiritual Disciples and Leaders embody the characteristics of our new United Methodist Church vision of loving boldly, serving joyfully and leading courageously, both locally and around the world.  

Spiritual Leaders: A Passionate Spiritual Leader (PSL) is a Passionate Spiritual Disciple leading other Passionate Spiritual Disciples. Though not all Christians are Passionate Spiritual Leaders, hopefully we are all Passionate Spiritual Disciples.  

Yes, vision and mission are important. Without vision, we struggle to thrive, find hope and see clearly. Without a mission we do not have purpose.  

How grateful I am that our United Methodist Church and the West Virginia Conference have clarity around vision and mission. My prayer for us is that we will become increasingly successful in moving toward them both as a denomination and conference. 

As always, it is a joy to serve as your bishop.  

Blessings,  Debbie

Debbie