# United Methodist Insight Home page of United Methodist Insight Page: Feed: --- ## ['Pastors in Name Only'??](https://um-insight.net/perspectives/pastors-in-name-only/) _2026-08-20 · Lovett H. Weems Jr._ The Rev. Dr. Lovett Weems Jr. unpacks the recent trend of ordained ministers seeking a common good by running for political office. ## [Remembering James T. Laney, a Lifelong Friend to Korea](https://um-insight.net/in-the-church/umc-global-nature/remembering-james-t-laney-a-lifelong-friend-to-korea/) _2026-08-20 · The Rev. Thomas E. Kim_ For nearly eight decades, the Rev. James T. Laney’s life intersected with Korea — first as a young American soldier, then as a Methodist missionary, later as U.S. ambassador to South Korea and as an advocate for peace and reconciliation of Korea. ## [Highland Park Pastors, Conference Address Suit](https://um-insight.net/in-the-church/local-church/highland-park-pastors-conference-address-suit/) _2026-08-20 · Heather Hahn_ Highland Park United Methodist Church’s senior minister addressed the case in his Sunday sermon. His predecessor released a statement on Aug. 19. The Horizon Texas Conference also added more information to its lawsuit over the church's governance. ## [Finding Resurrection in Broken Glass](https://um-insight.net/in-the-church/local-church/finding-resurrection-in-broken-glass/) _2026-08-20 · Lisa Smith_ The shattered pieces of a beloved stained glass window, broken by firefighters to rescue the church from a devastating fire, have become symbols of resurrection for Christ United Methodist Church in Rockford, Ill. ## [Finding Joy Again](https://um-insight.net/in-the-church/practicing-faith/finding-joy-again/) _2026-08-20_ Joy seems so simple when we have it. But when life hits us with crushing blows, our joy can disappear. As the psalmist writes, God can restore our joy. ## [Transitions](https://um-insight.net/in-the-church/ordained-ministry/transitions/) _2026-08-20 · Rebecca Campney Carver_ This Sunday is a great opportunity as fall activities start and there are transitions at home, at school, and in church, to preach about gifts—how we are called to be transformed, to use the gifts that we have, and discover new skills we can share. ## [How Spokane-area Churches Are Helping Wildfire Survivors](https://um-insight.net/in-the-world/disasters-and-climate-change/how-spokane-area-churches-are-helping-wildfire-survivors/) _2026-08-19 · Sebastian Moraga_ Spokane-area churches – including local United Methodist districts – continue wildfire relief, providing food, clothing, shelter and long-term recovery support as communities rebuild after devastating fires. ## [We Haven’t Lost Our Values. We’ve Lost Each Other.](https://um-insight.net/perspectives/we-haven%E2%80%99t-lost-our-values-we%E2%80%99ve-lost-each-other/) _2026-08-19 · Terry Kyllo_ America’s polarization crisis is fueled by fear, social media outrage and distorted perceptions, but real relationships can rebuild trust, belonging and community. ## [3 Questions to Ask Before You Recruit Your Next Volunteer](https://um-insight.net/in-the-church/local-church/3-questions-to-ask-before-you-recruit-your-next-volunteer/) _2026-08-19 · Allen Stanton_ Allen T. Stanton says the goal of volunteers in church isn’t more programs—it’s discipleship. He gives three questions to ask to help leaders and their congregations flourish. ## [8.1% APY Plus Free Stock (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/tQ3WfFwvqAmj) _2026-08-19 · **Sponsored**_ Claim 8.1% APY and up to $1,030 in SK hynix and Nvidia stock. ## [Leading Your Church Faithfully Through Elections](https://um-insight.net/in-the-church/local-church/leading-your-church-faithfully-through-elections/) _2026-08-19 · Kendal L. McBroom_ When discipleship extends into public life, what does faithful Christian leadership look like? Kendal McBroom equips leaders with practical resources to build spiritually grounded communities that engage civic life.