From the Bishop

A Christmas message from Bishop R. Lawson Bryan Throughout the South Georgia Conference I have been lifting up the vision found in Ephesians 1:9-10: “God has made known to us his hidden purpose … that the universe, all in heaven and on earth, might be brought into a unity in Christ.” What a huge insight! While there are many things we cannot know, we can know God’s purpose. God’s purpose is to unite all things in heaven and on earth in Jesus Christ.  Once we recognize God’s purpose we can ...

FROM THE BISHOP R. LAWSON BRYAN As we prepare for Christmas please don’t forget the central figure of the Advent season: John the Baptist. The Gospel according to Matthew says of John, This the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness; ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’” John the Baptist and those who responded to his preaching remind us that in every time period God raises up Advent voices of hope and in every time ...

FROM THE BISHOP R. LAWSON BRYAN Thanksgiving came early for Sherrill and me this year. You are the reason for that.  Thank you for your compassionate response to Sherrill’s accident. Her recovery from a fractured pelvis is on track and should be complete in six to eight weeks. Your prayers and other forms of encouragement are playing an important role in her healing. That is why I want you to know that we are thanking God for you. We have learned that the South Georgia Conference has a ...

FROM THE BISHOP R. LAWSON BRYAN Thank you for your tremendous response to the laity and clergy gatherings we are holding in each district. Through these opportunities Sherrill and I are seeing firsthand how much the South Georgia Conference truly is Alive Together in Christ. After each laity or clergy meeting we find ourselves quoting Psalm 133: How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity! The energy and inspiration of our district meetings stands in stark contrast ...

FROM THE BISHOP R. LAWSON BRYAN Thank you, South Georgia Conference, for the warm welcome you have given us. Sherrill and I will forever be grateful for the cards, letters, prayers, visits, and delicious food with which you have sustained us in this transition. From the laity and clergy in our local churches and extension ministries to the district superintendents and the conference staff, you have surrounded us with amazing grace and extravagant generosity.  As Paul said to the church in ...

FROM THE BISHOP JAMES R. KING, JR. Hello, beautiful people of South Georgia! This is our last article for the Advocate. Some of you are old enough to remember the chorus sung at the end of the Mickey Mouse show. It began with these words: “Now it’s time to say goodbye to all our company.” Well, Rose and I are not saying goodbye, but we are at a time in our lives where we are turning to another page and so are you as you receive a new episcopal family. We will always have space in our hearts ...

FROM THE BISHOP JAMES R. KING, JR. Hello, beautiful people of South Georgia! A big thanks to you, South Georgia, for the various ways you have shown your love to Rose and me. It was really special you identified a time during our conferencing to acknowledge our last eight years together. The celebration of our ministry with you was the icing on the cake and we are very grateful for your love, encouragement, and support. After receiving more than we could ask for you have given more than we ...

FROM THE BISHOP JAMES R. KING, JR. Hello, beautiful people of South Georgia!  Every four years each bishop in the Southeastern Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church is asked to give a report to the Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference summarizing ministry in the area they served. Below is my report:   SOUTH GEORGIA AREA REPORT Bishop James R. King, Jr. Over the past eight years, I have had the blessing of working together with the Beautiful People of South Georgia. Our emphasis has ...

FROM THE BISHOP JAMES R. KING, JR. Hello, beautiful people of South Georgia!  We are in a season where it is difficult to find people who are not anxious about the future, angry about the status quo, or generally find it difficult to have a deep sense of peace and joy about life.  I believe the reason is because we are a society that is filled with change. It is challenging to have a sense of certainty in the world today. There are changes in the church and threats of more change. There are ...

FROM THE BISHOP JAMES R. KING, JR. Hello, beautiful people of South Georgia!  My hometown is Ashland, Ala., which is about 22 miles from Goodwater, Ala. I do not know why the town was named Goodwater, but Flint, Mich. is reminding the world family that water is not only essential for life, but good water is directly connected to good health and contaminated water to poor health and even death. Rev. Bobby Gale has recognized the importance of every person and every nation having access to good...

FROM THE BISHOP JAMES R. KING, JR. Hello, beautiful people of South Georgia!  When I read the positive financial report for this year I just said “WOW!!!”  IT’S BEEN EIGHT YEARS (2007) since our Conference giving has been at 90.53%. This accomplishment represents a special effort on the part of our pastors, congregations, and district superintendents. A gigantic THANKS is well deserved, for you have been intentionally generous and faithful. Our financial status is a significant indicator of ...

FROM THE BISHOP JAMES R. KING, JR. Hello, beautiful people of South Georgia!  What are some of the characteristics of a happy New Year? Often mentioned by many are good health, good relationships – especially with family and friends – a comfortable financial income, a deep sense of purpose, and participating in activities that help those in need. What would make up your list of characteristics for a happy New Year? Have you given thought about what would interfere or block you from having a ...

FROM THE BISHOP JAMES R. KING, JR. Hello, beautiful people of South Georgia!  Years ago, while serving as the director of a Wesley Foundation, I was blessed to work as the team chaplain of a college basketball team. I would often find myself reminding discouraged basketball players who did not get playing time in a game, “Listen, your time is coming. The light will turn green and your name will be called to go in the game and you need to make sure your attitude is right so you can play your ...

FROM THE BISHOP JAMES R. KING, JR. Hello, beautiful people of South Georgia!  As I listened to scripture during my devotion time, I was led to tweet this response:  God’s plan is to speak through you today. Listen as the Holy Spirit tells you what to say and do. 1 Cor. 6:19  During my time of prayer and reflection I was reminded of how difficult it is today to get the attention of people even if you are offering them the good news. Historically, as civilization has evolved, options have ...

Hello, beautiful people of South Georgia!  Now that I have your attention, it is important for me to share words of care and encouragement as well as a new way of communicating my support for you through the scriptures. Let me begin with the subject of sex. As an annual conference, I believe we are getting stronger and stronger as we grow in our discipleship. We are becoming more Christlike as we love one another and invite others into a relationship with Jesus Christ.  From my first days ...

FROM THE BISHOP JAMES R. KING, JR. Hello, beautiful people of South Georgia!  As a new football season begins I am reminded that, as with many sports, a team effort is required. In order to win, many persons who have individual paths must commit to the same destination if they are to achieve success. Our annual conference theme for this year, “We’re Better Together,” captures our understanding that we must work together to satisfy the vision to Grow a Christlike World. The Lord’s Prayer ...

FROM THE BISHOP JAMES R. KING, JR. Hello, beautiful people of South Georgia!  Each year we show a membership decline in the South Georgia Conference and this year is no different. But what is noticeably different in our report for 2014 is that our worship attendance is only down by 27. Compare our worship attendance being down in 2014 by 27 with these numbers: 2013: down by 588 2012: down by 1,046   2011: down by 758 2010: down by 834 This information tells me that we are not only moving in...

Please join me in prayer for the victims and their families of a terrible crime, which happened Wednesday, June 17, at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, S.C.  Nine persons were killed during a Bible study, including the pastor, who was a state senator. All of us are called to examine the thoughts and teachings that breed this kind of destructive behavior. Those of us who are believers know that God wins. However, the path to righteousness is filled with challenges to overcome before the ...

FROM THE BISHOP JAMES R. KING, JR. Hello, beautiful people of South Georgia! Did you know your gift of $100 could help provide a home base for our conference and save us over $50,000 a year? Have you ever thought, “When I finish this project … or, when I graduate … or, when I get married … or, when I get this job … or, when I retire … everything will be okay,” only to discover that there is always something else you yearn for to make you feel content? I am writing this article from Berlin, ...

FROM THE BISHOP JAMES R. KING, JR. Hello, beautiful people of South Georgia! After celebrating Easter in 2015, what does it mean to be an Easter people? God sent Jesus into the world to love me, teach me, die for me, and to save me … all this for me! For those who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we become a good news people – an Easter people. God overcomes our sins, death loses its power over us, and life eternal is our gift by God’s grace. What, then, is the earthly journey to be ...

FROM THE BISHOP JAMES R. KING, JR. Hello, beautiful people of South Georgia! THANKFUL! I give thanks to God for you. There are so many wonderful and blessed ministries occurring because of your faithfulness. THANK YOU! For loving! THANK YOU! For giving! THANK YOU! For taking care of yourself! THANK YOU! For making disciples of Jesus Christ! Appointments All active clergy and many laity are aware that this is appointment-making season. Some of the moves that the cabinet and I will ...

FROM THE BISHOP JAMES R. KING, JR. Below I will address several subjects including the following: Apportionments The Influence of a Christlike life How to Protect Yourself The Natural Standard Apportionments A BIG thanks to you, South Georgia! Thanks, clergy and congregations, for being so generous in supporting our covenant together through the apportionments. Our giving percentage was the highest it’s been in the past eight years. We are greater together than we could ever be working alone....

FROM THE BISHOP JAMES R. KING, JR. Greetings, beautiful people of South Georgia! The beauty of life is the gift of choice today. Each day is an obvious gift of grace. We awaken with the fresh opportunity to begin anew. The old has passed away. The past is like a two-sided coin. On one side, the past problems can define us and help shape a negative view about the future. Past experiences that have been successful or favorable in some way can support a general attitude of entitlement. Very few ...

FROM THE BISHOP JAMES R. KING, JR. Hello, beautiful people of South Georgia! What is the best possible life for a flower? I would suggest that a flower has the best life possible when it is rooted in the fullness of nutrients that help it reach and sustain its potential. The best life possible for a human being is one that is rooted in the fullness of experiences that nurture a person’s life to reach and sustains one’s potential. God is the source of life – the creator and sustainer of life. God...

FROM THE BISHOP JAMES R. KING, JR. Hello, beautiful people of South Georgia! What? Simply stated, 20-1-5 is a goal of the South Georgia Annual Conference to focus on growing in our understanding of Jesus Christ in order to become more like him as his disciples. This goal was presented at the 2014 annual conference session. Since our next gathering as an annual conference will take place in 2015 we connected the goal with the year. The 20 represents 20,000 members of our annual conference. There...

FROM THE BISHOP JAMES R. KING, JR. Hello, beautiful people of South Georgia! This article features comments on the following: Apportionments Going deeper Power and prayer Communication Apportionments Big thanks!!! To you, pastors and congregations, for being faithful stewards as you continue to demonstrate commitment by supporting the apportionments with 100 percent giving. Some congregations have already paid their apportionments in full. How terrific!!! Going Deeper Nothing new … Over the ...

FROM THE BISHOP JAMES R. KING, JR. Hello, beautiful people of South Georgia! This article features comments on the following: Five-Star Pastors The Transition Sabbath Communication The Five-Star System Thanks to the pastors and congregations who paid 100% of their apportionments:      15 congregations paid more than 100% of their apportionments.      425 congregations paid 100 % of their apportionments. More and more pastors and congregations are taking their stewardship commitment seriously. ...

FROM THE BISHOP JAMES R. KING, JR. Hello, beautiful people!   On June 11, 2014, The South Georgia Annual Conference will officially transition from nine to six districts. We are excited about the opportunities to continuously get better at making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world!   As we move through the initial weeks of summer let us declare this season a time of “Prayerfully Organizing.”  Here are a few things to expect (not an exhaustive list) during the early ...

FROM THE BISHOP JAMES R. KING, JR. Why organize into eight clusters? The decision to go from nine to six districts expanded the territory of a district superintendent. By going to eight clusters the implications are threefold. First, the supervisory-connectional work of the district becomes more manageable. Secondly, we involve and empower more clergy and laity throughout the ministry of the annual conference. Thirdly, making disciples is emphasized close to the local church. The hope is that ...

FROM THE BISHOP JAMES R. KING, JR. Hello, beautiful people of South Georgia! This article features comments on the following: Five-Star Pastors The Transition Sabbath Communication Thanks to the pastors and congregations who paid 100% of their apportionments:      15 congregations paid more than 100% of their apportionments.      425 congregations paid 100 % of their apportionments. More and more pastors and congregations are taking their stewardship commitment seriously. The United ...

FROM THE BISHOP JAMES R. KING, JR. Hello, beautiful people of South Georgia! Recently I watched a college basketball game in which a coach yelled to his team, “Talk! Talk!” One of the television commentators said, “The coach has a hard time getting the players to communicate with each other on the floor during a game because they are not accustomed to talking to each other directly.” Social media is a wonderful tool but unless we are careful we can forget how to talk to each other. Forgetting ...

FROM THE BISHOP JAMES R. KING, JR. Hello, beautiful people of South Georgia! For so many people around the world, the beginning of another new year is a big deal. Young and old alike can name various reasons why the New Year is so special to them. Below are some of my thoughts about why another new year is a wonderful moment in time to celebrate. Grace The first reason is grace. It takes a just a little while on earth for most to realize that life is frail. When we have given our best effort ...

FROM THE BISHOP JAMES R. KING, JR. Hello, beautiful people of South Georgia! We have more than 1,000 CLUs – Christlike Love Units – in the South Georgia Conference, and we continue to grow each day. Last fall during the 2012 Bishop’s Hour, a goal was set to have 100 CLUs in each district by December 1, 2013. Nine districts have reported 1,055 new CLUs in South Georgia – yeah! Our promise is to celebrate and give thanks to God for this new beginning. Thank you for your faithfulness, South ...

FROM THE BISHOP JAMES R. KING, JR. Hello, beautiful people of South Georgia! My greeting comes with love and thanksgiving for you, giving praise to God always for the way we are in ministry together. The mission did not begin with us. We are standing on the shoulders of those who have gone before us. Now that our awesome God has included us as a part of a divine plan, it is our purpose and joy to move forward making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. And we can see ...

Hello, beautiful people of South Georgia!  The more I know you, the more I love you. We are a conference rich in faith and tradition. We have much to celebrate as we offer thanks to an awesome God. As we go forward we do so standing on the promises of God and the shoulders of those who have gone before us. Take Risk Have you ever eaten in a Chinese restaurant? If you have, more than likely you received a fortune cookie after your meal. I have found fortune cookies fun to read and always ...

Hello, beautiful people of South Georgia!  I love you, South Georgia, and I am excited about the way God continues to shape our journey as we seek to grow a Christlike world. Below are several matters on my heart. New date for DCC The next Disciple Covenant Conference will occur in 2015. The DCC is one of the best methods for focusing on disciple making. The conference is designed to match inspiration with practical applications for starting or improving your disciple plans. Stay tuned as we ...

Hello, beautiful people of South Georgia!  I love you, South Georgia, and I am excited about the way God continues to shape our journey as we seek to grow a Christlike world. Below are several matters on my heart. Annual Conference Summary I hope you will read the Annual Conference session summary statement that is part of this issue of the Advocate. You can read it here. I wish to highlight three things: The “Least of These” theme was lived out at this year’s annual Conference with: A special...

The conference has spoken. The South Georgia Annual Conference has decided to move from 9 districts to 6. This year will be a year of transition and major adjustments.  Some plans for the immediate future will be altered to accommodate this new direction. We have entered a new season. Now is the season to Rethink, Revisit, and Revise! A change in our district structure will introduce us to new opportunities.  These changes will challenge everyone to consider more creative ways to make disciples...

FROM THE BISHOP JAMES R. KING, JR. Hello, beautiful people of South Georgia!   We need help. No human being grows well without help! Who does not need God? Who does not need Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, a coach, mentor, guide, friend, or consultant? A new role for District Superintendents The District Superintendent’s role is changing. The change is due in part to our concentrated effort on making disciples as well as our young history of having the Resident Bishop live in the area rather than...

FROM THE BISHOP JAMES R. KING, JR. Hello, beautiful people of South Georgia! Make the vision plain In the spring of 2001, as a new member of the Council of Bishops, I asked the rhetorical question, “Where is the vision located in the Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church?” as a part of my sermon. In November 2004, the Council, while meeting at Epworth By The Sea, crafted a mission statement with a vision component: The mission of the Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for ...

FROM THE BISHOP JAMES R. KING, JR. Hello, beautiful people of South Georgia! Thanks for your prayers I know that many of you are praying for the cabinet and me. I know that many of you are praying for our Conference to be all that it can be for the glory of God. I know that many of you are praying for a Christlike world. I believe God hears us and answers the prayers of those who seek to do God’s holy will. Thanking you for your prayers!  The best one ever Several persons who attended the ...

FROM THE BISHOP JAMES R. KING, JR. Hello, beautiful people of South Georgia! Thank you! As we close the book on another year of ministry through our apportionment giving, it is important to say thank you for your faithfulness. So many of you have been extremely intentional about making the connection between good stewardship and our commitment to support ministries near and far in order to grow a Christlike world. The United Methodist Church remains strong because of your loyalty to the ...

FROM THE BISHOP JAMES R. KING, JR.  Hello, beautiful people of South Georgia! The hope of every Christian should be growing a Christlike world. There is an obvious contrast between a Christlike world and a world filled with layers of hurt and disconnects of all sorts. “Growing a Christlike World” is not just a vision slogan pulled out the sky. Rather, it is the promise land of every believer revealed in the disciple’s prayer for the kingdom of God to come on earth as it is in heaven. The values...

FROM THE BISHOP JAMES R. KING, JR. Hello, beautiful people of South Georgia! Over the years I have spoken to thousands of young people and mature adults in conference settings. Sometimes I asked those gathered what one word they would use to describe the kingdom of God in heaven. I found it amazing that with few exceptions the same words appeared. What was not surprising is that when I asked for a show of hands the word love outnumbered all the other words every time. I believe that love is such...

FROM THE BISHOP JAMES R. KING, JR. Hello, beautiful people of South Georgia! What is your favorite sporting event in the Olympics?  Regardless of a particular Olympic event I find it exciting to watch the competition between some of the greatest athletes in the world. Many of these athletes have been in training since they were very young. They have spent hundreds of hours conditioning themselves for this one great moment in their lives when they will offer their best to the world as they ...

FROM THE BISHOP JAMES R. KING, JR. July 20, 2012 marked the end of another Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference. I would like for the members of the South Georgia annual conference to know what I wrote as my report in summary of our work in the South Georgia Area during the last four years.  South Georgia Area Report Bishop James R. King Jr. The South Georgia Area is filled with clergy and laity who are excited about the gospel of Jesus Christ and are engaged in making disciples of Jesus ...

FROM THE BISHOP JAMES R. KING, JR. Hello Beautiful People of South Georgia! We are blessed to live in a society with so many new devices and mechanisms in place to aid us in communicating with each other faster, more economically and more easily. Unfortunately, the ability to communicate globally as well as locally does not mean the world has become kinder and more loving. In fact, there are too many places where the walls have grown taller and differences isolate rather than unite the human ...

Hello, beautiful people of South Georgia! I was traveling from a meeting as District Superintendent of the Murfreesboro District when I called home to share with Rose that I was going to test the call to the office of bishop. My call to preach the gospel to multi ethnic, interracial communities occurred during my childhood in the small county seat town of Ashland, Ala. However, the first verbal expression suggesting that I would one day become a bishop in The United Methodist Church occurred in...

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Hello, beautiful people of South Georgia! “Why take a holiday break,” asked a relative. “I feel so tired and have more work now than ever … the pile of things on my desk has multiplied and I seem more behind than before my break.”  When I thought about that statement and considered some of the news during this season in the life of the world family it is easy to ask, “When does it ever end?” Strains from too much work, no work, family and business worries, financial restrictions, and ...

Hello beautiful people of South Georgia. As we continue to focus on growing a Christlike world it is important that we affirm those reaching identified goals, treat everyone special and encourage disciples to become confident leaders. Highlighting the five stars, the small membership church and emphasizing the coaching role of a disciple will hopefully remind us that being Christlike requires us to be intentional. Five Stars The Five Star accountability system focuses on discipleship making ...

Bishop James R. King, Jr., episcopal leader of the South Georgia Conference, will again be visiting all nine districts this fall for the 2011 Bishop’s Hour.    These Bishop’s Hours are designed to be an intentional time for Bishop King to be in each district sharing with both laity and clergy.    “The purpose of the Bishop's Hour is for me to come out and be with the people, to draw close to them and to teach and to care for them,” said Bishop King.  “The role of a Bishop is to continue to learn...

Hello, Beautiful People of South Georgia. As we take those first steps into a new year we do so hopefully, with a sense of gratitude and great expectations. Some are grateful for the gift of life and hopeful that life will be more because unfulfilled dreams are realized. I would not be surprised that for many, the first days of a new year are met with a sigh of relief simply because one has survived another year. On the other hand, there are those who are so excited about the promises that the ...