The Church We Carry: Loss, Leadership, and the Future of Our Church

Breaking faith, finding grace: wisdom for leading divided churches in divisive times. Trusted and respected leader Will Willimon explores how failures in leadership and theological vision contributed to our current denominational crisis. Through the lens of a South Carolina historic congregation, this book offers a critical analysis that will enlighten today's congregational leaders on navigating the complexities of ministry in our uncertain future. As a retired Methodist bishop and expert in ordained leadership, Willimon reflects on a simple-to-ask-but-complicated-to-answer question: What has become of the church that shaped his faith? Focusing on Buncombe Street United Methodist Church, he examines their journey through disaffiliation to shed light on leadership challenges within our denomination, including his own role. This insightful resource provides a candid exploration of the realities of ministry today, inviting us to confront our grief and shortcomings while embracing our duty to serve Christ's church in the present moment. Gain valuable insights from real-life experiences, learn from those labeled as "schismatic," and discover practical strategies for effective leadership in today's evolving church landscape.

Author: William H. Willimon
Publisher: Abingdon Press
Published: 08/05/2025
Pages: 204
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.65lbs
Size: 8.91h x 6.03w x 0.45d
ISBN: 9781791037154

About the Author
Will Willimon is a lifelong Methodist. He is Professor of the Practice of Christian Ministry at Duke University Divinity School and retired Bishop of the North Alabama Conference of The United Methodist Church, after serving for twenty years as faculty member and Dean of the Chapel at Duke University. As Bishop, he led North Alabama's 157,000 Methodists and 792 pastors. He has authored roughly a hundred books and is widely recognized as one of Methodism's most insightful, inspiring, and challenging voices.