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.