Next month, in November 2024, the delegates of the Philippines Central Conference (PCC) will fulfill one of their most sacred duties — the election of three individuals who will lead the United Methodist Church (UMC) in the Philippines for the next four years.
This moment holds extraordinary significance. At a time when the UMC is grappling with deep divisions and widespread controversies, we need leaders who are far more than figureheads. The bishops chosen by the PCC must embody the collective hopes and dreams of the denomination’s faithful and guide us back to our mission of making disciples for Christ.
The responsibility of the delegates is immense, as their choices will profoundly shape the future of the church. They must elect leaders of unquestionable integrity, humility, and wisdom. There are other desirable traits we can mention but these three are foundational.
Integrity is a must-have for a bishop. As Proverbs 11:3 reminds us, “The integrity of the upright guides them.” A true leader must be trustworthy and honest, upholding righteousness even when the path is difficult.
Equally crucial is humility, as Philippians 2:3-4 urges: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves.” The leaders we need are those who put the welfare of the community above personal ambition, following in the footsteps of Christ, who taught that leadership is not about power, but about service (Matthew 20:26-28).
Wisdom, rooted in seeking God’s guidance, is another essential trait. James 1:5 encourages us to ask God for wisdom, promising that He will provide generously. The UMC needs leaders who continually seek God’s direction to ensure their decisions align with His will.
But since our church is in crisis, additional traits must be added to the list.
The UMC also needs visionary leadership who can inspire and unite a fractured denomination. Likewise, we need leaders who are skilled in conflict resolution. Elected bishops must be skillful strategists who can manage disagreements constructively.
On the shoulders of the delegates to the PCC lie the responsibility of electing bishops with these traits. They hold in their hands the future of the UMC and the answer to the question: Will the UMC survive the storm?
