FIVE PILLARS
Download the Five Pillars document. | Download the Five Pillars document with discernment questions.
Strategic Guidelines for 2026 Ohio Episcopal Area Missional Direction
Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ.
Since arriving in Ohio, I have had the joy of visiting more than 250 congregations across the Ohio Episcopal Area. In each place, I have asked a simple question: “What can I pray for you?” Your responses have revealed deep and faithful longings – to grow in discipleship, to reach new people for Christ, to pass on the faith to the next generation, and to live in meaningful relationship and mission with your communities and the wider world.
The Five Strategic Pillars emerged from these conversations, from our Wesleyan heritage, and from prayerful discernment about this season in the life of United Methodism in Ohio. They are not a program or a set of guarantees. Rather, they offer a shared vision and spiritual framework to guide our life together as “One Ohio” – rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, shaped by trust, and attentive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
John Wesley wrote, “I want the whole Christ for my Savior, the whole Bible for my book, the whole Church for my fellowship, and the whole world for my mission field.” This expansive vision continues to call us beyond maintenance toward a living, outward-facing faith. The Five Pillars reflect this same spirit – inviting us to deepen discipleship, multiply new faith communities, invest in emerging leaders and laity, strengthen partnerships, and grow in unity across our connection.
Scripture assures us that God is always at work doing something new (Isaiah 43:19), even as we are called to “maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). My prayer is that these pillars will serve as a common compass for prayer, discernment, and courageous action in every context across Ohio.
Thank you for your faithfulness and perseverance in ministry. May the Holy Spirit guide us as we move forward together in trust, hope, and shared mission.
With gratitude and hope,
Bishop Hee-Soo Jung
Ohio Episcopal Area
The United Methodist Church
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