Faith Archive

The past few years have been nothing short of controversial for the United Methodist Church, one of the largest denominations within the United States. With thousands of congregations leaving the church over issues such as LGBTQ clergy, the 2024 annual UMC general conference promised to garner attention from Methodist believers across the board. During the conference, which was held in Charlotte, North Carolina April 23 to May 3, UMC made sweeping changes to their policies regarding acceptance of clergy with non-heterosexual orientation, reduction of U.S. bishops, and regionalization of the UMC.

It has been seven months since Israel was attacked by Hamas militants on Oct. 7, 2023. In the wake of that terrorist attack, which left 1,200 dead, around 250 Israeli men, women and children were taken hostage.

The history contained in the Bible has long been discussed and debated by scholars, theologians, and everyday people. While there are plenty of perspectives, it’s rare to find an event discussing these issues in detail in your own backyard. 

A pair of U.S. senators recently introduced legislation beneficial to pastors reconsidering previous choices affecting their retirement years. The legislation is being championed by the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), which has several member churches in the Navarre area.

Fishing has long been a source of recreation. A place to get away from the troubles or stresses of life, while enjoying nature’s bounty, and if you’re lucky, a fish or two at the end of the day.

Hall of Fame running back Gale Sayers once said, “give me 18 inches of daylight, that’s all I need.” While Sayers was talking about running lanes in football, the Blue Angels have also lived by that moniker.

Pastors often feel called to minister but not too many have been called to fix someone’s electricity.

Jonathan McCullough, pastor of Brownsdale Baptist Church near Jay, can say he has done both. McCullough has worked in ministry and as an electrical contractor. Nowadays, when he isn’t shepherding the flock at church or in the community, he is hard at work, teaching students at Locklin Technical College.

Navarre First Assembly of God is a congregation with an appetite for mission work. The church regularly sends members of its church to go on missions around the world.

In the months following the horrific attacks of Oct. 7, 2023, people around the world have kept a close eye on the conflict between Israel and Hamas in and around Gaza. While most people are watching from around the globe, a Gulf Breeze pastor recently had the chance to visit the Holy Land and learn more about what Israelis are dealing with.

The Alabama-West Florida Conference delegation gathered Sunday, March 3 through Tuesday, March 5 at First United Methodist Church of Pensacola. The Alabama-West Florida Conference includes United Methodist churches in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Washington, Bay, Jackson, Calhoun and Gulf counties in Florida.