I Won’t Remember Jimmy Carter as a President
December 30, 2024
The recent passing of Jimmy Carter has prompted me to reflect on his remarkable legacy, and I realize that I have never thought of him primarily as a president—and there are three key reasons for that.
First, I wasn’t alive during his time in office. While I’ve seen a few speeches and clips from his presidency, I don’t have a personal sense of his effectiveness or impact as a leader. Whether he was a good president or not is something historians continue to debate. That said, I can’t help but assume there may have been some bias against a president from Georgia, given the dynamics of the era.
Second, Jimmy Carter’s deep commitment to his Christian faith sets him apart in my mind. While I don’t agree with all his theological views or think his explanations of faith were always flawless, his dedication to living out his beliefs was undeniable. His faith inspired a lifetime of humanitarian work, leading many to regard him as the greatest former president. Carter’s decision to continue teaching Sunday school for decades exemplified his humble, service-oriented approach to life.
Third, and most profoundly, his memoir An Hour Before Daylight: Memories of a Rural Boyhood (#ad) had a transformative impact on my ministry and my understanding of the people I serve. In it, Carter reflects on his upbringing in Plains, Georgia, capturing what life was like in the rural South during the early 1900s. Growing up just a few dozen miles from Plains, I found his stories incredibly moving and insightful.
Carter’s vivid storytelling gave me a deeper appreciation for the struggles my grandparents and many of my older church members endured. His descriptions of life before air conditioning, the internet, and modern conveniences offered a window into a world that shaped their resilience and character.
One story, in particular, stands out—a gruesome account of Carter getting a splinter, told in such vivid detail that it alone is worth reading the book. If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend picking up a copy or borrowing it from your local library.
Jimmy Carter’s life and legacy extend far beyond his presidency. His commitment to faith, service, and storytelling has left an indelible mark on history and on those who take the time to engage with his work. For me, Carter’s reflections on his rural upbringing and his dedication to humanity have been a source of inspiration, helping me connect more deeply with the stories of my own community.If you’ve ever wondered what shaped one of the most compassionate leaders of our time, An Hour Before Daylight is a great place to start. It’s more than a memoir—it’s a lens into the past and a testament to the enduring power of humility and service.
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My Favorite Read of 2024: Astonished by the Word
December 29, 2024
2024 was another year where I found myself wishing I had more time for reading—a recurring theme, it seems. Much of my reading this year was focused on partial sections of books as part of my dissertation research at Asbury Theological Seminary.
A significant portion of my study centered on the Gospel of Luke, including a deep dive into commentaries. One standout read was A Bird’s-Eye View of Luke and Acts: Context, Story, and Themes (#ad) which I completed cover to cover. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to explore the richness of these texts.
Would you like a review of the Luke commentaries I’ve worked through?
Another highlight was Jesus and the Powers: Christian Political Witness in an Age of Totalitarian Terror and Dysfunctional Democracies (#ad). I was thrilled to discuss this insightful book with Mike Bird himself—you can listen to our interview for more details.
On a different note, I started using the Libby app to borrow and listen to audiobooks from my local library. It’s been a fantastic way to fit more reading into a busy schedule.
My 2024 Favorite Read: Astonished by the Word
In early 2024, I had the privilege of reading Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation (#ad), published in 2023 by my friend and mentor Brian Russell. I worked through most of the book alongside a group of preachers, and the discussions we shared made the experience even more impactful.
Brian is an exceptional Bible teacher, and I was fortunate to take several classes with him during my seminary years. His ability to bring Scripture to life is unparalleled. If you ever have the chance to attend one of his classes, don’t miss it. But if that’s not possible, this book is the next best thing.
Here are three helpful ideas from Astonished by the Word.
On Submission to God in Scripture
“Biblical authority is a way of life in which I willingly submit myself to the probing and investigation of the text. It is only then that the Bible truly functions as the Word of God for me and for my community (page 19).”
On Modern Idolatry
“The biggest hinderance to out growth in grace and personal witness is our denial of the idolatry in our lives. One of the tragedies of the success of the Church in the Western world is that the triumph of monotheism has hidden the reality of gods and goddesses all around us (79).”
On the Challenge of Reading Scripture
Our conversation with Scripture requires patient and persistent listening. We cannot control the speed of illumination and insight. Some passages will release their riches quickly and easily. Others will only do so slowly and with difficulty. In either case, we must be willing to be fully present with God and the text in a spirit of humility. and dogged resilience (155).”
Looking Ahead to 2025
2025 is already shaping up to be a monster year for reading. With my main research chapter for my doctoral work completed, I’ll have much more flexibility to explore books outside of academic requirements. There are even a few books I’m close to finishing now, but they’ll likely spill over into the new year.
I’m especially excited to dive into a couple of books recently published by my preaching friends. It’s always inspiring to see their work in print and engage with their insights.
- My Friend Ted Goshorn’s book is Raise Your Ebenezer: A Field Guide to Suffering (#ad)
- My Friend Ben Gosden’s book is Grace Rediscovered: Finding Hope and Healing Through Faith and Recovery (#ad)
What about you? What are you hoping to read in 2025? If you’re curious, I’d be happy to share a list of the books I plan to tackle.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means I may receive a small commission if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work!
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Top 2024 Moments in the Global Methodist Church
December 28, 2024
2024 has undoubtedly been the most consequential year yet for the Global Methodist Church. While I hesitate to label these as “The Top Stories,” they represent some of the moments and developments that continue to stand out in my mind from this transformative year.
The Emergence of Global Methodist Influencers
The year 2024 has brought about an intriguing media phenomenon: the emergence of prominent influencers within the Global Methodist community. While Jeffrey Rickman and Andy Miller III had already been active in media prior to this year, their influence has grown significantly.
Jeffrey’s Plain Spoken youtube channel experienced a surge in engagement during the spring, as his coverage encompassed broader Methodist topics. Meanwhile, Andy solidified his reputation as a leading voice in the community by securing exclusive interviews with episcopal candidates for the Global Methodist Church during the latter half of the year.
As someone who has been podcasting for nearly five years, I am genuinely impressed by their ability to consistently produce such a high volume of thoughtful, impactful content. Their dedication and work ethic are truly inspiring.
The Rise of Wesley Biblical Seminary
Just a few years ago, I couldn’t have told you much about Wesley Biblical Seminary or even where it was located. In my conference, the Asbury Seminary-to-pulpit pipeline had long been the gold standard for producing our most effective pastors.
Now, however, we’re witnessing a remarkable shift as more pastors and ministry candidates gravitate toward Wesley Biblical Seminary. This growth can be attributed to several factors, chief among them being the seminary’s early and intentional focus on serving the Global Methodist Church, coupled with their exceptional course of study.
Adding to their momentum is the leadership of Andy Miller III, who, as mentioned earlier, is not only a gifted influencer but now also serves as the seminary’s president. Andy’s visionary leadership, teaching ability, and genuine kindness have further elevated Wesley Biblical Seminary’s reputation and appeal.
The First General Conference
The Global Methodist Church held its historic convening General Conference in Costa Rica, marking a vibrant celebration of God’s work and an eager anticipation of what lies ahead.
Hosting the conference outside the United States was a significant and deliberate statement, reflecting the church’s commitment to being truly global in its mission, ministry, and practice. It underscored the church’s vision of embracing a worldwide community and shared faith.
The success of the event was made possible by the extraordinary efforts of leaders like Beth Ann Cook and countless dedicated staff and volunteers, whose hard work and passion brought this inspiring gathering to life.
New and Decentralization of Leadership
In the early days of the Global Methodist Church, leadership and decision-making were primarily concentrated in the hands of two bishops, a chief connectional officer, and the Transitional Leadership Council. Each of these individuals and groups played a vital role, laying the foundation for the church’s mission and vision through their exceptional efforts.
The convening General Conference, as mentioned earlier, marked a turning point by introducing a new leadership structure. Among the most notable developments was the election of six new bishops, each bringing a rich and diverse background in Methodism to their roles. These men and women are already making a significant impact, serving the church with dedication, wisdom, and a shared commitment to its global mission.
Global Methodist Member Killed in Donald Trump Assassination Attempt
On July 11th, during an assassination attempt on then-presidential candidate Donald Trump, a member of the Global Methodist Church, Corey Comperatore, tragically lost his life while shielding his family.
Corey was remembered with heartfelt words from his pastor: “Corey’s love for Jesus was clear in the way he lived his life. He served his family, his church, his community, and his country [U.S. Army Reserves], and he did all that with a heart of service to the Lord.”
Bishop Mark Webb also honored Corey’s legacy, stating, “Everything I have heard about Corey points to a man who loved his family deeply and lived his faith in very significant ways.”
As another political cycle concludes, this family faces a loss that can never be undone. Let us continue to lift them in our prayers.
Keith Boyette Retires
Keith Boyette, both a pastor and a lawyer, may well have been the single most influential figure in the establishment of the Global Methodist Church. Recently, Keith retired from his role as the Global Methodist Church’s Chief Connectional Officer.
During his tenure, he provided invaluable legal expertise and spiritual counsel to churches and pastors navigating the complex reorganization of Methodism. His leadership and dedication were pivotal during this transformative period.
You can learn more about Keith’s remarkable contributions and his retirement in a feature article published by Christianity Today.
- The Man Who Made Global Methodism Possible – Christianity Today Feature by Daniel Silliman
- Global Methodist Church Announces Keith Boyette Retirement
What Did I Miss?
So much more happened in 2024 that deserves to be celebrated and remembered! What moments stand out to you? Comment below and share what you’ll remember most. What significant events or milestones did I miss that absolutely should have been included? Let’s honor this incredible year together!
David Donnan 