The Call to Action is a comprehensive initiative to create vitality in local churches and reshape The United Methodist Church.

The Council of Bishops characterizes the Call to Action, as "the first true priority" of the denomination for the next decade. "This initiative has the potential to revitalize every local church, no matter what its size, geography, theology or history," said Bishop John Schol. "Vital churches take risks and are forward leaning. The Call to Action provides a blueprint that can be customized for growth."

The Call, the bishop explained, is based on two reports, one that address the denomination's operations, and a second that reports on common factors found in all vital congregations. When implemented, the Call to Action is expected to remedy "the creeping crisis of relevancy" facing the church today.

As part of the Call to Action, local churches are being invited to develop a Ministry Plan that will help them grow in vitality and experience growth in five essential areas, which include increases in worship attendance, professions of faith, participating in small groups, mission engagement and giving.

"We need a cadre of mutually committed, collaborative,turn-around leaders ... This is not a time for leaders who are ambivalent, reluctant, or unwilling to walk forward with humility and courage."

- Bishop John R. Schol

Local Church Call

• Resources for implementing vision and mission
• Ministry Plan
• 16 Vitality Drivers - including resources for implementing the drivers
• Training Videos by Bishop Schol (distributed during 2011 Annual Conference)
• Connecting as One - Rebecca's Experience: Bishop Schol speaks with his daughter Rebecca of her experiences with the church.
• Vital churches share common characteristics: UMNS story featuring Bishop Schol and several BWC churches.
• Call to Action and Church Culture - materials from Annapolis/Southern Region CTA presentation
• Washington Region training materials:
  • Call to Action
  • Call to Action Training

Churchwide Call

• NEW - Call to Action Viewpoints - viewpoints from a variety of commentators about Call to Action and church vitality
• Call to Action Study Guide - developed by the Council of Bishops to engage disciples in holy conversation concerning our life together as United Methodists and how we can best work together and invest in creating and sustaining vital congregations (available from Cokesbury)
• UM Vital Congregations website