by Lovett H. Weems, Jr.
Lewis Center for Church Leadership, Wesley Theological Seminary

Last June I shared with the Virginia Annual Conference detailed demographic data showing that Virginia is one of the fastest growing states in the nation with an expanding population of young persons and growing diversity in many key areas across the state.  Yet the United Methodist Church is reaching a much smaller percentage of the population, especially young persons and persons of color, than in previous decades.  (more…)