The Persevering Family

By Ben Tolly

I am a sinner who has been granted grace many times by our Savior, Jesus Christ, and blessed with guidance from the Spirit despite my stubborn ways. I write this not with any sense of hubris but as a 55-year-old who knows my failings well. Thankfully, by God’s grace, I also know where the victories lie.



Despite any ministry accomplishments, my greatest joy is found in these: the radiant countenance of my wife, a testament to God’s goodness despite extreme life-threatening trials, and our two daughters who love God and regularly testify to others. What more could I ask for?

“We have routinely faced challenges that seemed destined to end the ‘us’ in our family life.”

I was once asked to write a devotional on “Fostering a Healthy Marriage and Family Life.” While there was nothing wrong with the title, I found myself drawn to a different focus. You see, my marriage and family life haven’t always been happy and healthy. We have routinely faced challenges that seemed destined to end the “us” in our family life.

My wife, Julie, nearly lost her life twice to cancer before she was 30. My mother came to live with us for two years to help me raise my two little girls while Julie recovered. I endured major back surgery, which took me from a wheelchair to walking over the course of a year. Our eldest daughter underwent a million-dollar medical procedure to save her life and still faces daily health struggles. We nearly lost our home to bankruptcy due to a mountain of medical debt.

Click here to read more

All Pastors and Church Leaders ae requested by the Board of Bishops to read a Pastoral Letter On Homosexuality. This letter was also sent yesterday in the Pastors + Leaders Newsletter of the FMCUSA.  

Click here to read the letter

From MissionInsite

It’s so important to purposefully re-engage those who have fallen away during the summer.

Our newest guide provides a step-by-step communications strategy for re-engaging people. But, with fall right around the corner, the time to start on your fall communications plan is today.

Click here to request a pdf file of the Fall Church Communications Playbook!

Local Church Initiative Grant Letter of Intent Due September 1, 2024

To further the goals of the Free Methodist Church USA and Gateway Conference, you are invited to submit a proposal that advances the opportunity for local churches to begin new initiatives that support these goals. Specifically, the Conference desires to support initiatives that engage the local church in the life and lives of the community in which they serve.

GRANT CRITERIA AREAS OF SUPPORT:

Strengthen the Base – new church initiative helping to create 25 new churches by 2025

Busting Barriers – programs/initiatives that help to overcome hindrances to ministry

Ministry Incubation – an effort that results in new ministries that meet a unique conference need

GRANT ELIGIBILITY:

Any ministry of the Gateway Conference (NOTE: New ministries require a sponsoring Free Methodist Church)

Click here for more information