Vows: Witness

In this final installment of the five-part series on the United Methodist membership vows, James reflects on the meaning of witness—a word rooted in the Greek martyr, originally meaning one who testifies to what they know to be true. He explores how Scripture itself is a tapestry of diverse witnesses, each telling their authentic story of encountering God, and how the Gospels model for us a way of sharing our own stories with honesty and depth. James notes that being a witness is not about copying someone else’s journey but embracing and articulating our own, recognizing both the moments of falling and the grace that lifted us back up. He highlights the powerful examples of witnesses such as Mother Teresa, Oscar Romero, and Martin Luther King Jr., whose lives embodied courageous faith. Ultimately, James invites listeners to consider how their everyday actions, choices, generosity, and presence proclaim the good news—often without words—and how each person’s unique story becomes part of the great cloud of witnesses that shapes the life and mission of Dulin UMC.