The Way 2026

The Way 2026

In 2026, we are inviting everyone who calls OU your church home to make a personal commitment to deepen your practice of the way of Jesus. 

Below, you’ll find content that will introduce you to OU’s mission, vision, and the core practices that shape us as a church. As you begin a new year, we invite you to take your next faithful step in your practice of the way of Jesus. 

At OU, our mission is to practice the way of Jesus together through four core practices: Sacred Worship, Holy Friendship, Infectious Generosity, and Sacrificial Service. This discipleship pathway is designed to help every person take their next step in following Jesus.

On Sunday, February 15, we’ll invite you to return a Commitment Card during worship as a way of saying “yes” to practicing the way of Jesus in 2026: “Here’s how I want to grow in the year ahead.”

For now, the invitation is simple: Begin praying. Begin listening to God in worship, through daily prayer and scripture reading. Begin asking where God might be inviting you to take your next faithful step.

Where are you on the way of Jesus?

Sacred Worship

Sacred worship is the practice of giving our full attention to God in Jesus Christ. 

When we gather, we step out of the noise and pressure of daily life to praise God, listen to God’s Word, tell the truth in confession, receive grace, and lift our eyes toward what truly matters. Worship doesn’t just inform us — it forms us. Week after week, as the world pulls our attention toward success, security, power, and image, sacred worship interrupts those stories and slowly reorients our hearts, our loves, and our lives toward the living God.

Choose your next step:

  • Set an intention to worship in person or online every week in 2026
  • Sign up to receive our Monday Bible Reading Plan—a short weekly Scripture and reflection that follows Sunday’s worship and carries it into the week.

Holy Friendship

Holy friendship grows best when relationships move from casual connection to shared life. That’s why we practice friendship intentionally, guided by one question: “Who really knows me—and helps me follow Jesus?”

Choose your next step:

  • Start with connection: Stay after worship. Learn names. Be open to conversation.
  • Join a LifeGroup: Practice being known, supported, and encouraged with others.
  • Commit to the journey: Show up consistently and allow trust to grow over time.
  • Lead a LifeGroup: Create space for others to experience belonging, growth, and grace.

A simple place to begin: Email Discipleship Pastor Wes Ingram for more information about joining or starting a LifeGroup.

Sacrificial Service

We are at our best as a church when everyone finds their place to serve. Sacrificial service isn’t about doing more. It’s about showing up—trusting Jesus to turn what we offer into grace for others. Sacrificial service is how ordinary people participate in Jesus’ extraordinary work of restoring joy, dignity, and life. 

Sacrificial service grows best when it becomes a consistent practice, guided by one simple question: “Where is Jesus inviting me to show up for the sake of others?”

Choose your next step:

  • Start with awareness: Pay attention to the needs around you—at home, at work, and within the life of the church.
  • Choose one place to serve: Commit to one place where you can show up consistently. Faithfulness matters more than flash.
  • Practice faithful presence: Serve regularly, even when the work feels ordinary or unseen. God often releases grace through quiet obedience.
  • Lead through service: As you grow, help others discover and sustain a place to serve. Abundance multiplies when service is shared.

A simple place to begin: Email Missions & Volunteer Coordinator Julie Wilson for specific ways to get involved.

Infectious Generosity

Generosity grows best when it becomes a practice—not a one-time impulse. That’s why we use a simple tool called The Way of Generosity, guided by one question:
“God, where do you want me to be in my giving?”

Choose your next step:

  • Start: Make a first-time investment in Christ’s mission through OU.
  • Give a Percentage: Set a consistent percentage through recurring giving.
  • Increase Your Giving: Grow by 1.5% (or another step) toward a 10% biblical tithe.
  • Partner: Tithe, give beyond the tithe, include OU in your estate planning, leave a legacy gift.

You don’t have to take every step today. You’re invited to take the next faithful step.

  1. Make a first time gift. 
  2. Set up an automatic recurring gift online.
  3. For all other giving questions, reach out to Chris Latimer at clatimer@ouumc.org.