Cynthia Weems
Senior pastor, First UMC of Miami
Cynthia D. Weems is senior pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Miami, Florida. A graduate of Millsaps College and Yale Divinity School, she has served in mission in Cochabamba, Bolivia and has pastored suburban and urban multi-ethnic churches in the United States. Her current setting for ministry has an extensive outreach to the diverse homeless community in Miami.
Cynthia Weems: Worshipping on the edge of our seats
Seeing her daughter’s reaction to a Brazilian service with music and drama made a pastor wonder whether our traditional liturgy creates distance between us and a Jesus who acts in our midst.
Cynthia Weems: Let the story do the work
Complex moments don’t call for complex answers. They need stories.
Cynthia Weems: Disappointment in March Madness and church
Maybe we get so disgusted with our sports heroes because they are just like us -- unable to live up to expectations.
Cynthia Weems: Communion both Catholic and Protestant
I was a part of a Catholic Mass, in a Catholic church, where I stood at the altar alongside a Catholic priest.
Cynthia Weems: Church as body repair
A recent fender-bender shows something of the nature of God, God’s people, and those called to lead them.
Cynthia Weems: The peculiar, fragile phenomenon of marriage
Our institutions have to be based on something stronger than how we feel at a given moment. But what would that be precisely?
Cynthia Weems: "Toy Story" and church
We don't have problems welcoming people into church. We have problems ushering them deeper into discipleship.
Cynthia Weems: Amos as children's sermon
Great buildings showing tremendous wealth need architectural plumb lines. God uses a different plumb line to show Amos that human beings need more.
Cynthia Weems: Basic kindness in jail
A trip to the detention center, expected to be arduous, turned out to be pleasant. Are our churches this friendly and helpful?
Cynthia Weems: Confirmation and remedial grace
How do we entice outsiders to want more of the grace offered in the church? How do we entice ourselves?
Cynthia Weems: The gospel of the underdog
The tomb, meant to be the eternal home of a loser, was empty.
Cynthia Weems: Where's your Ark?
What is sacred to those who live or work or worship with you? How do you place that where it draws in everyone -- and tells the truth?
Reflective Leadership Grants offer a step back
“The ability to slow down ... allowed me time to listen, explore and be more impactful for the communities I am called to serve.”
— Nathalie Nelson Parker, Civitas Consulting Group
Christian leaders from a variety of roles are welcome to apply. The grants provide “balcony time” to reflect on accomplishments, broaden perspectives and discern next steps. The application deadline is May 28, 2024.
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