
The famous idiom recalled in the title above sticks in the mind and immediately raises forth the question, “what is the main thing?” For well more than two decades in the Central Texas Conference, the main thing has been our mission of “making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” This mission comes straight from the risen Lord Jesus Christ.
“Jesus came near and spoke to them, ‘I’ve received all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you. Look, I myself will be with you every day until the end of this present age.’” (Matthew 28:16-20)
Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world is also the steadfast focus of our Wildly Important Goal (WIG).
When the Cabinet and I consider the WIG, our stress is first and foremost on what we call “narratives” – the shared stories of transformation under the Lordship and salvation of Jesus Christ.
As Gil Rendle, senior consultant and guru for the Texas Methodist Foundation, puts it: “The narrative changes before the numbers do.”
It is easy to get lost in the numbers or metrics associated with our Wildly Important Goal. Currently, we are working on recasting the metrics, which are an important part of keeping the main thing the main thing. Re-envisioned metrics are a part of our “Forward to a New Spring” missional strategy that was adopted at our recently concluded Annual Conference. We will have a roll-out of “revised WIG metrics” in January. The revised metrics will include
When the Cabinet and I consider the WIG, our stress is first and foremost on what we call “narratives” – the shared stories of transformation under the Lordship and salvation of Jesus Christ.

It is easy to get lost in the numbers or metrics associated with our Wildly Important Goal. Currently, we are working on recasting the metrics, which are an important part of keeping the main thing the main thing. Re-envisioned metrics are a part of our “Forward to a New Spring” missional strategy that was adopted at our recently concluded Annual Conference. We will have a roll-out of “revised WIG metrics” in January. The revised metrics will include
- number of small groups for discipleship development,
- professions of faith, and
- worship attendance (both in person and online).
However, as I have emphasized above, an even more crucial aspect of this ministry is highlighting the stories of transformation through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit through our Lord Jesus Christ. With the narrative stories at the forefront, we are keeping the main thing the main thing! As such, it is my joy and pleasure to share the following “WIG celebrations” through brief snippets of the narratives that have been passed on to me by District Superintendents and other Cabinet members.







At St. Barnabas in Arlington (East District), Dr. Ginger Bassford says, “…necessity is the mother of invention... we postponed confirmation as long as we could, hoping that we could be back in worship. But
as most things 2020, COVID would not comply. We did not find the idea of a soaker gun very holy, nor was a drive-by splash during a rain deluge. After praying forever, I studied the BOD - not my first go-to. Nowhere does it say the elder must lay on hands. So, I thought about having the parents immerse the kids while I presided. We baptized & confirmed each confirmand individually in swimming pools at church member homes with family, close church family, friends, mentors, and staff. It was awesome!”

What is truly awesome is seeing the Holy Spirit move in, around and through us with acts of disciple making. The promise of the Lord Jesus is being lived out in the congregations of the Central Texas Conference.
“The Companion, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I told you.” (John 14:26)