This is a primer on the "Apportionment" system used to fund ministry in The United Methodist Church. It is published on the UM&Global blog.

 Part 1: A Primer on United Methodist Apportionments

Today's post is the first in a two-part series by UM & Global blogmaster Dr. David W. Scott, Director of Mission Theology at the General Board of Global Ministries. The opinions and analysis expressed here are Dr. Scott's own and do not reflect in any way the official position of Global Ministries.

Today, we’re going to take a look at apportionments, the system by which The United Methodist Church funds many of its joint ministries.

The basic idea behind apportionments is that local congregations pool a portion of the money they collect to accomplish things that are either beyond their ability to do as individual congregations (run a seminary, for instance) or that can be done more effectively or efficiently together (develop resources on preventing harassment and abuse). Apportionments allow the church to produce goods and services funded by all for the benefit of all – collective goods.... [Read Part 1 here]

Part 2: The Ministry Consequences of Reduced Apportionments

Today's post is the second in a two-part series by UM & Global blogmaster Dr. David W. Scott

...it is highly likely that there will be a significant reduction in the amount of apportionment money at all levels of the church in the future, due both to proposed reductions in general church apportionments and to protests and possible division in the denomination. This situation naturally begs the question: What are the possible consequences of this reduction in apportionment funds?... [Read Part 2 here]

Dr. David W. Scott is a committed United Methodist layperson and the Director of Mission Theology for Global Ministries. He curates the blog on behalf of the United Methodist Professors of Mission.