Articles about developments of alternatives for the future of The United Methodist Church: discussions of options, other expressions of the Methodist or Wesleyan Way, new alignments, petitions and resolutions approved in annual conferences, etc.
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.
UMC-Next Site, including Press Release, interviews...
Key Result: Four Commitments of UMCNext
- We believe these commitments are essential to a hope-filled future for the global Methodist movement as we make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world:
- We long to be passionate followers of Jesus Christ, committed to a Wesleyan vision of Christianity, anchored in scripture and informed by tradition, experience and reason as we live a life of personal piety and social holiness.
- We commit to resist evil, injustice and oppression in all forms and toward all people and build a church which affirms the full participation of all ages, nations, races, classes, cultures, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities.
- We reject the Traditional Plan approved at General Conference 2019 as inconsistent with the gospel of Jesus Christ and will resist its implementation.
- We will work to eliminate discriminatory language and the restrictions and penalties in the Discipline regarding LGBTQ persons. We affirm the sacred worth of LGBTQ persons, celebrate their gifts, and commit to being in ministry together.
News Story by Heather Hahn, UMNS: Planning new directions for the church
This is a "group of United Methodists in New England who came together in response to the special general conference regarding how to lead in a time such as this."
Purpose: "Following General Conference 2019, we stand in a moment of crisis. Emotions run the gamut from anxiety and anger to hopefulness that something new and good can emerge from our brokenness. With this website we hope to provide information that will enable larger numbers of people to engage fully in conversations leading to creative ideas and plans for next steps."
Specifically the website will:
- Highlight conversations and actions happening at a national level, in our annual conference and at the district level
- Provide an overview of strategic actions that are emerging from these conversations
- Highlight legislation that provides possible ways forward
- Share emerging possibilities for new expressions of Methodism
Here is the Proclamation from the Our Movement Forward gathering in Minneapolis, May 17-18, 2019. Visit Facebook for the recorded video stream of the conference.
Loved and Liberated: A Proclamation from Our Movement Forward Summit
A PoC+Q+T Centered Discussion of the Future of the UMC
May 18, 2019 - Minneapolis, Minnesota
#umcSetFree
© Our Movement Forward, 2019
We invite you to read through this proclamation and sign at the bottom of this page.
Read more: Loved and Liberated: Our Movement Forward Proclamation
- Summit Plans Inclusive Methodist Movement
- Creating a Future with Hope
- How will denominational divide affect mission?
- Petitions to the 2019 Annual Conferences
- Bishops Meet, Plan, and Ask Judicial Council For Ruling
- Journalist Cynthia Astle on Secret Meetings
- 'Does The UMC Have A Future?' Christy Thomas says No
- What's Next? Hamilton and Coyner
- Stith: GC 2019: Myths and Realities
- UMNS: Centrists, progressives to discuss church's future
- Options for the Future
- An Open Letter to Adam Hamilton
- What To Do About Apportionments?
- How did the U.S. get to LGBTQ acceptance?
- Diana Butler Bass on Methodism
- Five Reasons for a U.S. Church