Divisions in Africa
Divisions in Africa By Thomas Lambrecht Recent meetings have clarified a developing divide in Africa between some bishops and other leaders who want to remain in The United Methodist Church and other leaders who are seeing the need to disaffiliate. The question will...
Marks of a Methodist 1: Experience
Marks of a Methodist 1: Experience By Thomas Lambrecht My wife is a marriage and family therapist. One of her recommended questions as a discussion starter to help couples remain emotionally connected is, “How am I changing and how have I stayed the same.” Methodism...
Notes from Africa
Notes from Africa By Thomas Lambrecht As I write this, I am in the middle of a three-day meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, with about 40 leaders of African Methodism. Most are United Methodist, while a few have already joined the Global Methodist Church because they were...
Africa Initiative Speaks: Why Disaffiliation is an option for the United Methodist Church in Africa
Africa Initiative Speaks: Why Disaffiliation is an option for the United Methodist Church in Africa September 2, 2023 Introduction Over the past months, much has been written by proponents of the “regionalization plan,” claiming that they have received...
A Collapsing “Big Tent”?
A Collapsing "Big Tent"? By Thomas Lambrecht Throughout this season of disaffiliation, many United Methodist bishops and leaders have attempted to convince traditionalists to remain in the denomination. They have assured traditionalists that there is a place for them...
Contrasting Views of Scripture
Contrasting Views of Scripture By Thomas Lambrecht The essence of the conflict currently roiling The United Methodist Church is a disagreement over the teaching and authority of Scripture. This disagreement is manifested in the...
Supporting Maui Relief
Supporting Maui Relief -- We know that Methodists of all stripes are generous people when there is a tremendous need. If you have been watching the news over the last few weeks regarding the tragic and heartbreaking fires in Lahaina town on Maui and are looking for...
Editorial: More Hopeful Than Ever
Editorial: More Hopeful Than Ever -- By Rob Renfroe -- I have enjoyed the reports coming out of Global Methodist annual conference meetings from all over the United States and Europe. Delegates report that the conferences have been filled with an air of excitement,...
Polishing the Golden Rule
Polishing the Golden Rule -- By BJ Funk -- It was a beautiful spring day as I prepared my kindergarten class for our Easter egg hunt. Outside my classroom were plenty of trees and bushes to hide eggs, and several of my parents were doing just that as I stayed inside...
Sewing with Love and Faith
Sewing with Love and Faith By Jenifer Jones In South Asia TMS Global cross-cultural witnesses (CCWs) run a textile business that provides meaningful employment to people caught in the devastating cycle of extreme poverty. Women of primarily Muslim and Hindu...
The Challenge Before Us All
The Challenge Before Us All -- By JJ Mannschreck -- I had a conversation a few years ago with an elderly member of my congregation. “I think I agree with you on your interpretation of the Bible, and I don’t really want them to change the policies of our church,” she...
New Life for Fractured Churches
New Life for Fractured Churches -- By Walter Fenton -- According to the latest figures, more than 6,100 local churches have disaffiliated from The United Methodist Church since 2019. According to a recent Christianity Today article, many more would as well, save for...
