Giving Thanks (Even Now)
Giving Thanks (Even Now) By Shannon Vowell This is the first Thanksgiving in my adult life when the scripture verse that most accurately describes our collective mood seems to be Matthew 10:34-36. Jesus said, "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth;...
The Marks of a Methodist 4: Mission
The Marks of a Methodist 4: Mission By Thomas Lambrecht We have been examining what it means to be a Methodist in honor of John Wesley’s tract, The Character of a Methodist, but following a modern version of those ideas in Bishop Gerald Kennedy’s 1960 book, The Marks...
Judicial Council (Partly) Faces Reality
Judicial Council (Partly) Faces Reality By Thomas Lambrecht In a recent decision, the Judicial Council has partly walked back their earlier resolution that the 2020 General Conference was not cancelled, only postponed. Unfortunately, this walk-back comes too late to...
Methodist Heritage: New York’s John Street
Methodist Heritage: New York's John Street By Edmund Robb III Good News, January-February 1977 What do a one-eyed army captain, an Irish immigrant, and a distraught woman have in common? They were all part of launching Methodism in New York City. Here’s how it all...
The Marks of a Methodist 3: Discipline
The Marks of a Methodist 3: Discipline By Thomas Lambrecht This series of articles has been looking at the marks of a Methodist, as expounded by Bishop Gerald Kennedy in 1960. How has the expression of Methodism changed or remained the same in the last 60 years? We...
For All the Saints …
For All the Saints ... By Scott N. Field In America, Halloween is the second biggest holiday of the year, based on consumer spending. Without a doubt it almost completely overshadows the day from which it derives its name. “Halloween” is the contracted form of “All...
More “Mainstream” Misrepresentations
More "Mainstream" Misrepresentations By Thomas Lambrecht Last week’s Perspective addressed the arguments made by the “centrist” caucus group Mainstream UMC regarding the need for exit paths to be adopted by the 2024 General Conference. This week, I would like to...
Why “Mainstream UMC” Is Wrong About Exit Paths
Why "Mainstream UMC" Is Wrong About Exit Paths By Thomas Lambrecht In an article riddled with factual errors and distortions, Mainstream UMC (the “centrist” caucus in the UM Church) called for “an end to disaffiliations through paragraph 2553.” They maintain that...
United Methodist Clergy Trends: Fewer, Older
United Methodist Clergy Trends: Fewer, Older By Thomas Lambrecht Lovett Weems of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership has released his annual report on the state of UM clergy, particularly focusing on the number of young clergy (under age 35). This has been a...
Another Mainstream Misunderstanding
Another Mainstream Misunderstanding By Thomas Lambrecht It is instructive to hear how others perceive what one is saying or doing. Having an alternative perspective often sharpens up the message and enables corrections to misunderstandings. Such is the case with the...
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...
