The Both/And Solution
The Both/And Solution By Thomas Lambrecht A recent article by Jefferson Knight, a Liberia General Conference delegate, crystalizes the “critical decision” (in his words) facing United Methodists in Africa. He sees disaffiliation in Africa as a threat to “disintegrate...
African Delegates’ Urgent Requests Unanswered
African Delegates' Urgent Requests Unanswered By Thomas Lambrecht We are less than six weeks from the opening session of the 2024 United Methodist General Conference. That is why it is troubling that African delegates continue to be beset with delayed responses from...
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...
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?...
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.”...
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...
