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...
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...
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...
Centrist Misconceptions
Centrist Misconceptions -- By Thomas Lambrecht -- Over the last several weeks, this Perspective has been in dialogue with the weekly e-newsletter of Mainstream UMC, a caucus group representing United Methodist centrists. Mainstream’s articles have been illuminating...
CT: Maui Fires Burn Site Where Hawaiian Queen First Brought Christianity to the Island
CT: Maui Fires Burn Site Where Hawaiian Queen First Brought Christianity to the Island Tragically, in addition to the human lives, homes, and businesses, there were many local churches in Lahaina Town that were lost to the flames -- including the historic Waiola...
Defining the Church
Defining the Church -- By Thomas Lambrecht -- As folks consider disaffiliation from The United Methodist Church and engage in foundational work to start the Global Methodist Church, it causes one to consider the question, “What is the church?” Is the church merely a...
Centrists Describe Future UMC
Centrists Describe Future UMC -- By Thomas Lambrecht -- The last two Perspectives (here and here) extrapolated what the future United Methodist Church might look like on the basis of a foundational article from Mainstream UMC (a centrist advocacy group within The...
What the Regionalization Agenda Tells Us about the Future of the UMC, Part 2
What the Regionalization Agenda Tells Us about the Future of the UMC, Part 2 -- By Thomas Lambrecht -- In last week’s Perspective, I surveyed a recent article by Mainstream UMC (a centrist advocacy group within The United Methodist Church) outlining the case for the...
