Judicial Council Mandates Extra General Conference
By Thomas Lambrecht -- In two decisions just released, the Judicial Council has clarified several matters related to the upcoming 2024 General Conference and addressed some shortcomings in the Congo Central Conference. Another General Conference In Decision 1451, the...
Let’s Do Better
By Rob Renfroe -- When it comes to how to handle our time together leading up to General Conference, we United Methodists need to do better. As those presently remaining in the UM Church research which option forward suits them best, our conversations seem to be led...
Release to the Captives
By Shannon Vowell - Prison Ministry: Kairos Training” reads the hand-lettered sign on the upstairs door. Inside, the smell of coffee competes with the smell of bacon in a crowded space that is surprisingly silent. A woman moves toward me on tiptoe. Her eyes are full...
Advice to UM Pastors and Churches: Know What You are Going to Do!
By Shane Bishop - I have played competitive softball since I was fourteen years old at every imaginable level. Up to a handful of years ago, I played over a hundred games each season and now in my late fifties, I still play twenty or thirty. For much of that time I...
WCA Global Gathering: Report from Tulsa
Envisioning a New Methodist Movement -- By Walter Fenton, Wesleyan Covenant Association -- Over the course of two inspiring days at Asbury United Methodist Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the Wesleyan Covenant Association (WCA) set forth its vision for a new,...
Bishops issue A Call to Deeper Conversations Regarding New Expressions of Methodist Witness
Jesus came near and spoke to them, “I’ve received all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to obey everything that I’ve...
Judicial Council Leaves Traditional Plan Intact
By Tom Lambrecht - The Judicial Council has rebuffed several challenges to the implementation of the Traditional Plan as adopted at the 2019 General Conference in St. Louis. These decisions mean that the provisions adopted can take effect January 1, 2020, as planned....
A Primer on the Conflict (Part II)
By Tom Lambrecht - In conversations and emails, I have frequently heard frustration and confusion regarding the situation in The United Methodist Church. Perhaps a succinct overview of our conflict will be helpful to people who are lost in the details or new to...
