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...
Methodist Heritage: World Methodist Council 1961
Methodist Heritage: World Methodist Council 1961 Address by Bishop Gerald Kennedy Tenth World Methodist Conference Oslo, Norway August 19, 1961 In the nineteenth century, the English theologian Frederick Dennison Maurice wrote: “I cannot but think that the reformation...
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...
Marks of a Methodist 2: Making a Difference
Marks of a Methodist 2: Making a Difference Thomas Lambrecht Two-hundred-eighty years ago, John Wesley (Methodism’s founder) wrote The Character of a Methodist to describe what he considered the essential qualities of a Methodist. I bloggedabout it in June....
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...
