Why We Do What We Do
Why We Do What We Do -- By Tammie Grimm (March/April 2025) -- I require students in my Christian formation classes to read John Wesley’s Character of a Methodist as their first assignment. I want them to hear from Mr. Wesley himself that though early Methodists of the...
Body Language
Body Language -- By Jessica LaGrone (March/April 2025) -- The first paying job I ever held was as a Health Aide in a doctor’s office that primarily treated patients and families who were unable to pay for medical care. I wasn’t qualified to do much in the way of real...
What Would Regionalization Look Like?
What Would Regionalization Look Like? By Thomas Lambrecht Before pivoting to today’s topic examining the likely evolution of regionalization, it is important to note some significant developments in the aftermath of the 2024 UMC General Conference. Anxious...
The Myth of Neutrality
The Myth of Neutrality By Thomas Lambrecht As observers continue to unpack the significance of actions taken by the United Methodist General Conference in Charlotte, one myth continues to float around the blogosphere: the General Conference merely returned the UM...
Wiping the Slate Clean
Wiping the Slate Clean By B.J. Funk October came quietly into my kindergarten class that year. I had worked hard to help my children settle into somewhat peaceful days. They knew my rules. They knew how to act. After many years of teaching, I learned that a teacher...
A Partnership in Healing
A Partnership in Healing By Jenifer Jones It’s hot and dusty outside the Methodist Faith Healing Hospital in Ankaase, Ghana. Vendors sit beneath umbrellas, selling food for families to purchase for themselves and their patients. Cars drive past on a tan-orange...
Surveying General Conference Issues
Surveying General Conference Issues By Thomas Lambrecht The United Methodist General Conference is many things, but primarily it is a legislative assembly. The bulk of its time is devoted to considering, refining, and adopting legislative proposals that become the...
Regionalization Support is Hardly Unanimous
Regionalization Support is Hardly Unanimous By Forbes Matonga The United Methodist Church continues to be an exciting organism. It never stops, especially during General Conference season. We are exactly in that season again. One of the complex dynamics of The...
