East Angola Controversy
By Thomas Lambrecht Methodism on the continent of Africa continues to flourish – countering the decline in North America. At the same time, traditionalist African leaders report that there have been some incidents of punitive action by hostile bishops. In a recent...
The Politics of Refusal
By Thomas Lambrecht In the aftermath of the postponement of General Conference until 2024, there is understandably an explosion of interest by local churches in how to withdraw from The United Methodist Church and unite with the Global Methodist Church. As reported in...
Reunion of the Rescued
By Jessica LaGrone- In January 2009, U.S. Airways flight 1549 took off from New York’s Laguardia airport headed for North Carolina. The passengers settled back in their seats for the takeoff, but they weren’t settled for very long. Three minutes into the flight the...
Agenda at the Crossroads
By Jerry Kulah- Global United Methodism is at a crossroads and has to decide a path to its future. This is the time to carefully evaluate the past, understand the present, and anticipate a future consistent with our call by God to make disciples of Jesus Christ for...
Who Can Be a Missionary?
By Jim Ramsay- “I admire you for what you do. I would never be able to do that!” What missionary has not heard expressions such as this when visiting churches, friends, and support partners while on home assignment? In one church, I recall once being introduced with...
On Sin in Believers
By B.J. Funk- “I do not suppose that any man who is justified is a slave to sin: Yet I do suppose that sin remains (at least for a time) in all that are justified.” – John Wesley The serious Christian asks, “If I am a Christian, then does sin still dwell in me?” John...
How Saint Nick Became Santa Claus
By B.J. Funk- An ancient merchant had three lovely daughters. But due to a tragic turn of events, he had lost all hope that his daughters would be able to marry and live a happy life. It was the third century, and this businessman had lost his fortune when pirates...
Plunge in UM Average Worship Attendance Hits New Record
By Walter Fenton- The United Methodist Church's General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) reported a 2.9 percent decline in weekly worship attendance from 2014 to 2015. Some observers merely shrug when they hear about a 2.9 percent loss. It seems...
