I try to keep up on news within the United Methodist Church through RSS feeds from UMC.org, particularly the feed for United Methodist News (RSS link). I have recently been encouraged about hope for the future of the denomination in effective ministry as a part of God’s Kingdom through several articles.
- Plan would pave way for US regional conference
- As the United Methodist Church is a global denomination, this proposal just makes sense. All regions of the world should be on an equal playing field in regard to structure of the denomination.
- Bishops examine roles, appointments process
- I agree that guaranteed appointment for clergy may not be the most effective way to facilitate ministry going forward. As the article indicates, guaranteed appointment makes dealing with an ineffective clergy person more difficult.
In these articles and in other information regarding preparation for General Conference 2008, I read of hope for a change in the way that God’s work is facilitated in the United Methodist Church. I sincerely hope that this is not just lip service and that actual change takes place.
Rev. Andrew Conard 