Call to Action
Lessons from a Failed Plan
Ben Boruff, a member of the team that crafted a reorganization proposal for the 2012 General Conference, has some counsel for GC2019 based on his previous experience. Read more
How to Solve Church Problems with a Hackathon
Inspired by a Presbyterian idea, the Rev. Jeremy Smith proposes that a crowd-sourcing process known as a "hackathon" could provide a new, more faith-filled way to address issues in The United Methodist Church. Read more
Unity and Schism Plans for the UMC
The Rev. Jeremy Smith compiles a list of current proposals for United Methodist unity or schism, and adds some editorial comment of his own. Read more
The Call to Action Aftermath
The Rev. Jerry Eckert surveys the aftermath of legislation intended to enact the Council of Bishops' "Call to Action" program. Read more
May 30, 2012 12:17 PM Jerry Eckert
General Conference Adopts 'Plan UMC' Structure
General Conference adopts a structure plan assembled by a group of some 20 delegates after negotiations broke down in legislative committee. The UMC's agencies to monitor discrimination against women and people of color are eliminated. Read more
UMNS Photo by Mike DuBose
General Conference: Some Initial Thoughts and Questions
The Rev. Ben Gosden responds to the first reports coming out of the 2012 General Conference with long-distance observations and questions. Read more
Apr 26, 2012 2:15 PM Ben Gosden
Anxiety vs. the Kingdom in the United Methodist Church
The Rev. Morgan Guyton says his anxiety about his congregation's membership numbers doesn't help him or them show God's realm to the world. Read more
Apr 26, 2012 2:08 PM Morgan Guyton
A Call to Compliance
Dan Dick finds what he considers large-church propaganda greeting him on the second day of General Conference Read more
Apr 25, 2012 4:09 PM Dan R. Dick 1 Comments
Columbia Pictures/MGM Photo
Plan B is Enforcing Plan A
The Rev. Jeremy Smith analyzes the similarities between the Connectional Table and Call to Action proposals with UMC Plan B, finding that Plan B also enhances executive power. Read more
Apr 13, 2012 11:24 AM Jeremy Smith 3 Comments
In the Name of the Thinktank, Consultant and Bubble Sheet
The Rev. Morgan Guyton questions the theological implications of the Call to Action and Vital Congregations Read more
Apr 12, 2012 5:00 PM Morgan Guyton
Vital Congregations Logo
The Mistake That Will Not Die
John Meunier finds new evidence to support his concern that Call to Action research is being misunderstood and misused to promote the Vital Congregations campaign. Read more
Apr 4, 2012 4:19 PM John Meunier 2 Comments
The Frustration of Assumptions
The Rev. Jay Voorhees urges United Methodists to examine their assumptions about all the proposals for change swirling about The United Methodist Church. Read more
Apr 2, 2012 4:52 PM Jay Voorhees
United Methodist News Service Photo by Mike DuBose
Should Bishops Have a Full-time President?
A constitutional amendment to allow the Council of Bishops to have a non-residential, "set-aside" executive is drawing scrutiny in advance of the 2012 General Conference. Read more
'March Madness' UMC-Style: Nothing But Fret
Implications of four major new critiques of changes proposed for The United Methodist Church. Read more
Courtesy of UMC Plan B
Change Proposals Draw Sharp New Critiques
Four groups of United Methodist leaders have issued new critiques of legislation for change coming before the 2012 General Conference Read more
Photo Courtesy of Hacking Christianity
Blowback: Lamenting an Open-Source Call to Action
The Rev. Jeremy Smith responds to the latest round of critiques of the change proposals coming before the 2012 General Conference. Read more
Mar 13, 2012 8:48 PM Jeremy Smith 5 Comments
Courtesy of Ben Gosden
The Parable of the Town Sign
What happens when the method becomes more important than the mission? A parable by the Rev. Ben Gosden. Read more
Mar 8, 2012 10:50 AM Ben Gosden
“365 Days, Day 59” by zampano!!! on Flickr, used under Creative Commons license
The Temptation of Church Analytics: Who Can Resist?
Rev. Jeremy Smith points out striking similarities between the customer marketing methods used today by major retailers and those employed by church growth experts. Read more
Mar 6, 2012 5:18 PM Jeremy Smith 1 Comments
Public Domain Photo
Missional Manifesto Releases Version 1.1
Drafters of the popular 'Missional Manifesto' post an updated version online that has drawn both raves and at least one demurrer. Read more
From the Gospel According to Snarky
Hearing a word from the Lord in the most recent reactions to Call to Action and the Connectional Table restructure proposal. Read more
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A New United Methodist Administrative Order
An alternative proposal from a coalition of groups on how to administer the ministry and mission of The United Methodist Church.
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Call to Action Report
The report of the Connectional Table, the churchwide coordinating body, that serves as the basis for reorganizing the global United Methodist Church
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CTA Structure
Call to Action Report
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Clergy Evaluation Process
The recommendation for future evaluation of the effectiveness of United Methodist clergy.
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Connectional Table Action Summary
Summary of the decisions made by the Connectional Table on recommendations for reorganizing The United Methodist Church.
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Inter-Ethnic Statement
The official response of the Inter-Ethnic Strategy Development Group to the Call to Action proposal to reorganize The United Methodist Church.