A New Connection

by Langford, Andy; Willimon, William H.

• ISBN13: 9780687015429
• ISBN10: 0687015421
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1995-11-01
• Publisher: Abingdon Pr

Summary

Langford and Willimon urge readers to critically examine the current structure of the United Methodist Church and pursue radical changes. They assert that "local decision making and contribution must be enhanced; bureaucracy must be reduced; episcopal leadership must be re-established; our organizational form must be fitted to our missional function." Some may judge the authors' analysis as candid and their remedies promising; others may take exception to what they see as intemperate claims and calls for precipitous changes in UM polity. Readers are invited to enter into the conversation and make choices that can reform the United Methodist Church and shape its future.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	9	(2)
Introduction	11	(6)
Revitalize the Connection	17	(20)
Decades of Denial
A System That Fosters Distrust
A Need for New Thinking
The Demise of Denominational Leadership
Decentralization Is the Key
The Rediscovery of the Primacy of the Local Church
The Primacy of the Local Church and Its Mission
Empower the Local Church	37	(38)
Creating the Vision
What Should Be Done? Encourage Local Congregations to Define Their Mission - Reform the Organizational Structure of Congregations - Voluntary Support of Apportionments - Paying for Pastoral Ministry - Expand Consultation Prior to Appointments
Reform the Annual Conference	75	(18)
Focus on Recruitment and Training of Clergy
Delete the Conference Council on Ministries
Reform the District Superintendency
Empower the Bishop in the Annual Conference
Reform the General Church	93	(34)
Electing Bishops
Reform the Council of Bishops
Change the General Agencies
Decentralize Funding of the General Church
Conclusion
Afterword: The Future of Our Connection	127	(10)
Notes	137	(2)
Index	139