A Method… United Methodist Theology, Organization, Structure and Denomination Issues NOVEMBER 2020 Structure and Organization
Local Church – Rev Grace Imathiu (appointment system) Elects members to annual conferences http://faithatfirst.com
District, Chicago Northwestern – Rev Brittany Isaac https://www.umcnic.org/about/districts/chicago-northwestern
Northern Illinois Conference – Bishop Sally Dyck (Annual Conference) sets ministry priorities and budget, approves those to be ordained, elects delegates https://www.umcnic.org/ Structure and Organization
Jurisdiction – North Central (Jurisdictional Conferences – elects and assigns bishops, determines boundaries of annual conferences and episcopal areas, elects members of general agencies) https://www.ncjumc.org/
Outside United States (Central Conferences) Europe, Africa and Philippines https://www.umc.org/en/content/central-conferences
General Conference (once in 4 years)- ONLY body that speaks for the UMC, 600-1,000 members, defines powers for all roles and bodies, decides church budgets, and set up general agencies Delegates from EACH annual conference based on membership Structure and Organization
Council of Bishops – provides oversight and vision of the UMC (elected at jurisdictional conferences, overseas areas which may include more than one annual conference)
Judicial Council – 9 members elected by General Conference, determines the constitutionality of General Conference actions, review all bishops’ decision of law, and final court of appeals in the church’s judicial system.
General Agencies – created by and accountable to General Conference, equip annual conferences and local churches, and provide ministry throughout the denomination Mission of the UMC
Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. 2008 Theology
Affirms the Apostles’ Creed and Nicene Creed
https://www.umc.org/en/content/apostles-creed-traditional-ecumenical
https://www.umc.org/en/content/glossary-nicene-creed
Believes in the Triune God – Creator, Son and Holy Spirit
Believes EVERY person is a beloved child of God
Believes in the church as the community called to be instruments of God’s presence
Believes the Bible reveals the Word of God
Believes God’s reign of compassion, justice, generosity and peace Other theological ideas
Grace - undeserved, unmerited, and loving action of God through the ever-present Holy Spirit for ALL Perfection – We are ALL on our way to perfection Mission and Service - personal salvation always involves Christian mission and service to the world. Nurture and Mission - there is no religion but social religion, no holiness but social holiness. Theology in practice
Social Principles - prayerful and thoughtful effort of the General Conference to speak to the issues in the contemporary world from a sound biblical and theological foundation
https://www.umc.org/en/what-we-believe/basics-of-our-faith/our-social- positions
Wesleyan Quadrilateral - (1) Scripture, (2) tradition, (3) reason, and (4) experience
https://gyreblog.com/the-wesleyan-quadrilateral-79ed7a3c95bf
Resources – umc.org; Book of Discipline and Book of Resolutions Denominational Issues
Human Sexuality – Currently only heterosexual persons can be ordained, and clergy can not marry same sex couples.
Structure of the Church – Regional conferences? What powers will they have?
Dividing the church – conservation vs progressive? Who leaves, process including finances?
Lack of funding – different funding from each area – United States, Africa, Europe, and Philippines, how should be funds be used? Finances
For every $1 given to the local church….
.85 cents stays in the local church
.07 cents goes to districts, annual conferences and jurisdictions
.06 goes to giving (other than UMC related)
.02 goes to general apportionment (General Agencies, COB, Judicial Council, Inter-Faith, Africa University, Higher Education, etc)