Administration of federated United Methodist Churches

Date
DOI
Authors
Hessler, Soren Michael
Version
OA Version
Citation
Abstract
The thesis surveys the extent of distinctively United Methodist resources currently available related to the quality administration of federated churches and other ecumenical shared ministries within The United Methodist Church. The author concludes that the resources available are inadequate for proper networking among federated churches and other ecumenical shared ministries within the United Methodist connection and do not satisfactorily support the ministries of those churches. The thesis documents church legislative actions the author has taken to better provide resources within the denomination for these churches. The author suggests particular new resources for federated churches, including a guidebook to bylaws and articles of confederation, a financial factbook for federated churches, a clergy identity kit, denominational education materials, and a clergy transition manual. The author suggests which general agencies of The United Methodist Church should be involved in the process of development of these resources. Finally, the author describes ways in which federated churches offer insight into the application of the five transformational directions commended to the church by the 2000 General Conference: 1) center on Christian formation, 2) call forth covenant leadership, 3) empower the connection for ministry, 4) strengthen our global connection and ecumenical relationships, and 5) encourage doctrinal and theological discourse.
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License
This work is being made available in OpenBU by permission of its author, and is available for research purposes only. All rights are reserved to the author.