Leaders: Ethnic diversity critical to church future
CHICAGO—Just about everyone agrees that the United Methodist Church needs to draw more people and younger people to reverse decades of declining membership in the United States. Add to the list the...
View ArticleUM agency leaders welcome news that Boy Scouts may end ban on gay scouts,...
Gilbert Hanke Editor’s note: At the bottom of this story is a further statement issued Jan. 31 by Gilbert Hanke of United Methodist Men. Leaders of two United Methodist agencies — United Methodist Men...
View ArticleStill there, UM Connectional Table starts anew
The new Connectional Table—a United Methodist governing body that had expected to be defunct by now—met to organize for the next four years. The gathering Jan. 15-17 in Nashville, Tenn., set the tone...
View ArticleCouples share how ‘Methodist destiny’ brought them together
Jennifer Dobbs and Matthew Oates share a moment after she said, “Yes” to his proposal of marriage in July 2008. She now uses the name Dobbs-Oates.Photo by Marsha Esau. Matthew Oates and Jennifer Dobbs...
View ArticleDenomination urged to trust, share leadership
Don’t be surprised if you hear church leaders use the phrase “adaptive leadership” multiple times during the next four years. That phrase served as the recurring theme of the 2013 Quadrennial Training...
View ArticleHow churches can play role in dating, marriage
NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Matthew Oates and Jennifer Dobbs were born a few months apart in the same hospital. They grew up a few miles apart in southern Indiana; they even went to the same orthodontist. But...
View ArticleChurch: No weddings till UMC changes homosexuality stand
Leaders of a United Methodist congregation in Winston-Salem, N.C., have decided not to hold weddings in the church building until the denomination lifts its ban on same-sex marriage. Green Street UMC...
View ArticleRehabilitating the reputation of Mary Magdalene
A “Penitent Magdalene” by 17th century painter Nicholas Régnier.Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons. You’ve got to feel bad for Mary Magdalene. Sure, she has fame many of today’s celebrities would envy....
View ArticleTwo United Methodists recognized by White House as `Champions of Change’ for...
Wynne Stagnaro, a member of Los Gatos United Methodist Church, works on a solar-powered kit that will bring lighting to Colonet, Mexico. Photo courtesy of Los Gatos United Methodist Church. Two United...
View ArticleHow old is too old to join UM clergy?
The Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church has proposed changing its minimum standards for clergy to discourage people over 45 from becoming candidates for ordained ministry. The conference’s...
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