The Case for Regionalization Pt. 7

 Pt. 1: Regionalization acknowledges reality

Pt. 2: Regionalization gives clarity

Pt 3: Regionalization promotes fairness

Pt. 4: Regionalization identifies the essentials

Pt. 5: Regionalization improves our structure

Pt. 6: Regionalization avoids unneeded arguments

Regionalization Is the Only Viable Path to Keep the Denomination Together

I was born a United Methodist. I had no choice in the matter. United Methodist was all I knew and there was no reason to considering a different denomination. Now that has changed.

Now, I choose to be United Methodist.

This is not a perfect denomination and it never will be, but I believe the UMC offers the world a truth of grace, love, mercy and, yes, law that serves God's will in this time. The United Methodist Church must carry on.

Our divisions are significant. We should not ignore this truth. In the same spirit of not ignoring truth, if Regionalization does not pass at General Conference or is not ratified by our annual conferences in the following year, at least another 25% of churches in the U.S. will leave in the coming years, matching the number who left in the prior two years. The proposed denominational budget reflects a 42% decrease in revenue. Imagine needing to cut the remaining budget by another 25-30%. What ministry will we be able to do in the U.S. and across the globe with so few resources? How do we stay connected? 

There will still be United Methodist churches if regionalization does not pass, but the worldwide connection that we call the United Methodist Church will cease to exist. 

I believe God still have a purpose for our denomination. We must work together to preserve it for the sake of the mission God has given us.