United Methodist bishops see a need for the denomination’s top lawmaking body to hold an additional meeting to deal with changes resulting from church disaffiliations. Meanwhile, the denomination’s finance agency has its own concerns.
Meetings of the Connectional Table in Atlanta were productive, with efforts to come up with a consensus budget, move toward a U.S. regional conference and streamline the leadership body’s own membership all moving forward.
Overall giving to support The United Methodist Church’s denomination-wide ministries saw a small uptick in 2022, even in a time of rising church disaffiliations. However, worries remain — especially about funding for bishops.
United Methodist leaders agree that big changes are coming as the denomination grapples with rising church disaffiliations. But disagreements remain on how best to balance financial uncertainty with missional commitments.
