Wespath Benefits and Investments

The Discipleship Ministries office in Nashville, Tenn., is being renovated to be better equipped for use post-COVID-19. Although the staff is primarily working at home, the building is being used for small staff meetings as well as a daily prayer broadcast from the Upper Room Chapel. The 13 agencies of The United Methodist Church are facing budget cutbacks among uncertainty around a potential schism. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

General agencies cutting back

Faced with an ongoing pandemic and denominational uncertainty, United Methodist general agencies are reducing staff while trying to stay true to their missions.

Social Concerns

Bishop Joaquina Filipe Nhanala helps lead a worship service sponsored by the United Methodist Commission on the Status and Role of Women during the 2016 United Methodist General Conference in Portland, Ore. Nhanala spoke about having to deal with sexism in the church during the commission’s virtual women’s leadership summit Oct. 8-10, 2020. File photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Forging stronger ties as women of faith

United Methodist clergy and laywomen envision something bigger as they celebrate sisterhood, build relationships and share experiences of sexism.

General Church

Global Mission Fellow Bellarmee Milosi gives a tutoring session for children in Tramo, Philippines, as part of the Kapatiran-Kaunlaran Foundation Inc. With the current budget constraints, expansion of this successful young adult ministry is unlikely. 2018 file photo courtesy of Global Ministries.

Church agencies cope with new realities

The changing landscape caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and uncertainty over the denomination’s future has created challenges for United Methodist agencies.

General Church

Internally displaced people line up to collect food at Ebenezer Community United Methodist Church in Yaounde, Cameroon. With a grant from the United Methodist Committee on Relief, the church distributed food and other aid to those struggling during the coronavirus pandemic. Photo courtesy Vischo Image.

Supporting the church amid pandemic disruptions

The United Methodist general agencies find new ways to support the church’s mission and its members despite challenges imposed by the coronavirus pandemic.

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