Hand holding a crystal globe with sunset in background. Image by krblokhin, iStockPhoto.com. Image courtesy of the Connectional Table.

Imaginging the future 2021-2023

This was part of study undertaken ahead General Conference 2020/2024 exploring what the future of The UMC might look like. To learn about recent changes to The UMC structure and polity, visit the General Conference 2020/2024 page or our regionalization page.

General Conference 2020/2024 Learn about Regionalization

Regional Vision Summaries

A summary of the Europe region vision for The United Methodist Church, based on "Imagining the Future" discussion groups sponsored by the Connectional Table from 2021-2023.

A summary of the Philippines region vision for The United Methodist Church, based on "Imagining the Future" discussion groups sponsored by the Connectional Table from 2021-2023.

A summary of the United States vision for The United Methodist Church, based on "Imagining the Future" discussion groups sponsored by the Connectional Table from 2021-2023.

Shared Identity and Values

These characteristics emerged as shared themes across the regional discussions and surveys.

Identity

Grace – understand and show grace; be a church that is grace-filled
Mission-focused, community-oriented – outreach to meet the community’s needs
Structures and polity – positives and negatives; good and bad of the democratic process. Book of Discipline.
Role of women and laity – mostly valued; more so than other denominations

Vision

Inclusivity – means different things in different contexts – inclusive of diverse opinions, people, cultures.
Diversity – wide range of thinking; intention there, not always lived out
Clergy leaders who are identified, nurtured, and prepared

Connectionalism

Shared resources and methods; structure enables us to have that connection with one another and support and assist one another
Regionalism – Regional identities are strong; desire for some independent decision making expressed from every region.
Global reach – commitment to global work; global mission; health & wholeness
Democratic process – Conferencing is valued and keeps us connected

Mission

Caring for poor and marginalized
Social justice – social action and advocacy; strive to live up to Social Principles

Between 2021 and 2023, "Imagining the Future" conversations were held with more than 1,000 participants across all four continents where The United Methodist Church as a presence.

View the results and highlights of the conversations in each region below.

Map of Africa Central Conference of The United Methodist Church

Five in-person conversations took place from 2021-2023 with a mixed group of clergy and laity.
VIEW HIGHLIGHTS

Map of the Europe Central Conference of The United Methodist Church

The Europe Coordinating Group organized and facilitating five conversations in English and German.
VIEW HIGHLIGHTS

Map of the Philippines Central Conference of The United Methodist Church

The Philippines Coordinating Group distributed a survey to members of the Philippines Central Conference in addition to holding focus groups.
VIEW HIGHLIGHTS

Map of the U.S. jurisdictions of The United Methodist Church

The United States Coordinating Group held 54 discussion groups from November 2021 through March 2022.
VIEW HIGHLIGHTS

Resources for discussion

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