Here is the response to the CTA offered by the Division on Ministries with Young People...I'm also working to create a flow chart of all the proposals AS WRITTEN, not the incorrect one on umc.org. I hope that will be helpful.
Dear Friends,
Greetings from the Division on Ministries with Young People! As we prepare for General Conference, we are praying for the Church and its people everywhere.
There have been many responses about the proposals being offered to restructure. We want to affirm the work of the Council of Bishops, the Connectional Table, and all the leaders who have worked on the Call to Action and Interim Operations Team. Change is needed in The United Methodist Church if we are really going to help “make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”
As we have had a chance to prayerfully reflect on all that is recommended, we believe further conversation is needed throughout the Church. We, too, are concerned but hopeful about the future of The United Methodist Church. However, as a Division we are worried that in our haste to make changes, we have not been able to fully engage the width and depth of our connection.
Life prevails over death, and even in the midst of decline, God creates possibilities for new life. As we seek God’s will for our future, this belief gives us opportunities to ask tough questions and seek transformation—not just of our boards and agencies but also of our churches, annual conferences, jurisdictions, central conferences, and leaders throughout the Church.
Ultimately, any changes must focus not solely on the structure but equipping the people called United Methodists for intentional, transformative relationships with one another and with God. The future of our church and its organization should include the witness and input from people of all walks of this tradition.
Change is necessary. The work that has been done, both by the Interim Operations Team and the General Agencies, is a beginning; but we believe the church needs more time to discern and dialogue before a new structure can be implemented. Rather than restructuring this year, we hope the work begun in the Call to Action will move us into a quadrennium and future of deep, Christ-centered, and Spirit-led conversation.
We are here—ready and expecting to engage in that conversation. May it be so.
Blessings,
Members of the Division on Ministries with Young People
This post came from Will Ed Green, Co-Chair of the DMYP
ReplyDeleteAs a Talbert Fellow and member of the UMC, I'd hate to see further "embarrassment" happen upon us for lack of planning, and thought provoking communication. It's great to come up with a plan of attack; however, we must first consider as many ramifications of said action before moving forward. Taking into considerations these things which you have mentioned and being intentional with "Christ-centered, and Spirit-led conversation" will be what ultimately leads us to discerning how God would have us to move forward.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to updates on this and will keep DMYP in my thoughts/prayers.