Thread by @BrianFelkJones

Second context thread🧵for understanding Rev. Dr.
@revjody of @mtbethelumc & General Superintendent
@SueHaupJohn of @ConnectNGUMC Story: "Apportionments in the @UMChurch" #UMC

Apportionments are the funds assigned to each congregation for the work of the "connexion" in @UMChurch.

The @UMChurch does not have a congregational polity. This mean congregations do not scriptural or theological autonomy, nor do they even have the property deed to their physical buildings. They merely hold it in trust for the regional body (Annual Conference) of the @UMChurch.

This can also be seen in how pastors are chosen or "appointed" by General Superintendent of the Annual Conference (see my earlier thread on appointments here:

https://twitter.com/BrianFelkJones/status/1384602630895423491e

).

The @UMChurch "connexion" is global. All ordinations are recognized around the world. Also, all Annual Conferences have representation (half clergy/half laity) based on membership to the world decision making body- General Conference. Only General Conference speaks for the #UMC.

Thus, the #UMC "connexion" is global not just in polity, theology, and mission . . . it is in ministry as well. General Boards help do ministry on a whole that congregations could not do on their own. This includes missions, worship, Higher Ed., social advocacy, pension, etc.

All these worthwhile @UMChurch ministries cost money. Also, they are replicated in Annual Conferences and in smaller geographic bodies called "Districts." Thus, each congregation is apportioned a share of this cost based on size and budget. Thus, the name "Apportionments." #UMC

It is not always easy to pay these funds, especially for small or struggling congregations. It is not unusual for many congregations not to pay all of their apportionments. In fact, it is a rarity, amongst the congregations of Annual Conferences in the US. #UMC

However, in the last 30 years, as some congregations have become dissatisfied with the leadership or policies of some General Boards, many began to refuse to pay their apportionments. This began first more prevalently among evangelical congregations.

Into the current context of @ConnectNGUMC, @MTBethelUMC was one of the congregations that had recently not been paying apportionments for reasons of theological differences and disagreements.

Opinions differ on the effectiveness and wisdom of withholding apportionments. Some (on both sides of the theological spectrum) find it justified, others find it breaking of the "connexion" covenant.

Personally (and this is just me) I do not like withholding #UMC apportionments. Even when I was a pastor of a congregation that could not fiscally pay them, I felt horrible, because I believe in communal mission. Most apportionments stay locally & help serve Christ & the gospel.

Also, in real ecclesial politics terms I think this is bad. If you continue not to pay apportionments and the Annual Conference learns to get along without them, they begin to see you as a congregation they can do without.

Yet, again, that is totally my personal opinion and many disagree with me.

However, withholding apportionments is no longer an evangelical @UMChurch strategy. Moderate and Progressive congregations are withholding. For example, one of the larger #UMC (and progressive) congregations in the nation @StLukesIndy of @INUMC withheld apportionments recently.

Thus, hopefully, this gives you some context and understanding of the role "Apportionments" play in the Rev. Dr. @RevJody of @MtBethelUMC & General Superintendent @SueHaupJohn of @ConnectNGUMC story. /end 🧵

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