Tag Archives: UMC

“The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved”

Posted on October 4, 2011 by Ron Goetz

Diane keeps reminding me, “When Christians talk about homosexuality no one wants to talk about the elephant in the room, the worry that Jesus might have been gay.” I’m not going to talk about that. What I actually know is that Jesus’ … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Homosexuality, Jesus | Tagged , , , , , , | 23 Comments

UMC Call to Action: Two Separate Reports, Two Separate Goals

Posted on February 17, 2011 by Ron Goetz

The goal of the CTA-sponsored Apex Report is not revival. The goal of the Apex Report is the power to eliminate underperforming assets (clergy, church property, and agencies). The Call to Action is not a single document, but combines two … Continue reading →

Posted in Call to Action, United Methodism | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

CTA says Rule Suspension is “A Key Responsibility of Leaders”

Posted on February 17, 2011 by Ron Goetz

One of the most remarkable features of the United Methodist “Call to Action” report is its requirement for suspending the rules. Rule suspension is not described as a regrettable but necessary option, but as a “key responsibility.” While it is mentioned specifically only once, the surrounding verbiage clearly … Continue reading →

Posted in Call to Action, United Methodism | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

CTA Response: “So Where do We Begin?”

Posted on December 21, 2010 by Ron Goetz

Dayton left a comment in the “Rigamarole” post, and my reply grew into this: Dayton, regarding your comments, 1) “there are no truly effective governance boards on a local level for lead pastors/superintendents/bishops, etc. We would need to overhaul the SPRC/Committee on … Continue reading →

Posted in Call to Action, Church Closures, Pastoral Ministry, Repentance, UMC, United Methodism | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

UMC’s Democratic Process Dismissed as “Rigamarole”

Posted on December 19, 2010 by Ron Goetz

When an organization’s executives approach a corporate change consultant, one of the very first things the consultant asks is how they want the organization to change. The consultant asks the client what kind of organizational culture they envision for the future. … Continue reading →

Posted in Call to Action | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

CTA Report: The Meaning of Trust

Posted on December 1, 2010 by Ron Goetz

When we hear the word “trust” it’s almost automatic to feel warm and fuzzy. The word elicits feelings of safety, friendliness, and caring. It would not be unusual to talk about “trusting someone’s good intentions,” or to say, “My heart doth safely trust … Continue reading →

Posted in Call to Action, Pastoral Ministry, UMC, United Methodism | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

CTA Report: Underperforming Congregations and Clergy

Posted on November 27, 2010 by Ron Goetz

Let me begin by saying that, overall, I accept the recommendations contained in the two sections of the “Call to Action” (CTA). The changes are long overdue, and are necessary for the eventual flourishing of the United Methodist Church. Many elements of the Apex report feel … Continue reading →

Posted in Call to Action, Christendom, Church Closures, UMC, United Methodism | Tagged , , , , , | 29 Comments

CTA Report: Acknowledging Decades of Decline

Posted on November 17, 2010 by Ron Goetz

The “Call to Action” Steering Team just issued a report to the UMC acknowledging decades of decline in membership, giving, and the number of congregations. Released six days before Halloween, 2010, the report is a remarkably frank description of the state of United … Continue reading →

Posted in Call to Action, Church Closures, UMC, United Methodism | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments