tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615496199721498323.post3687125219609559914..comments2024-03-22T08:29:51.173-05:00Comments on UM & Global: The UMC and Institutional Decline: The Impact of COVID and Denominational CrisisDavid W. Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17024204453848260271noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615496199721498323.post-44980345840568881232021-10-14T10:30:37.417-05:002021-10-14T10:30:37.417-05:00 In a previous book, I argued that missionary cha... In a previous book, I argued that missionary character, effective organization, and social strength were independent variables that foster numerical growth in churches and denominations. Numerical growth is not the same as social strength, but it points to it. In the UMC, the divide is more complicated than David indicated. We have a regional divide, a global divide, a clergy-laity divide, and a divide between the national church and the local church. When the powerbrokers try to force unanimity, the situation grows worse. The problems in the North Georgia Conference point to this. Before this period, it was one of the few ACs that showed numerical growth. That is over. It appears that institutional separation is the best way forward.Billhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14141558221519018805noreply@blogger.com