In our last Blog we tried to explain that the foundation of the United Methodist Church is connectionalism. This connectionalism has philosophical, theological and organizational roots. Today we want to explain the financial implications of our denomination’s connectionalism.

The connections between us mean we can do more good together than we can do alone. This is what shared ministry and connectional giving is all about in the United Methodist Church. Our membership is a whole – a whole of many parts that, when connected, makes big impacts.

As members, we agree to:

• participate,
• help with financial support,
• offer our time,
• pray for the church, and
• share our experience with others.

These membership agreements are universal expressions of belonging and commitment. They say we care about each other, take action, belong to a community, are growing spiritually, and helping sustain the church for future generations.

As a part of the United Methodist Church,

• we share an organizational structure/policies that ensures operating within the law and reflect collective values; and
• we participate in shared ministries to make the greatest possible impact in the world for positive change.

Shared ministries or apportionments are sometimes misunderstood. Perhaps it helps to remember it is a collective agreement of members to make a powerful impact in the world together. We are contributing to life-changing efforts and truly making life better.