Hand holding a crystal globe with sunset in background. Image by krblokhin, iStockPhoto.com. Image courtesy of the Connectional Table.

A Conversation

Imagining the Future

Defining our identity as United Methodists and
exploring a vision for the future of the church 

PURPOSE

The Connectional Table invites United Methodists to share their hopes and expectations for the future of the church. Across the U.S., Africa, the Philippines and Europe, leaders are hosting conversations where diverse United Methodists can discuss the denomination’s identity, vision, connectionalism and mission.

OUTCOME

The results of these conversations will be compiled and shared in May of 2022. Ultimately, the results can help inform the vision of The United Methodist Church moving forward. In these uncertain times, it is vital to engage the church in the vital work of imagining the future and discerning what God is doing.

GET INVOLVED

Below you will find information on these efforts in each of the four regions and how you can be involved in a conversation. If you are in the U.S., you can follow the directions below to host and report back from a conversation. If you are in the Philippines, Europe or Africa, click on the corresponding link below to learn more about these efforts in your region.

Two women talk around the table. Image by Christina Wocintechchat, Unsplash.com.

Join the conversation!

We want to hear your thoughts and dreams for the future of The United Methodist Church!

Gather with a group and download our discussion guide below to facilitate your conversation. Then tell us about your conversation by downloading and filling out the summary form below.

Diverse group icon by Nicolas Vicent, Noun Project.

1. Gather a group

Recruit a small group of fellow United Methodists willing to share their perspectives.

Consider including a wide variety of ages, genders and perspectives when choosing participants.

Conversation between two people. icon by Adrien Coquet, Noun Project.

2. Have a conversation

Use the discussion guide questions to structure your conversation. Practice holy conferencing and create a safe and respectful space for conversation.

Download discussion guide: English | Spanish | Korean

Submit form icon by mungyu Kim, Noun Project.

3. Tell us about your discussion

Download the summary form to record the highlights of your discussion (English | Spanish | Korean). Submit your summary form using the link below. The research department at Wespath will tally the results and create a report. (Identity of respondents will be kept confidential.)
Submit Summary Form

 


An invitation to conversation

The Connectional Table invites United Methodists across the globe to imagine the future of The United Methodist Church through contextualized discussions.

View the video to learn more about these conversations and how to participate.

REGIONAL DISCUSSIONS

Discussions are taking place in different regions of our worldwide church. Conversations are being coordinated by a committee in each region and the discussions have been adapted for each context. Learn more about each regional conversation below. 

Map of Africa Central Conference of The United Methodist Church

The Africa Regional Group is working with the African College of Bishops to organize several conversations across the annual conferences in Africa.
Learn more

Map of the Europe Central Conference of The United Methodist Church

The Europe Coordinating Group is organizing and facilitating five conversations in English and German.
Learn more
Register to join a group

Map of the Philippines Central Conference of The United Methodist Church

The Philippines Coordinating Group distributed a survey to members of the Philippines Central Conference in addition to holding focus groups.
Learn more

Map of the U.S. jurisdictions of The United Methodist Church

The United States Coordinating Group has created a discussion guide for individuals and groups and a form for sharing the results.
Learn more
Have a conversation

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