MinistryMatters is running a five-part article series this week titled "Constitutional Grace in the Regionalized United Methodist Church" by Rev. Dr. Lui Tran. The series runs weekly through mid-March and offers clear, pastoral explanation of the regionalization plan that took effect on November 5, 2025.
Why this matters?
Across the connection, pastors and lay leaders are fielding anxious questions about regionalization: "Are we still United Methodist?" "Who's in charge now?" "What actually changed?" Lui's series provides accessible, theologically grounded answers. He introduces the concept of "constitutional grace"—the idea that church structure either embodies or obstructs God's mission—and walks readers through the practical implications of worldwide regionalization.
About the author
Lui served on the Judicial Council from 2016-2025, is currently assistant chancellor for church law in the California-Pacific Annual Conference, and senior pastor of Garden Grove UMC. He's also founder of UMChurchLaw.com. UM News recently featured his work, and he brings rare expertise at the intersection of constitutional law, Wesleyan theology, and pastoral practice.
Access the latest articles
- Part 1: Why structure matters theologically
- Part 2: Plain-language guide to the new structure
- Part 3: The U.S. as one region among nine
- Part 4: Theological evaluation of the changes
- Part 5: Pastoral wisdom for leading through transition (coming soon)
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