This was part of study undertaken ahead of the General Conference 2020/2024 exploring what the future of The UMC might look like. To learn about recent changes to The UMC structure and polity, visit the General Conference 2020/2024 page or our regionalization page.
Background and Contextual Information
The African Conversations on Identity, Vision, Mission, and Connectionalism (IVCM) were organized by Bishop Mande Muyombo, Benedita Penicela Nhambiu, Mike Dio Jen, Rev. Lloyd Nyarota, Catherine Akale, Prosper Kitete, Rev. Jean Claude Masuka Maleka, Grace Musaka, Finde Quiwa, and Elmira Sellu.
Discussion Groups
Five conversations took place from 2021-2023 with participants from the following Annual Conferences and Episcopal Areas:
- Sierra Leone Episcopal area
- North Katanga Annual Conference (2 conversations were held here)
- South Congo Episcopal Area
- Mozambique Episcopal Area
Conversations in Africa were linguistically diverse with French, Portuguese, Changana, and English speakers present. The conversations took place in-person, but some participants were able to share their thoughts through an online survey. In-person conversations had as few as eight participants while the online survey received over 60 responses from a mixed group of clergy and laity.
Highlights
Identity
- Democratic — African Methodists are proud of the democratic identity of the United Methodist Church that allows laity and clergy to fully participate in church affairs and decisions.
- Compassion and social care for others — The “spirit of serving others” in mission and generosity is important to African Methodists who are passionate about supporting education opportunities in their communities and spreading God’s word by sharing God’s love.
- Togetherness — African Methodists value the “togetherness” of their communities as they care for each other through good and bad times. Whether this togetherness is encouraged by concerns for social care, the Book of Discipline, sharing one faith and Bible, or by sharing Holy Communion, these elements of our Methodist identity bring the church together.
Vision
African Methodists dream of a church that is most importantly, contextual. The inclusion of African languages, dances, instruments, and songs are important in African expressions of worship and ministry, but this cultural regionalization is not fully recognized or respected by other regions of the United Methodist Church.
Connectionalism
Connectionalism in Africa is a strength of the United Methodist Church that allows for stronger partnerships and equity in resources. Through the connectional structures of the UMC, African Methodists are able to share their needs and resources with Methodists throughout Africa and other parts of the world.
Mission
There are two areas of mission that are essential to African Methodists: education and evangelism. These two areas are rooted in the needs of the local communities.