When we talk about the value of something, we often default to a monetary measure. For example, what is the value of the I Love Lucy doll my Great Aunt Jenny gave me when I was a little girl? A quick Google search tells me it’s worth about $149.99. Simple enough, right?
But what about the value of something intangible—the sentiment behind that doll, the memories of going to visit my Great Aunt Jenny and playing with this doll? How do you measure that? How do you truly know something’s worth when it can’t be captured in dollars and cents?
The same question applies to faith-based organizations and the principle of connectionalism.
Connectionalism is the idea that we are stronger together—that churches, foundations, conferences and other ministries are interconnected in mission, resources and support. Conceptually, it evokes a network of shared responsibility and mutual care that amplifies the reach of every gift and every act of service that can be nearly impossible to do on a standalone basis.
Through connectionalism, a local church is not limited by the bounds of their community or congregation. It can impact incredible work, like disaster relief, education and social initiatives, all around the world, by connecting with a borderless network of people and organizations seeking to accomplish a shared mission.
This concept is, of course, not something you can easily measure. Its outcomes are transformative, yes, but its value is difficult to quantify—definitely a lot more difficult to quantify than the value of my I Love Lucy doll. As such, we might observe that the true inherent value of connectionalism has become a bit overlooked and underappreciated.
Likewise, another essential aspect of our shared life that is just as intangible and, unfortunately, often just as overlooked is the concept of discipleship.
Discipleship is the ongoing formation of individuals and communities in the way of Christ. It is slow, intentional work—the kind that seldom shows up on a dashboard or financial report. And yet, its value is immeasurable. Discipleship shapes hearts, cultivates purpose, and equips people to make faithful, courageous decisions in service to others. In the same way connectionalism multiplies our impact, discipleship multiplies the depth of that impact by forming people who live out the mission with integrity, compassion, and spiritual maturity.
When we overlook discipleship because it cannot be quantified, we risk undervaluing one of the most essential investments a ministry can make: the formation of its people.
And here’s the beauty—connectionalism and discipleship are deeply intertwined.
Connectionalism creates the shared ecosystem where discipleship can take root: networks worship, encouragement, accountability, spiritual nourishment and collective mission. Discipleship, in turn, gives connectionalism its meaning by forming people who embody the mission and carry it into the world. When these two values operate together, the Church becomes both resilient and far‑reaching.
At Wespath, we see the importance of these principles every day. Our work is grounded in the connectional system of the Church—we leverage the scale, stewardship and shared mission of thousands of ministries to provide world‑class investment solutions and fiduciary support.
We do deal in a lot of dollars and cents, naturally. We are always measuring those things which do have clearly defined values—stocks and bonds and portfolios and investment accounts. But beyond the numbers, we understand that these resources ultimately serve something bigger: enabling ministries to nurture disciples, develop leaders, expand outreach, and sustain the mission for generations to come.
Wespath’s role in the connectional system is not simply to invest assets, but to help institutions steward their resources in a way that supports long‑term mission—mission that includes the spiritual formation and discipleship at the heart of the Church’s identity. When ministries thrive financially, they have the stability and strength to create environments where discipleship can flourish.
The true value of connectionalism—and discipleship—isn’t in what you can price.
It’s in what you can accomplish and who you can become together.
Get to Know Karen
Karen has been with Wespath for nearly 13 years. She primarily helps institutional investors with asset allocation analysis, investment policy statement development and in incorporating sustainable investing guidelines into their portfolios. Karen also frequently presents on investment-related topics at United Methodist-affiliated conferences and events. If you would like to talk with Karen about the financial and investment needs of your church or organization.
About Wespath
An agency of The United Methodist Church, Wespath brings together a century of benefits expertise and institutional investment leadership in support of one mission: caring for those who serve. As a faith-rooted, fiduciary partner, we combine disciplined financial management with values-aligned solutions to advance well-being and missional impact for individuals, institutions and ministries.
If you are a clergy or lay employee of the Church, you likely already know Wespath as the UMC’s employee benefits provider. But the agency supports the connection in many more ways. For instance, we provide nonprofits and faith-rooted organizations with investment management and Outsourced Chief Investment Officer solutions as they work to advance their missions. These organizations include endowments, foundations, children’s homes and higher education institutions. To learn more about our institutional investment solutions, please visit our website.
This is not an offer to purchase securities or an investment recommendation. Please see the Investment Funds Description – I Series and Investment Funds Description – P Series for more information.
Wespath is a general agency of The United Methodist Church, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Wespath administers benefit plans and its affiliates, UMC Benefit Board, Inc. (“UMCBB”) and Wespath Institutional Investments, LLC (“WII”), provide investment management services. UMCBB provides investment management services to funds made available to benefit plan participants and beneficiaries, plan sponsors and other institutions controlled by, associated with, or related to The United Methodist Church. WII provides investment management services to funds made available to institutional investors controlled by, associated with, or related to The United Methodist Church. WII may also provide direct investment advisory services to those institutions. WII and UMCBB utilize certain shared personnel, including investment professionals. Unless otherwise noted, “Wespath” is defined to include Wespath, UMCBB and WII.
This content was originally published by Wespath; republished with permission by ResourceUMC on June 15, 2026.