Disaffiliation and the United Methodist Church with Lovett Weems

In this episode, Pastor Danny interviews Dr. Lovett Weems about the history, challenges, and future of the United Methodist Church. They talk about the recent schism in the UMC relating to disaffiliation, and its emotional and practical impact on the mission and ministries of the denomination. After serving as Pastor of UMC churches in Mississippi, Lovett became President of St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City. In 2003, he became founding Director of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership. He is now Distinguished Professor of Church Leadership Emeritus at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington D.C. His most recent book is entitled, "An Aura of Hope: United Methodism's Next Chapter in the United States." Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Credibility00:55 Personal Connections and Mississippi Roots02:09 Discussion of Disaffiliation in the UMC03:42 Historical Context of Church Divisions06:45 The 2019 Disaffiliation Process08:39 Church Polity and Property Rights11:48 Role of the General Conference17:23 Lessons from Church Splits and Future Hope22:59 Moving Forward with Hope and Wesleyan Principles32:27 Lessons for Other Denominations and Closing Remarks