Publisher's Synopsis
With more than 250 entries, this book is a comprehensive, annotated guide to the United Methodist Discipline for pastors and church leaders, district superintendents, bishops, agency staff, and others beyond the local church who need a quick reference guide to issues that arise in ministry. Polity is about ordering the life of the church for the mission of God in the world and how we anchor our understanding of how God is calling us to covenant with each other.
Each entry includes:
a quote from John Wesley or another notable Methodist;
related Discipline paragraph numbers;
definition and how each entry relates to pastors and leaders;
notes on historical and theological roots.
Entries include:
Apportionments (what they do, the "formula")
Baptism
Confirmation
Connectional Table
Constitution of The United Methodist Church
Cross and Flame - UM Insignia, Use and Limits
Designated Giving and Funds
Equitable Compensation
Evangelism
Fellowship of Associate Members and Local Pastors
General Council on Finance and Administration
Historic Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU's)
Housing Allowance (For Pastors)
Lay Delegate to General Conference, Jurisdiction, and Central Conferences
Liturgical Seasons See Christian Year
Membership Records and Removal
Merger with Another Church
Offering
Orders
Ordination
Pan-Methodist Commission
Pastor's Compensation and Benefits
Pastor/Staff Parish Relations Committee
Property Taxes
Quorum for Meetings
Restrictive Rules
Safe Sanctuaries
Special Sundays and Offerings
Tax Exempt Status
Tithe/Tithing
Trust Clause
United Methodist Women
Ushers
Vacation Bible School
