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Ask The UMC: What is regionalization?

   

Regionalization is a complicated concept around regional autonomy currently being debated in The United Methodist Church. Ask The UMC explores the realities and implications in a special series. Map courtesy of Pixabay; graphic by Laurens Glass, United Methodist Communications.
Regionalization is a complicated concept around regional autonomy currently being debated in The United Methodist Church. Ask The UMC explores the realities and implications in a special series. Map courtesy of Pixabay; graphic by Laurens Glass, United Methodist Communications.

If you are in or around United Methodist leadership circles, you may have heard the word “regionalization” more frequently in recent months.

In this series, Ask The UMC will explore the ways that regionalization already exists for central conferences and the opportunities it gives them, as well as the implications of enabling a greater degree of regionalization for United Methodists in the United States.

Ask The UMC series explores how regionalization already exists for central conferences, and the implications of enabling a greater degree of regionalization for United Methodists in the United States. Graphic by Laurens Glass, United Methodist Communications. 

Part 1: Regionalization is already (partly) here

Regionalization has been a reality for central conferences in The United Methodist Church since its founding in 1968. 
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Customization enables variances in varying regions while keeping the underlying theological, missiological and basic polity commitments of The United Methodist Church. Graphic by Laurens Glass, United Methodist Communications. 

Part 2: Regionalization is Customization

Central conferences have made some use of their ability to adapt the Book of Discipline for their settings. They could be doing even more. 
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As central conferences and the annual conferences within them customize the denomination’s Book of Discipline to make for more effective ministries in their settings, communication of those adaptations becomes key. Graphic by Laurens Glass, United Methodist Communications. 

Part 3: Regionalization requires effective communication 

As the UMC regionalizes, there will be an increasing need for reliable communication about adaptations each regional body has made to ensure effective collaboration across the connection. 
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Passing regionalization legislation at General Conference is only a first step toward fulfilling what regionalization can be for The United Methodist Church. Putting into place what is passed, and completing the promise of a Global Book of Discipline, will engage United Methodists in deliberation, organization, and the development of new legislation during the quadrennia to come. Graphic by Laurens Glass, United Methodist Communications. 

Part 4: What does the the proposed regionalization plan do -- and not do? 

Legislation the Standing Commission on Central Conference Matters is bringing to General Conference takes several steps toward a goal of building connectional unity while making room for customization in each region of the world.
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Legislation the Standing Commission on Central Conference matters is bringing to General Conference takes several steps toward a goal of building connectional unity while making room for customization in each region of the world. Graphic by Laurens Glass, United Methodist Communications.  

Part 5: The path to greater regionalization in the future 

If passed, the regionalization legislation proposed by the Standing Commission only begins the process of strengthening worldwide United Methodist connections while maximizing regional flexibility and effectiveness in mission. Worldwide collaboration and consultation will continue in the years to come.
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