Reconstructing Methodism: Crucial Issues Facing the Global Methodist Church

Edited by Matt O’Reilly

Building a theological foundation for effective mission

The launch of the Global Methodist Church (GMC) did not come in a theological vacuum. Starting in 1972, the United Methodist Church (UMC), our predecessor, explicitly built its ecclesial house on the sandy foundation of theological pluralism, leading to its structural instability now expressed in schism. Its intent to house a broad range of theological perspectives proved unsustainable. This context clarifies one of many tasks that the GMC now faces. This new denomination must build its ecclesial house on a solid foundation marked by rigorous theology that will provide a strong basis for effective mission to our neighbors and the nations. We offer this book as a starting point for that task. Each chapter takes up a question characterized by some tension or debate in our earlier denominational life and offers theological shepherding regarding how the GMC might proceed.

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