Have you ever heard of ‘connectionalism’ in the United Methodist Church? It stems from John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, who formed an organization by connecting the groups of people who followed his movement. Wesley called this ‘connexion’ and tried to maintain a close network between the Class, Society, and Annual Conference. UMC has inherited and developed the tradition of Connectionalism. Thus, it became the most important word to characterize the United Methodist Church. David F. Watson of United Theological Seminary in Ohio said, “… and without connectionalism, there is no Methodism.”* Connectionalism is clearly stated in the Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church.“
Connectionalism is an important part of our identity as United Methodists. It is a vital web of interactive relationships … with the purpose of equipping local churches for ministry and by providing a connection for ministry throughout the world, all to the glory of God. It provides us with wonderful opportunities to carry out our mission in unity and strength.” ** In other words, all the local churches of UMC are connected to each other through the mutual solidarity network, and by working together in ministry and mission, the synergistic effect is exerted. So, our church is also actively working in the connection with other churches in the Shoreline and Haven Cooperative parish, the Connecticut District, and the New York Annual Conference.
The reason why I mentioned about connectionalism is because it is surely effective not only in the network between churches, but also in the relationship between all believers in our church. That is, all of our church members are connected to each other in our ministry and mission. So, we worship together, pray together, serve together, and gather together. We share our joy together and also share our sadness and pains together. Finally, we transform this world as the Kingdom of God together. Therefore, I hope all our church family will become one in our faithful journey through our church. Sisters and brothers let’s go together in the love of God, as the one body of Jesus Christ, with the work of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
“With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace: there is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.” – Ephesians 4:2-6
Pastor Jinha Choi