Connectional Ministries

The Connectional Ministries (CM) serve as the backbone of The United Methodist Church (UMC) by intertwining local congregations, districts, and global agencies into a unified network. The CM facilitates collaboration, allowing churches to pool resources, multiply their impact, and execute shared missions.

The primary functions of Connectional Ministries include:

Resource and Support:

Equipping and empowering local church leaders and pastors with training, consulting, and discipleship resources

Mission Coordination:

Connecting churches in shared ministry for both local community outreach and global missions, including disaster response and healthcare initiatives

Strategic Visioning:

Translating the mission of the General Church into actionable goals at the regional and local levels, ensuring that all ministries align with the broader denominational vision

Connection and Networking:

Fostering relationships among churches, districts, and conference agencies to build strong, collaborative networks

Advocacy and Diversity:

Developing and strengthening ethnic ministries and championing social justice and inclusion in accordance with the denomination’s values

Connectionalism is a foundational concept in the United Methodist Church, emphasizing that no congregation operates independently; rather, all parts of the church support one another in shared mission and spiritual growth.

Connectional Ministries operate at the Annual Conference and global levels (often managed by the ⁠Connectional Table) to ensure the church functions cohesively. Its core functions include:

Vision & Mission Alignment:

It discerns and articulates the overarching vision of the church, ensuring that all ministries and resources align with the UMC’s mission to “make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”

Fostering Global Connectivity:

CM breaks down isolation by linking local churches with regional bodies and global initiatives, facilitating collaborative mission work, disaster relief, and outreach across more than 100 countries.

Resource Management:

It stewards finances, people, and organizational assets, ensuring that funds (such as Connectional Giving/Apportionments) are distributed effectively to support ministries, missionaries, and global humanitarian efforts.

Leadership Development:

It equips, trains, and empowers clergy and laity, offering consulting and resources to help local churches thrive, launch new ministries, and engage their communities.

Advocacy & Justice:

CM supports advocacy, monitors the church’s alignment with its stated values, and nurtures anti-racism and social justice commitments.

Ethnic & Diverse Ministries:

It intentionally develops and strengthens ministries that support ethnic local churches and advocates for inclusive representation across all regions of the global church.