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IN RETROSPECT New Life for A New Century? By James F. Jennings
Conference Council on Ministries Director
The Connectional Process Team (CPT) had its inception at
the 1996 General Conference. Among its multi-tasks were to “manage, guide and promote
a transformational direction” for the denomination. Additionally, the CPT was asked
to propose structural forms for the church and to consider its global essence. Ever since
the full report became available to the local church in mid-February, the volume of e-mail
and faxes relative to the report have quadrupled! Sentiments are running high both pro and
con.
The transformational directions call the church to: 
place spiritual formation at the
center of its work;
invigorate the ministry of the church; call forth spiritual leaders; create a covenant council of
spiritual and prophetic leaders; empower the ministry of congregations and faith
communities;
recognize a truly global United Methodist Church; revitalize the United Methodist
connection;
structure agencies to support congregations, faith communities and annual
conferences;
encourage doctrinal and theological discourse; and assure that all voices are heard.
Particulars for each area may be accessed via internet at http://www.umc.org/cpt.
More than anything else, for me, the bottom line of the report is the central question by
which all activities, functions and structures must be examined: “Will this help us
invite, nurture and empower disciples of Jesus Christ through local congregations and
faith communities throughout the world?” My own perspective varies from yes, yes, yes
to absolute exhilaration with the implications for the local church, district and the
annual conference. My excitement stems mostly from the hope that this initiative will
produce many more opportunities for us to advance the kingdom of God. My anxiety comes
from a deep concern that we may not be willing to risk making the changes.
I believe God has empowered gifted people to recognize what is happening in our
denomination and what it means to communicate what they see. The crucial question is
whether we will hear what they say and pay attention to them. A graphic presentation
explaining the basic elements of the CPT proposals will be presented to our annual
conference delegates.
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