Not long ago, a neighboring church that had been part of the same parish as our church experienced a conflict over a pastoral appointment. Eventually, the pastor who had served that congregation took early retirement and, just a few weeks ago, planted a new church.
I sincerely hope that our annual conference leaders will seek to better understand and respect the unique history, culture, and pastoral realities of Korean immigrant churches. For generations, these churches have played a vital role not only in nurturing the faith of immigrants but also in sustaining their lives and communities. Respecting these distinctive characteristics does not weaken our connectional system. Rather, it makes our connection stronger and healthier.
The United Methodist Church deeply values connectionalism. However, when connectionalism becomes a means for denominational leaders to control local congregations rather than a system through which churches support and strengthen one another, it loses its original purpose and spirit.
More importantly, I am increasingly concerned about how we understand the nature of the church itself. Since the 2024 General Conference, I have observed a growing tendency to emphasize to pastors that the annual conference, rather than the local congregation, is the church. Along with this comes an atmosphere that seems to demand loyalty to the denomination. I believe this is a dangerous way of thinking. Our ultimate loyalty must be to Jesus Christ alone and to the Church, which is His body.
If our denomination is to have a healthy future, local congregations must be entrusted with greater autonomy and responsibility. Pastors must also be given the freedom to lead their congregations with conviction and integrity before God.
One important reason United Methodist clergy hold membership in the annual conference is to protect pastors from unfair treatment by local congregations. However, if this system turns pastors into mere employees or functionaries of the denomination, it will seriously undermine the trust that congregations place in their pastors as spiritual leaders. Such a development could become a major obstacle to the spiritual vitality and growth of our churches.
Having served as a United Methodist pastor for more than forty years, I can say with sincerity that I have been deeply blessed by our denomination. At the same time, I believe I have devoted much of my ministry to strengthening our connection through cooperation, shared mission, and faithful commitment. Few pastors, I believe, have both benefited from and invested in our denomination as much as I have.
Today, more than ever, our local churches and our denomination need one another. Both are precious, and both deserve our care and commitment.
When local churches thrive, the denomination thrives.