resolution

Lay Responsibility for Growth of the Church

2016 Book of Resolutions, #2103

Whereas, The United Methodist Church has steadily lost membership for many years in its country of origin; and,

Whereas, in the most recent year’s totals, The United Methodist Church lost 70,000 members, thus exceeding the previous year’s losses of 60,000 members; and,

Whereas, the historic strength of The United Methodist Church lay in well-equipped laity who were passionate in their beliefs; and,

Whereas, the clergy of The United Methodist Church continue to equip the laity for the task of winning commitments for Christ through witness, service, and transforming ministry; and,

Whereas, too many of our laity no longer claim that core responsibility of every Christian to find those who are lost and lead them into a church home,

Therefore, be it now resolved, that we, the laity, working with the clergy, accept primary responsibility for the growth and vitality of The United Methodist Church.

ADOPTED 2008
READOPTED 2016
RESOLUTION #2105, 2008, 2012 BOOK OF RESOLUTIONS

See Social Principles, ¶ 161.

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