Polity, Practice and the Mission of the United Methodist Church

In this in-depth analysis of the connection between United Methodist polity and theology, Thomas E. Frank addresses the ways in which historical developments have shaped -- and continue to shape -- the organization of the church. The author discusses emerging issues that must be faced by the denomination in the present and near future, and indicates how these issues come to bear upon concrete polity matters. Including all recent changes adopted by the 1996 General Conference, this volume is keyed to the new Book of Discipline and provides polity classes with a text that moves beyond a narrow analysis of rules and regulations.