Nothing in the Discipline forbids a local church from having many satellite locations. Nothing forbids United Methodist lay persons or lay teams from organizing new churches or pastors from shepherding those leaders and teams. United Methodist pastors are itinerant and subject to relocation by decision of the bishop. Bishops contribute most to the advance or decline of the denomination with their appointments of pastors. Their actions either foster or undercut local church mission work.
Frequent moves inhibit the growth of churches.
Clergy careerism, an attitude cultivated by personal advancement through appointments, affirms the status quo rather than changes it. Bishops must recognize the need for longer pastorates and quash the idea of advancing pastors through appointments. Likewise, pastors must communicate their heart and vision and cultivate friendships with their bishops and district superintendents if the gospel is to be advanced. Relationships of authority thrive on trust, and the gospel is best advanced through friendships. All church property is held in trust for the denomination and is subject to denominational review in its acquisition, development, and sale.