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. Denominational ownership of local church property unduly limits creativity and risk and cannot sustain unity. Unity will always be a matter of relationships not regulations. Elimination of this policy will free United Methodist churches to buy, sell, and facilitate all kinds of creative ministries. Even now, however, churches can rent and church people can create foundations that acquire and lease space to United Methodists.