With more than 250 entries, this book is a comprehensive, annotated guide to the United Methodist Discipline for pastors and church leaders, district superintendents, bishops, agency staff, and others beyond the local church who need a quick reference guide to issues that arise in ministry. Polity is about ordering the life of the church for the mission of God in the world and how we anchor our understanding of how God is calling us to covenant with each other.

Each entry includes:

a quote from John Wesley or another notable Methodist;

related Discipline paragraph numbers;

definition and how each entry relates to pastors and leaders;

notes on historical and theological roots.

Entries include:

Apportionments (what they do, the "formula")

Baptism

Confirmation

Connectional Table

Constitution of The United Methodist Church

Cross and Flame - UM Insignia, Use and Limits

Designated Giving and Funds

Equitable Compensation

Evangelism

Fellowship of Associate Members and Local Pastors

General Council on Finance and Administration

Historic Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU's)

Housing Allowance (For Pastors)

Lay Delegate to General Conference, Jurisdiction, and Central Conferences

Liturgical Seasons See Christian Year

Membership Records and Removal

Merger with Another Church

Offering

Orders

Ordination

Pan-Methodist Commission

Pastor's Compensation and Benefits

Pastor/Staff Parish Relations Committee

Property Taxes

Quorum for Meetings

Restrictive Rules

Safe Sanctuaries

Special Sundays and Offerings

Tax Exempt Status

Tithe/Tithing

Trust Clause

United Methodist Women

Ushers

Vacation Bible School