Connectionalism

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Connectionalism is the theological understanding and foundation of Methodist polity. The United Methodist Church website defines it as the principle that:

“... all leaders and congregations are connected in a network of loyalties and commitments that support, yet supersede, local concerns.” ^[1]

In the United Methodist Church, this translates in several ways. All local church buildings are paid for by the local church, but held "in trust" for the whole denomination. All local churches are expected to participate in the annual conferences and the denomination's ministries through shared ministries payments. In addition, pastors only serve a congregation when they are appointed by their bishop.