United Methodist Church Property Handbook

Theology, Law, and Practice

NOW AVAILABLE in paperback and digital format

A practical, theological, and legally grounded guide to church property in The United Methodist Church

A clear and reliable handbook for church leaders, chancellors, attorneys, and students of polity who need to understand property law and governance in The United Methodist Church.

Read the comprehensive book review on UM-Insight.

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What this handbook offers:

  • A scholarly, yet practical, integration of Wesleyan theology, law, and ministry.
  • A description of the role and function of governing bodies (local church trustees, charge conference, district board of church location and building, conference board of trustees).
  • A comprehensive analysis of relevant provisions of the Book of Discipline 2020/2024 and the most recent decisions of the Judicial Council.
  • Step-by-step explanation of procedures (purchase, sale, lease, mortgage, merger, closure, ad-interim transfer, exigent-circumstance vesting) with decision trees, workflow checklists, and infographics.
  • Best practices for property-related decision-making.
  • Each chapter contains a practical vignette from ministry experience.
  • An overview of federal and California civil court approaches to church property disputes.
  • A summary of relevant Judicial Council case law from 1957 to 2025.
  • An exhaustive index of topics, keywords, disciplinary provisions, and judicial decisions.