Reflections of Annual Conference 2017 - after the fact Where does the UMC exist? I think this question has been at the center of our exploration of mission and purpose for a number of years. It has been central to our Annual Conference through structural change, leadership change, and focus of vision. It has been, and still is, a center of our current struggles as a denomination. The issue of existence relates to identity, structures, priorities, and connection to one another as United Methodists. Four things come to mind: Does the UMC exist as local congregations that are resourced by a structure and system? Does the UMC exist as a structure that is resourced by local congregations? Is it regional entities that are connected to a global fellowship? Is it a global system that is made up of diverse (and disparate, contrary) units? These are not questions that should answered with yes or no, and then be done. These questions are meant to focus our attention on what they mean...