I recently wrote an article outlining and lamenting ways in which United Methodist bishops are now worsening their long history of needlessly harming congregations, noting the stark contrast in how the Global Methodist Church views its congregations, and suggesting some minimal steps that any United Methodist bishops could take if they truly want this season of separation to proceed more amicably. Progressive United Methodist leader Bill Brownson responded, strongly critiquing my article in an op-ed for Ministry Matters, a website of the United Methodist Publishing House.
Ministry Matters has now published my response to Brownson. In my response, I set the record straight on several areas of misunderstanding and misinformation in this season of disaffiliation. These include why non-liberal congregations really are faced with an urgent deadline of acting very soon if they may wish to disaffiliate, how progressive United Methodist leaders are making non-liberals feel understandably alarmed at how they may be treated if they choose to stick with the rapidly liberalizing United Methodist Church, how our denomination is actually now getting the divorce that liberal United Methodists wanted, and the logical impossibilities of progressive United Methodist attempts to have it both ways.
I am grateful to Ministry Matters for publishing content from United Methodists from a range of perspectives.
Bill Brownson’s recent article, “Put Down the Fear-Filled Playbook,” chastising me, comes in the context of a significant power differential.
He is CFO and Director of Administration for the large-membership West Ohio Conference. November’s North Central Jurisdictional Conference (where we were both delegates), showed how Brownson is now part of an overwhelmingly dominant liberal faction. He co-submitted a resolution promoting liberalized sexuality standards, which passed by more than 80 percent. The 2022 bishop elections, and the Northeastern Jurisdiction’s extraordinary refusal to fill one vacancy, showcased a nationwide, admitted litmus test in American United Methodist leadership: now no one with a traditional stance on marriage, even if they are very “compatibilist” about it, and no matter how otherwise qualified they are, could be elected bishop.
Traditionalist United Methodists and genuine moderates now wonder if the rapidly changing UMC will have any place for them—other than perhaps as second-class citizens, begrudgingly tolerated as long as they pay apportionments and stay silent. As an important aside, it must be understood that traditionalist United Methodists are not some scary, fringe faction who had little business ever being in this denomination in the first place. Rather, by accepting this label, theological traditionalists like me are simply saying that we are loyal to the historic and still-official doctrinal and moral standards of the UMC.
Read more at Ministry Matters.
Comment by John on March 15, 2023 at 10:22 am
I can’t help but think that in all this fearmongering about what the future of The UMC will be like, the traditionalists’ concerns might have been mitigated if something akin to the One Church Plan had passed at the special General Conference in 2019. The Plan carried the overwhelming support of progressives and centrists, but was of course defeated through the highly-organized opposition of the traditionalists who saw to the passage of the aptly named Traditional Plan instead that tightened existing restrictions within the Discipline with the stated intention of making The UMC so inhospitality to its progressive members that they would feel compelled to leave rather than continue to advocate change. You didn’t want more autonomy and flexibility for conferences and churches to decide how to handle these issues internally 4 years ago. Now you’re decrying the lack of such autonomy in the denomination in order to convince more people to leave. You breathe both hot and cold at the same time and hope no one notices.
Comment by Td on March 15, 2023 at 12:00 pm
No, John, the institurional UMC plan was always the plan they are doing now. The one church plan says something, but it would have not been followed in any other manner than how they are following the traditional plan that did pass. One way or the other, the US UMC bishops were going force their way onto their church.
They would have preferred the one church plan because it would not have included a new disafilliation provision and would not made their tactics as visible. But either way, they are convinced that they must liberate their fellow same-sex practicing clergy from christ’s oppressive teachings.
Comment by Jonathan on March 15, 2023 at 1:56 pm
Yes splitting up a church because we can’t discuss disagreements of faith and beliefs. We look at one or two sins as if they are the worst sins in the world that we live in. Why did we allow divorced, thieves, and lying pastors to stay in the pulpit? Because society has allowed them to thrive and we believe in grace. Yet we don’t do that with the crux of these arguments. Perhaps we should rethink things and stop fear mongering.
The biggest groups that want to split are nothing more than a Wesleyan sect. That no longer understand Wesleyan thinking and use passages to justify only their beliefs.
Comment by Joel Betow on March 15, 2023 at 4:23 pm
Your article makes some valid points, but I would note that there are some large moderate/liberal UMC’s that have their own concerns about the UMC and are likely to go independent Methodist. As well, many “traditionalists” who have or will leave the UMC have been sabatoging it for years by withholding apportionments. Mark Tooley is mostly just a spooky church anarchist who would turn Global Methodism into a wing of the Republican Party. The Church faces enormous challenges — even traditionalists. One reliable poll showed 38% of white Evangelicals under age 35 approve of gay marriage. Methodists, United, Global, Wesleyan and independent will all have to minister and witness in a rapidly changing world. Adam Hamilton was traditionalists’ golden boy — until he wasn’t.
Comment by Reynolds on March 15, 2023 at 5:12 pm
The benefit of leaving the UMC is you not have to pay fees anymore. Those fees will increase over the years and will bankrupt some churches. Also, churches will be able to pick their own pastor vs a Bishop sending some pastor who is not a good fit. There have been issues in the past when a Bishop sent universalist pastor to an Orthodox Church and ended up driving out the members. Also, the churches that do leave get to own their own property which is good.
Comment by John on March 15, 2023 at 5:48 pm
Reynolds,
It sounds like what you really want is a fully independent nondenominational church, which is fine, but don’t call it Methodist or Wesleyan because it’s not. Itineracy was a fundamental characteristic of the Methodist movement all the way to beginning. The last thing Wesley ever would have wanted was churches choosing their own pastor without any accountability. He knew it would breed conformity rather than sanctification. If you want an independent church then start one from scratch.
Comment by Reynolds on March 15, 2023 at 8:37 pm
The GMC supposedly would allow churches greater autonomy to pick their own pastors. Also, I think having partnerships or loose affiliations might be a better way
Comment by Leslie Gries on March 15, 2023 at 8:51 pm
What conservatives are doing is trying to cull a group from the herd, but if we substituted ‘any who sin [as conservatives seem to be singling out in their minds, I do not believe this of LGBTQs as such myself]’ you won’t have anyone left in the pews or the clergy. My question to conservatives: what makes one group of perceived sinners (your judgement, not mine) special?
Comment by Scott B on March 15, 2023 at 8:54 pm
My church disaffiliated and we couldn’t be more happy. The current UMC definitely uses fear (typical liberals) and it truly backfired on them. They did not stick with current Book of Discipline and that’s why the UMC is in its current pickle. I also call on any church to request an audit on its Conference. Our Conference had Millions of dollars unaccounted for…a huge surplus and yet they still made us pay apportionment during Covid. The UMC needs to be purged and I predict that the UMC will be dissolved within 4 years. It cannot sustain their current path.
Comment by Grayson on March 15, 2023 at 9:48 pm
Are gay clergy allowed Gods’ grace or not? It is a fundamental question. Your answer to this question is one of exclusion. The opposing sides answer is one of inclusion.
This is not a battle that can be won in the long term. All of the complaints you issue in your article are a direct logical result of your positon.
It should come as no surprise.
Comment by John on March 15, 2023 at 9:50 pm
Reynolds,
Maybe, but it’s not the Wesleyan way. It will also make it even harder for the denomination or conference to hold congregations accountable. Like I said start whatever kind of church or denomination you want, but you should probably drop the Wesleyan label.
Comment by Mark Smitty on March 15, 2023 at 10:53 pm
The reality is that some UMC congregations are being forced to faceed with the choice of disafiliation OR closure. Smaller congregations will not survive as many of us will simply withdraw our memberships and seek churches that align with our beliefs.
Comment by Jed on March 16, 2023 at 12:16 am
Thanks for your courage and faithfulness John. Truthful and accurate as always.
Comment by Suzanne West on March 16, 2023 at 1:46 am
I am not an Methodist academic by any means, just a 70 year old former church member, but still a Methodist at heart and in my spiritual beliefs.
The extreme right and bigoted bishops and conferences have been taking over the Methidist Church for decades now and been forcing out those of us with progressive beliefs.
I do not lean right in any way, shape or form and this right wing nonsense over the years drove me away.
I deeply believe in the teaching that Jesus came to bring us a new Gospel, and His Gospel taught love, not condemnation
Our Savior showed his respect for women and their God-given gifts in his inner circle with both Mary Martha and Mary Magdalene. I have found nothing in his teachings in my Bible where he decried homosexuality, gay marriage, gay ministers, women’s rights or even abortion.
Personally, I welcome the departure of these conservative churches.
It is time for the progressives to take control of the true United United Methodist Church and be the force for good it should be. I’m hoping there will be at least a few true Methodist churches left in my city after all the conservatives go their Global or “Independent” way so I can in good conscience return to church once again.
Comment by Rev. Tim George on March 16, 2023 at 2:43 am
Jesus is coming soon and when we put away the lukewarmness and burn like gold purified in the fire, we can unite under the blood of Jesus Christ. He said all those whom I love I chase. So put on eye salve. Rejoice in the Lord.
Comment by Dan on March 16, 2023 at 6:55 am
Maybe I’m too naive, but Christ’s teachings are not oppressive. He told us to love one another, didn’t He?
He never spoke of gays, lesbians or sex did he? Please, someone give me a “Jesus spoke these words” scripture chapter and verse to prove me wrong.
Thank you
Comment by Tom on March 16, 2023 at 8:25 am
I hate it anytime I hear of churches splitting because of “progressive” members or ideology….but this is what Satan wants. Jesus wasn’t progressive…He stated He came into the world to fulfill The Law. Yes, Jesus said to forgive….but He didn’t mean to compromise on what God said to do or not to do. Homosexuality was an abomination in the Old Testament, the New Testament, and is still an abomination in God’s eyes today. But Satan has gotten into the hearts and minds of people and gotten them away from the Truth.
The Church had best get back to understanding there’s a difference between building your faith on the Rock as compared to sand. A rock does not change…God does not change…His law will not change. As we approach the End Times….you best hold tightly to The Rock of Ages. Don’t be lax, and be swayed by “progressive ideology” that never was nor never been a part of God’s plan/God’s Word….and be “spewed out of His mouth”.
I’ve got a few friends that are gay/lesbian….I treat them well whenever I’m around them. They know I’m straight and probably don’t approve of their lifestyle. That’s their choice….but it doesn’t change the FACT that their lifestyle is an abomination in God’s eyes. And they should not be permitted to be members of a God fearing church until they repent and change their path. Allowing homosexuality and other progressive ideology to be a part of your life or a church is stepping away from the rock/Rock and onto the sand.
Comment by Christine on March 16, 2023 at 8:30 am
My dad was a UMC pastor until 1994, when he retired, at 58, due to a “tidal wave of rhetoric that is blind to the foundations of biblical truth,” He saw the NJ-UMC conference try to respond to a dying congregation, but the response was counter cultural to the foundation of evangelical thought Wesley was trying to grow. Millions have fled the mainstream churches due to their inability to remain unapologetically biblical, while those congregation who remain faithful to scriptural truth thrive. The UMC needed a wake up but their direction to follow the world will continue to aid their demise. The road is narrow and there is only one way… you can call it enlightment but not all enlightment means salvation. Seek salvation and the path will be made clear. Great article… keep the faith, lead your flock to salvation, stay true to the roots of the UMC but get out when you still can see truth…just like my dad!
Comment by Curtis Griesel on March 16, 2023 at 8:37 am
Standing for human rights is not a rapid change in the Methodist church. It is one of John Wesley’s central teachings, and a core part of the church’s tradition.
Comment by Michael on March 16, 2023 at 9:11 am
The Globalists are separatists who are more concerned with salaries & buildings than doing the work of The Gospels.
The “divorce” you blame on the UMC is on the Globalists.
Comment by Also John on March 16, 2023 at 10:35 am
This has been enlightening reading.
It is quite interesting to discover that those who hold up what the church has believed for, oh, let’s say 2000 years or so are at the root of all the problems in the church.
It’s even more interesting to discover that one person in a small group of people who hold certain political views is the cause of so much trouble, as if the UMC has been politically neutral since 1968. Yes, the UMC hierarchy has always tried very hard to not support either the political left or right for generations now.
When all this mess is settled one day in 2024 I hope some of you will look in the mirror and realize that traditionalists/conservatives/whatever label you want to use are not the reason why this church is sort of splitting up.
Comment by Steve on March 16, 2023 at 12:11 pm
Joel,
You wrote, “One reliable poll showed 38% of white Evangelicals under age 35 approve of gay marriage.” I am surprised it is that low. The problem with attributing polls of the general population to other groups, say Christians, is that the poll never accounted for that variable. One can easily say they support same-sex marriage yet not in the Christian church. I can say I support Jewish, Muslim, or Athiest couple’s right to marriage. But not in a Christian church because they do not meet the definition of Christian marriage. Support for same-sex and traditional Christian marriage can coexist within the same person. That is the problem the “inclusion” activists simply refuse to understand or admit.
Comment by Steve on March 16, 2023 at 2:24 pm
Greyson,
You ask, “Are gay clergy allowed God’s grace or not?” That is why there are multiple Protestant denominations with 10s or thousands of churches that allow gay clergy to be ordained and preach. That’s what’s so great about Protestantism, it is a big tent for everyone. However, making every denomination share the same beliefs knocks down the poles of the tent and it will soon fall. The Protestant faith is inclusive and diverse now. Why are the “inclusion” activists trying to make it less diverse?
Comment by Pastor Mike on March 16, 2023 at 2:42 pm
A Council of Bishops with no accountability, selective enforcement of the Book of Discipline, District Committees of Ministry approving unqualified ministry candidates, inappropriate use of apportionment funds, promotion of social issues and racial politics over the Great Commission, bureaucratic and bloated infrastructure, little-to-no resources support for local churches, UMC-supported seminaries that teach “New Age” subjects and allow “worship services” where participants pray to the “great queer one,” UMC pastors who expound false beliefs (one of my predecessors preached there was no hell), the weaponization of connectionalism, and a total breakdown of trust at all levels – episcopal, district, clergy, and laity – these are some of the reasons for the schism within the UMC.
Comment by George on March 17, 2023 at 4:19 pm
Perfectly said, Pastor Mike. You hit the nail on the head. Now just wait for the next round of heretical beliefs that will follow. The UMC will give its complete support for any and all abortions . Of course they will justify this by saying Jesus never spoke against it. They will somehow tie the word love to it which makes it easier to swallow. Then they will move on to things like man/boy relationships. Sure, why not? Jesus never addressed it so that must be ok, right? There are no limits to the perversions that they will address in the name of love. What an enlightened generation they are. So smart. So clever. So sinful.
Comment by Jerry Jones on March 18, 2023 at 8:37 am
So many people are over using the trope “Jesus never said…” or some other idiom to promote their point of view. Context is extremely important when we today try to characterize the notion of “what would Jesus do…” Jesus was a devout practicing Jew who learned what he knew from God directly and he used that awareness and knowledge to influence other devout Jews. While Jesus did say that Mosaic law was “of man” he never refuted any of the tenets of Deuteronomy or Leviticus…including homosexuality and even slavery. The world that they lived in was hostile towards homosexuality and supportive of slavery. I’m not saying that because Jesus did or did not say explicitly any position on these it is because he was a devout Jew who was becoming the author of a new Church. Christianity did not become a real religion until many years after the crucifixion. We need to decide for ourselves, each of us and as groups what sort or church we want today. In my mind Local Pastors are the glue that holds a congregation together and gives us a diverse community within our parishes. A traditional Methodist is accepting of all people regardless of race, color or creed. We are not classists nor do we admonish others for the commission of perceived sin. We are all broken and we all bear our own sin which is why Jesus taught us to “remove the log from your own eye” before trying to help your neighbor. So the debate over homosexuality in our churches or our parishes is going to continue and, sadly, it will render many churches insolvent and will only serve to be a wedge issue over the course of history. It has been controversial before and it will continue to divide as this is not an issue where the assumption of a position helps bring people closer together. Peace be with you all.
Comment by JoeR on March 20, 2023 at 5:30 pm
As a 40 year member of the UMC it is hard for me as laity to say calmly the disdain I have for upper level management. The way clergy are treated and the lack of situational awareness is beyond belief.
This ship has sunk. Our growing and dynamic congregation is being torn apart due to past leadership not abiding by the BOD. Liberals won’t stop until they win. Great! Liberal versions of other denominations are tanking. Follow them, it is a brilliant strategy.
After watching the laughable 2019 fiasco of gamesmanship I knew we were at best gasping for air. The covid excuse was the end.
It is time to find a new home where scripture is preached and holiness is a goal to work towards.
Repentance is critical. Affirming sin is a travesty
Comment by Ted on March 20, 2023 at 6:20 pm
Amen, JoeR. This coming from a Christian raised in the Methodist church for nearly 69 yrs. When you choose to ignore the biblical truths and the BOD of the Methodist church and instead decide to follow the ideas of man, you are truly lost. The UMC will disappear within a few years.
Comment by Td on March 24, 2023 at 11:53 am
Jerry jones,
your mentionof how homosexuality was viewed at the time of Jesus is not quite correct. While homosexual acts may have been viewed negatively by practicing Jews, it was not viewed that way by the world around them. The non jewish culture was full of both the practice and approval of homosexual acts.
That the apostles and early church firmly stood against homosexual acts in a world that accepted those acts is significant for us today. It is simply not true that the time of Jesus viewed homosexual acts with non approval.
Comment by Astrid Jenkins on May 3, 2023 at 3:22 am
It is sad how many times you chose to lie about the progressive folks in UMC. It’s not surprising, knowing that your history is built on lies about progressives.
The fact is that every characteristic you prescribed to progressives actually belong to conservatives who falsely like to call themselves traditionalists to try and give their baseless claims more grandeur. The fact is that the Bible supports the position of the progressives and the conservatives simply want a world where people who don’t look, act, and talk like them, are made invisible and shoved back in the closet or in the grave, as long as they can’t be seen.
The Conservatives are reaping what they sewed with the falsely named traditional plan. This is the prison you built for yourself by attacking and disowning your UMC neighbors. You get no sympathy for your folly and you don’t get to play the victim without being dismissed as ridiculous.