Dear Delegates to the General Conference of the Global Methodist Church:
I hope you will seriously consider at this month’s General Conference (GC) a few suggestions on the Transitional Book of Doctrines and Discipline (TBDD) which will bring clarity and protection to our beloved new denomination.
I am a Senior Elder in the Trinity Conference of the Global Methodist Church who is still in full-time ministry. I pastor Lighthouse for Christ Church, which disaffiliated from The United Methodist Church and is at present an independent church. From my previous 25-year experience as an Elder in Full Connection in the Louisiana Annual Conference of the UMC, I have great concern as you do about fortifying the GMC so that we never regress to what we see in the UMC. Thus, I would appreciate your considering three paragraphs in the TBDD where I believe additional wording is necessary.
Part One: Doctrine ¶ 104 Holy Scripture
As a delegate to the Wesleyan Covenant Association general meeting around 2018 at Frazer Memorial UMC in Montgomery, AL there was a motion made on the floor to include the phrase “final authority” to explain the role of the Bible in what was then the incipient TBDD. This motion passed easily, with more than a super-majority. Thus, I am surprised that the word “final” was deleted from the GMC’s TBDD. I believe “final authority” needs to be included because very often in the UMC vague phrases such as “primary authority” of the Bible were used but interpreted to mean something like, “the first authority to which I go” or “carries much importance.” The phrase “final authority” is clearer and helps avoid the dilution of the Bible’s authority, while not getting into the issue of inerrancy. Interestingly, both the Free Methodist Church and Anglican Church in North America have on their websites official statements on the Bible as their “final authority.” Thus, I propose the sentence should read in ¶ 104 (my addition in italics): “The canonical books of the Old and New Testament (as specified in the Articles of Religion) are the primary rule and final authority for faith, morals, and service, against which all other authorities must be measured.”
Part Three: The Community of God’s People
Section III. Church Membership ¶ 310 Eligibility
I propose removing the phrase, “receive the sacraments” from the sentence, “All people may attend its worship service, participate in its programs, receive sacraments and, upon taking the vows of membership, become members in any local church in the connection.” If we want to include the idea that one does not need to be a member of a local GMC church to receive the sacraments, then I think we need to have a sentence that clarifies what this means. Thus, I propose removing “receive the sacraments” from the above statement and add as the next sentence: “All non-members of local churches who profess Jesus as their Lord and Savior are welcome to receive the sacraments.” 1 Corinthians 11:27-32 makes clear that communion is not to be taken in an “unworthy manner.”
¶ 311 Definition of Membership
Finally, I propose changing the first sentence which reads: “The membership of a local Global Methodist church shall include all people who have been baptized and all people who have professed their faith.” A key call missing from this line is what Jesus and the early church emphasized: Repentance (e.g., Matthew 4:17; Acts 2:37-38; Romans 6:1-2). Omission of this key call in a paragraph defining membership runs the danger of cheap grace, even if later ¶ 314 The Meaning of Baptism and ¶ 316 Baptismal Vows mention repentance. It would also be helpful to mention specific sins that are gaining attention in both the secular world and Christendom. Thus, I believe the first sentence should read: “The membership of a local Global Methodist church shall include: all people who have repented of their sins—including but not limited to the practices of racism, sexual relations outside of marriage, and homosexuality; all people who have been baptized; and all people who have professed their faith.”
I could list other sins—such as adultery, alcoholism, and stealing—but such practices are not debated in wider Christendom today as being sinful. I have found conservative pastors who disagree for three reasons with at least part of the extra line on repentance I have added. First, they say we don’t want to appear homophobic. However, if homosexuality is one of the major ethical issues of our generation—which it is—then not to address it directly would be unloving and irresponsible. Our role is to speak the truth in love and trust the Lord with the consequences. Second, it is claimed that the New Testament does not list sins. This is untrue. Jesus and the early church commonly listed sins that were struggles in their day (e.g., Matthew 15:19; Romans 1:26-32; Revelation 21:8). Third, it has been said those individuals not repentant of the three sins I listed above should be allowed in church membership but not leadership. However, this is fraught with problems, three of which come to mind.
First, it is misleading to bring a person before a congregation as a member without repentance since membership means that the person follows Jesus as Lord and Savior. Please note that perfection is not the standard that is sought for church membership, but rather a repentant attitude, a change of mind, that says, “Lord, I turn away from my rebellion to You; please make me who You want me to be.” Indeed, this is a life-long process. Following Him involves the narrow way and taking up one’s cross. If such sins are revealed to the pastor when the person is seeking membership then the person should acknowledge they are sins and agree to beginning the process of life change with the Lord’s help and the help of the Body of Christ. The Christian commitment is not unlike marriage, where a man and a woman make vows of ultimate allegiance to the other, while they rely on His grace when they fail their vows. Second, allowing unrepentant individuals to join a church would imply a de facto two-tier membership, where some can attain church leadership and others cannot. Moreover, once a church has two or three generations of pastors, who is keeping up with which member is in what tier? Third, allowing unrepentant individuals into local church membership would create potentially damaging situations where such individuals would have voice and vote in important church matters and even enter pastoral ministry. The result here would be allowing a Trojan horse of sorts into our churches to effect change—and this is the aim of groups like The Reformation Project, whose mission is “to advance LGBTQ inclusion in the church.” It is noteworthy that the Evangelical Methodist Church has on its website, “No practicing homosexual shall be permitted to be an official member of any Evangelical Methodist Church . . .”
It is my hope and prayer that these changes can be made at GC to the TBDD. If not, the GMC could be well on a trajectory leading to the denomination we just left.
Yours in Christ’s love,
Pastor Norwood N. “Woody” Hingle III, Ph.D.
Comment by George on September 11, 2024 at 11:45 am
I wish we could just change a word here and a phrase there and be done with it. The reality is that in just fifty or sixty years, our interpretations will be challenged and changed or deemed obsolete or offensive by the standards of those in leadership. We are going through that now and it will also happen again as future generations try to blend their new and socially inspired beliefs with those of the past. It’s never the words. It is us. We just can’t handle “Thou shalt not …………..”
Comment by John on September 11, 2024 at 1:41 pm
This strikes me as a narrow attempt to lock out homosexuals from the Church and avoid the possibility that future generations of GMs who would vote to change the Church’s policies. After all you have to be a member in order to vote at conference. I suppose the inclusion of racism in the list is meant to be seen as a bone being thrown to more left-leaning or moderate Christians who are much more concerned about racism in our time. But how will the GMC define racism and what will be basis of disciplining members who break their vow in this regard? We know of course what homosexuality is and how this provision would be enforced. Clergy found to be in either committed or casual sexual relationship with the same sex will be defrocked. Members will be scolded and perhaps banned. But how does one enforce a prohibition against racism? Sure there are things we can probably all agree would be clear examples: attending a klan meeting or vandalizing a synagogue. But would a cop who shoots an unarmed Black man be asked to repent of his actions? How about a blogger who questions the Holocaust? Would Vance after sharing the vile slander that Haitians are eating people’s pets be asked to repent of that lie specifically before the GMC allowed him to join? As they say the devil is in the details. I think the inclusion of racism is all about saving face, while the inclusion of homosexuality is all about trying to close the floor to the debate on this issue once-and-for-all. Ok, but why stop homosexuality? Why not sneak other doctrinal prohibitions into the vows to avoid future debate? For instance, the GMC claims that it will continue fully recognize and celebrate the ordination of women, just like the UMC. They’ve assured those worried about whether this more decentralized denomination will be able to effectively enforce such policy that there is no need to worry. Why not doubly reassure them by insisting that every member of GMC (current and future) vow to recognize the full and total equality of women within the church at all levels and the specifically the right of them to hold any church office, lay or clergy? After all, you can’t say this practice isn’t sharply debated in Christendom today, just like homosexuality. If you’re determined to build a wall to guard against a future leftward turn, why not guard against one to the right as well?
Comment by Skipper on September 11, 2024 at 3:34 pm
Some excellent suggestions, thanks so much!
Comment by Gary Bebop on September 11, 2024 at 6:50 pm
“John” bellows against Woody Hingle and the GMC as though he’s upbraiding the dumb bunnies of the outback. It’s but a supercilious diatribe that works like too much Cajun spice in the gumbo. Downright embarrassing.
Comment by John on September 11, 2024 at 7:03 pm
Gary,
Slow down, Sonny. You’re firing mixed similes, like a drunk monkey playing paintball.
Comment by MikeB on September 11, 2024 at 7:22 pm
George,
I agree with your point, no words will stop it if in 30 years those who have taken over pass a motion to remove the rules.
And then insert another rule to worship Satan.
We have seen how Bishops were not limited by the rules they did not wish to follow.
A constant vigil is warranted.
Comment by Timothy Overdurf on September 12, 2024 at 2:09 am
This is the dumbest stuff I have heard. I am an ordained minister in the united Methodist church, which is a complete train wreck. There’s not one measure of credibility to this backwards braying. I went through a complicated ten years of study to realize there can be no exclusion of gay people.
Comment by George on September 12, 2024 at 8:26 am
Rev. Overdurf, so it took you “ten years of complicated study” to come to the realization that there can be “no exclusions of gay people “. None whatsoever? Well, you could have saved yourself a lot of time and money by just reading your Bible and accepting its authority over the social norms of the day.
Comment by Chuck Horsager on September 12, 2024 at 9:57 am
Pastor Woody,
I just read your comments with great agreement toward them. Thank you for your great suggestions On all of this. But as others have mentioned, If people change rules and laws, then everything you get mixed up all over again…… But it doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t try to be very precise and very biblical in the onset And be watchful throughout!
I was the UMC pastor for over 12 years during much of this latest fight. With all the slippery of people and our culture, I think the best road is to side with God and his eternal Word And prayerfully seek his direction! Blessings to all who are in the new global Methodist Church and everyone else too!
Comment by Rik on September 12, 2024 at 12:36 pm
God’s Holy Word is the only Rock worthy of anchoring a Christian church. Other “rocks” may seem as attractive, most likely worthy, expedient. When the storms of life come, affecting the church as well as the individual, know that your built upon the cornerstone of Christ Jesus, and that we can be calm knowing Christ alone can command the wind and the waves. On Christ, the solid rock, His church must stand; all other ground (including prevalent societal dictates) is sinking sand. Stand firm on the Word of God: “God is our refuge and strength.” A mighty Fortress is our God. “From whence cometh our help? Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth…” O church, arise. ” Put on the full armor of God.” The church’s One Foundation is…Jesus Christ, her Lord. Official documents must reflect this. Stand firm on the Holy Bible which is the Word of God. Do not be blown away by every wind of doctrine.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your path.” Domine dirige nos.
Comment by Skipper on September 12, 2024 at 4:28 pm
John,
No one is trying to lock anyone out of the church. Note though that real Methodists don’t allow membership to those who live immorally, murder, steal cars for a living, and so on. We must all turn from sin and put our faith in Christ. Those who make their own rules and follow their own wisdom are simply not in a good relationship with God. They need to understand this if they are ever going to turn back to God.
Comment by Roger on September 12, 2024 at 5:39 pm
Pastor Woody;
I like your Article and how the Global Church should operate,however I feel the following should be included.
1) Communion, Paul, in 1Corinthians 11 uses the word “unworthly”. Pastors should warn people that if they are in adultery, LGBT, certainly not serving the elements, plus other sins. Paul says that some die because of unworthly taking communion. Christianity is an exclusive religion.
2) Membership: 1 Corinthians 1: 17 Christ sent me not to Baptize, but to preach the Gospel. The Gospel that Paul preaches is 1 Corinthians 15: 1 – 4. This saves you, today. There are 2 warnings about this Gospel. 1) Romans 2: 16 – In the day when God shall Judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my Gospel. 2) Galatians 1: 8 – 9 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other Gospel unto you than that we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before , so say I now again, If any man preach any other Gospel , unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. The basis of membership must be for a Christian, this Gospel. People were first called Christians at Antioch. This is the message they heard, a crucifide and resurrected Jesus. The 12 and even Jesus did not have followers that were called Christians and none of the 12 ever wrote to Gentiles. All our Methodist Churches need to preach this Gospel.
Comment by Hymnsinger on September 12, 2024 at 8:01 pm
We are all proof that “God can hit straight licks with a crooked stick.”
Comment by Tim Ware on September 12, 2024 at 9:06 pm
John,
Don’t worry about Global adopting rules to shut out homosexual ordination. Whatever rules they adopt now, within 25 years, if that long, they will be ordaining homosexuals.
Remember, organized Christianity always changes its beliefs and practices to follow whatever is current in society. Some groups may take longer than others to fall in line, but eventually they all do.
Comment by Dan on September 12, 2024 at 9:22 pm
I. Cannot tell you how wonderful that you believers who decided to leave the UMC are standing for righteousness. “God is not mocked.” The pain and grief of having to separate yourselves may not be gone, but be assured that you belong to the Body of Christ. Our titles hold no power that equals the precious Body of our Lord. You have suffered yes , but so did your founders John and Charles. Denominationalism always has casualties
The Church of Christ desires our total love to Him only that will last. What can we do to diminish the. Sacrifice of the Crucified Lord?
Comment by John on September 13, 2024 at 11:12 am
Skipper,
Then why single out homosexuality?
Comment by Paul on September 13, 2024 at 11:36 am
A bit late to be proposing, and by the way, did you file petitions to this effect? If not, they won’t be considered at all. There isn’t time and too much else on the plate.
Comment by MikeB on September 14, 2024 at 12:05 am
John,
It is indeed interesting that the left has chosen one specific sin as the one they wish to drive the stake into traditional Christianity.
But no, no matter which sin is at the forefront of the drive to total repudiation of Biblical jurisdiction over our lives you would have the same fight.
Because at the end of the day, many of us still believe God to be real and independent from our wants and desires.
Comment by George on September 14, 2024 at 8:21 am
In 1970, homosexuality was illegal and considered immoral across the nation and in most of the world. Just 20 years ago it was still illegal in 14 states. Today the practice is protected by law nationwide. Not just protected but also celebrated. We have even brought it into our church sanctuaries before the alter of God and blessed it with a sacrament. And woe unto those who still consider it an abomination. These people are the ones who now are scorned and put in jeopardy of losing their jobs, positions, friends, and even family if they hold against this perversion. This has all happened in just half of a lifetime. During this same time we have legalized the slaughter of millions of unborn children. What next is Satan going to move us to.? Zoophilia? Bestiality? It bewilders me to even think what is going to be in our future.
Comment by Skipper on September 14, 2024 at 9:25 am
John,
The UMC has declared homosexuality acceptable behavior. This is ignoring the Bible and making your own rules like the Pharisees tried. Jesus told them how evil it is to make your own rules and call them God’s rules. They don’t care if these people turn back to God and receive his protection. They just want to make them happy in their sins while they are here on earth.
Comment by Douglas E Ehrhardt on September 14, 2024 at 10:14 pm
If people actually understood how dangerous homosexual sex is ,it wouldn’t be celebrated. The mass media is controlled by the queer lobby and only promotes how wonderful it is. The abuse and targeting of minors is really not good. There are some very good sources of information on the pathological results of sodomy and other destructive sex activities and the diseases and damage to the body that are the result. Unfortunately you must search them out. Leftist media is always screaming about censored books . Which is not actually true. Try finding information on the negative effects of homosexual sex . There you might find some real censorship.
Comment by MikeB on September 15, 2024 at 1:33 pm
Douglas,
The problem with falling into the trap of this is not good for society is that then it becomes a well my opinion vs your opinion. Let’s invest more money into STD Prevention and a HIV Vaccine to make it less dangerous (all good things).
The reason it is bad is because God said so. God laid out the family structure with his blessings which include sex for married couples to create children. Again and Again God tells us his path and plan, but as we all cannot follow his plan that is why Christ died for us.
It is all about our being willing to follow God, and acknowledge his rule over our lives. While yes there are many downsides to all sins, we must keep focus that those downsides are due to the human being out of alignment with their maker and their true purpose, which only comes from God.
Comment by John on September 16, 2024 at 1:37 pm
Skipper,
I didn’t ask you about the UMC. I asked about the GMC and why the singled out homosexuality in this proposal. You said it wasn’t to keep homosexuals out of the church, but then yours and everyone else’s response seem to indicate that is the intent.
Comment by Skipper on September 16, 2024 at 4:32 pm
John,
Homosexuality is the topic of discussion here, it is not being singled out. In a way, homosexuals have singled out themselves. Those who steal or murder are quick to admit what they do is wrong. And it is wrong in God’s eyes. The some groups are now saying that living immorally or in a perverted lifestyle is not wrong, but the Bible lets us know it is clearly wrong in God’s eyes. Like the Pharasees, they have no reason to change the way they live and get in a good relationship with God. That’s what needs to happen to all sinners, and we are all sinners.
Comment by Joan Wesley on September 17, 2024 at 9:22 pm
I agree that the verbiage surrounding the Bible needs to be very clear. Remember the problems the Wesleyan Quadrilateral caused when it was not understood correctly.
And as for the homosexuality issue, I cannot help but wonder if leadership is being a bit naive. Feels like there ought to be more to it than they are welcome but cannot serve in a leadership role. Remember how people infiltrated the UMC with the intent to change it.
Comment by Orter. T on September 19, 2024 at 6:17 pm
The church needs to establish a pathway to membership that includes very clear teaching as to what the expectations are. In the UMC, as somebody said, we would accept everybody and anybody and so far, under the GMC, that still seems to be the MO.
Comment by Diane on September 22, 2024 at 3:54 am
So if an intersex person – who identified as intersex in states where that’s legal – marries, would this not be a same-sex marriage? For example, a person born with an outer anatomy of a typical female, but with XY chromosomes and both male and female reproductive internal organs – and rightly chooses to identify as intersex in NY or CO, where such birth certificates are re-issued, isn’t it a same-sex marriage no matter who they marry? Intersex people are by definition “between the sexes”, ambiguously-sexed, not biologically clearly male or female, but a bit of both, thanks to Mother Nature.
Comment by George on September 22, 2024 at 10:03 pm
Diane seems to search out the most far flung possible but improbable circumstance to make her point as if there is a point. I bet she even believes that men and women who wish to be treated and accepted as their opposite sex is a courageous thing. Men in women’s restrooms and locker rooms? That’s just fine with Diane. I bet she even bought into the false belief that men can become pregnant. Do you draw the line anywhere, Diane? I guess you don’t. Which means you have no value system. Anything and everything goes for you.
Comment by MikeB on September 22, 2024 at 10:11 pm
Diane,
There is no ‘mother nature’ John 9:3 tells us in the case of a birth defect; “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him”.
People who are intersex fall into a number of genetic groups, some are very basically male or female, some are more exotic.
There are no recorded cases yet of an intersex person having working male and female reproductive capabilities.
That medical fact aside, in your referred case the person is both aware that they are intersex and would be aware what specifically their case is.
This case is where your theoretical person would understand if they are a big or small gamete person and who they are marrying.
To note if they are not a Christian, then they do what they want, they do not recognize God or his word.
If they are then they choose how they respond to God’s word, and they choose to follow him or not. They like all Christians everyday must choose if the work God may be glorified in their life.