The short answer: Because the denomination has become irrelevant.
And, as a traditional Wesleyan living in Northern Virginia, as would be true in most large metropolitan areas, there are few alternatives.
For nearly 40 years, starting as a college student, I worked for evangelical renewal in United Methodism. During 2019-2023, we at IRD encouraged traditional churches to exit under the temporary denominational law allowing withdrawal from the denomination with church property. Nearly 8,000 churches exited or were officially “closed,” half of them joining the new Global Methodist Church (GMC).
GMC has no major presence in the DC area or in most cities, especially outside the south, otherwise I would have joined the GMC. Almost no churches exited United Methodism in the DC area. I still hope GMC will plant in Washington, DC, and Northern Virginia, and in other urban areas.
Other Wesleyan denominations, like the Nazarenes, Free Methodists, Wesleyans, Church of God and others, do not have a very strong presence in my area. Also, I confess, I prefer traditional worship with old hymns, liturgy, an organ, with minister in clerical robes. I enjoyably attend a United Methodist congregation near my home that has all of these, plus a pastor who preaches a traditional Gospel.
There are probably problems in my local church, as there are everywhere, but I’m not looking for them. Reinhold Niebuhr rightly warned against idealizing the church, just as we shouldn’t idealize any other human institution.
I am not a fan of the United Methodist Church’s current direction. But in truth, I have not been for my whole life. Yet still I came to and grew in faith in it. The denominational policies are less distressing to me now than 30 years ago because they have become almost inconsequential. And mercifully, I never hear them discussed in my congregation, because very few care about them. Of what importance are they? As my former pastor once admitted, nobody in the congregation under age 60 cares about United Methodism.
Contrary to what critics of Mainline Protestantism think, based on “Woke Preacher Clips” or other provocative media, local Mainline congregations rarely include political radicalism or drag queens, etc. They typically include mostly traditional people who worship with traditional hymns, liturgy, and sermons. They are more oblivious and indifferent to their denominational bureaucracies than ever before.
Mainline Protestantism is institutionally dying. Many of its denominations, including United Methodism, possibly, even likely, will not functionally exist ten years from now, except on paper or as endowments. As a young man I heard old people defiantly declare: “I will die a United Methodist!” I have not heard that from anybody in many years, about any denomination. Mainline denominations will die or fade into obscurity, but thousands of their congregations will endure, adapting to new realities apart from the old rigid denominational structures.
Decades ago, denominations commanded multidenominational loyalties. People built their lives around them. They attended them, tithed to them, read their publications, attended their camps, joined their men’s or women’s societies, supported their missions’ agencies, and sent their children to their colleges. Those days are over. Now, church goers look for a congregation that suits them, regardless of denominational ties.
The priest of the Episcopal church near my United Methodist church told me his congregation, when he arrived after the pandemic, had faded away. So he helped recruit new people, including many families, the vast majority of whom do not care about the Episcopal church. Many of them are former Baptists. They just want a neighborhood church with other young families. The label on the sign is unimportant to them.
Of course, many denominational churches now hide their label, seeing a denominational tie as a hindrance. This is neither good nor bad, just different.
I am still a United Methodist and attend a United Methodist church every Sunday as a I have my whole life. But I do not care about the denomination. Even as a lifelong adherent and once longtime activist, I can no longer name the major officials of my ostensible denomination. I do not follow what its agencies do. The bishops recently made astatement about the Iran War. I did not read it. Why bother? Nobody else does.
If asked what I am religiously, I will say: “Methodist.” Many will assume that means “United Methodist” and assume it entails far left wokery. Few realize that “Methodist” applies to scores of denominations in the U.S. and around the world that include 80 million or so people. USA United Methodism has only 3.9 million at last count, down from 11 million 57 years ago, and fast declining. And many if not most of remaining USA United Methodists are traditional or centrist, focused on their local congregations, not the denomination.
Thousands of United Methodist churches will close in coming years. But thousands will survive. (There are about 20,000 in the U.S., down from over 30,000 just a few years ago.) I hope my congregation will endure. If it continues to preach the Gospel, it likely will.
Ten years ago, if you had told me that, after a denominational schism, I would still be a United Methodist, I would have been shocked. But in our post denominational age, when denominations mean very little, here I am, by default. I am grateful for my congregation and indifferent to the denomination. It does not merit anger, opposition or even irritation. Its sunset is now visible. Extinct dinosaurs should not be feared.
As President William McKinley once explained: “I am a Methodist and nothing but a Methodist—a Christian and nothing but a Christian.” United Methodism was born in 1968 and will expire in coming years. But Methodism, with its message of divine grace available to all people, will continue.
More from IRD:
Mainline Protestantism’s Fall?
Why No Urban Methodist Church Plants?
Doug Wilson Plants in DC; Methodism Shuns DC
Comment by Tim Mc on March 17, 2026 at 11:33 pm
Do you tithe to your UMC church?
Comment by Different Steve on March 18, 2026 at 9:33 am
Tithing is the practice of giving a portion of your income—traditionally 10% (“a tenth”)—to a religious organization. The idea comes from the Bible, especially the Old Testament, where it was tied to supporting priests, temples, and the poor. In modern practice, it usually means donating money to a church.
How it’s viewed today
In some traditions, especially evangelical churches and groups like The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, tithing is strongly emphasized and sometimes expected.
In mainline Protestant churches (like United Methodist Church, Episcopal Church, or Evangelical Lutheran Church in America), it’s usually encouraged but not strictly required. More of a guideline than a rule.
How many actually tithe?
Short answer: not many—especially among “mainliners.”
Studies generally show:
Only about 5–10% of American Christians give a full 10% of their income.
Among mainline Protestants, the number is likely lower—often just a few percent.
Most people who give to church give something, but it’s usually:
2–3% of income on average, not 10%.
Sometimes irregular (weekly offerings, special donations, etc.).
What’s really going on
In mainline churches, the culture is more:
“Give what you can” rather than “you must give 10%.”
Emphasis on voluntary generosity, not obligation.
So in practice, tithing is more of an ideal than a reality for most mainline members.
Comment by David on March 18, 2026 at 1:37 pm
Methodism became more formal in the 20th century. The traditional reading desk-centered meetinghouses gave way to altar-centered churches with a pulpit and a Bible lectern. Crosses and candles on the communion tables, then altars, appeared around 1920. Methodist clergy began wearing robes in the 1940s, following the Lutherans and others. Robe-wearing faded in the 19th century as Anglican influence waned.
Comment by Gary Bebop on March 18, 2026 at 4:24 pm
The vapidity of the conversation shows itself in the comments. There is no discussion of Methodism as being alive. The UMC is preparing its death bed. Its residual energies are being invested in its social dogmas and managing the windup of its clerical class. Mark Tooley ably served the denomination as a contrarian. He knew he was outnumbered and would find his enemies in his own denominational household. The GMC is ambitious, but do they have the gift of starting churches?
Comment by PFSchaffner on March 18, 2026 at 5:56 pm
I think the point of the person who asked about tithing was not to inquire into Mr. Tooley’s personal giving habits but to point out the moral dilemma arising from attending a UMC church: if you attend a church, you should donate to it; if you donate to a UMC church, then much of what you give is flowing up the denomination to causes you may find wrong-headed or even repellent. Stewardship of what we give means that the time is past when one can pretend that the UMC is congregationalist in structure and ignore all the things that one’s money funds. The same episcopal structure means that taking refuge in a local ‘good’ minister is a short-lived delusion: sooner or later that minister will retire, and the superintendent or the bishop will appoint someone from the current pool, and you will not like it. That’s what happened here, and will happen there too: stewardship concerns prepared us to leave; a newly appointed minister who found inspiration in the works of Ibram X. Kendi was just the immediate occasion. It was perhaps easier for us because we were attenders, not members, and not really Methodists (both being from Reformed traditions). We are now attending a small splinter church which has become a GMC plant — and which is attended by both of our previous (now retired) UMC ministers.
Comment by Qohelet on March 18, 2026 at 5:59 pm
This is how you know the UMC really believes in inclusion. You can spend your whole career writing about how terrible our church is, and you still are welcome in it.
There’s probably a lesson in Grace there, for those who care enough to listen.
Comment by Thomas on March 18, 2026 at 7:19 pm
I would advice Mark Tooley to start church planting where he lives. He certainly will attract lots of people.
Comment by Tracy C Jones on March 18, 2026 at 9:25 pm
UMC churches have waned in membership as we’ve refocused on our North Star of full inclusion and proclaiming that all persons are created in God’s image and loved and cherished as they are. However, as the UMC has finally and clearly made their stance i, it is also gaining members who had not felt welcomed inside a church for a long time. The UMC is living out God’s calling to love boldy, serve joyfully, and lead courageously.
Comment by Thomas on March 18, 2026 at 9:28 pm
These are nice words but I really don`t think fits the Gospel. Remember its the narrow path that leads to Salvation, and the clear word of God on human sexuality and marriage.
Comment by Qohelet on March 19, 2026 at 6:40 am
::Checks Gospels::
Can’t find any mention of human sexuality in them.
I get that what goes on in other people’s bedrooms is a big deal to Evangelicals, but Jesus never mentioned it.
Comment by Different Steve on March 19, 2026 at 7:11 am
Sure you did.
:Checks ChatGPT
This comment is punchy and rhetorically effective, but it has some weaknesses—both factual and argumentative—that are worth unpacking.
1. It overstates its central claim
Saying Jesus “never mentioned” human sexuality isn’t really accurate. In the Gospels, Jesus does address topics like marriage, divorce, lust, and adultery (for example, teachings about looking at someone with lust or about the permanence of marriage). So while he doesn’t speak about sexuality in the same detailed or modern categories as contemporary debates, it’s not true that the subject is entirely absent.
2. It relies on a narrow definition of “sexuality”
The comment seems to equate “human sexuality” with modern culture-war issues (e.g., LGBTQ+ topics). But that’s an anachronistic lens. First-century discussions of sexuality were framed differently, and Jesus’ teachings on marriage, fidelity, and desire would have been understood as part of that broader moral domain.
3. Argument from silence
Even if Jesus hadn’t addressed certain specific issues, arguing that they therefore shouldn’t matter to Christians is a weak logical move. Religious traditions often draw from a wider canon (e.g., other parts of the New Testament, Hebrew Bible, and later theological interpretation), not just recorded sayings of Jesus.
4. Tone and framing
The jab at Evangelicals (“what goes on in other people’s bedrooms is a big deal…”) adds rhetorical bite, but it also shifts the comment from argument to provocation. That may resonate with people who already agree, but it risks alienating others and reducing the chance of meaningful dialogue.
5. Implicit theological assumption
The comment assumes a “red-letter” approach (prioritizing only Jesus’ recorded words). Not all Christians share that framework—many see the entire Bible as authoritative, so this critique may miss its target depending on the audience.
Bottom line:
The comment raises a fair point—that Jesus didn’t emphasize sexual ethics in the same way some modern groups do—but it weakens itself by overstating (“never mentioned”), using a somewhat anachronistic framing, and leaning more on rhetorical punch than careful argument.
Comment by Gary Bebop on March 19, 2026 at 12:43 pm
Interesting combat here. But regarding Mark Tooley (if anyone is really interested) he certainly has the skills of a communicator, jouster, and facilitator. He shines as an interviewer and conversation partner. He is capable of starting groups. Perhaps a church? But I doubt he wants to add to a denomination in doctrinal crisis.
Comment by Wilson R. on March 19, 2026 at 1:22 pm
So quit whining and quit the UMC already!
Comment by Thomas on March 19, 2026 at 10:34 pm
Mark Tooley explained in a Facebook group that he already tried to start church planting where he lives but he hasn`t been successful so far. We hope it will in the future.
Comment by Wilson R. on March 20, 2026 at 10:20 am
He seems to be working out his personal issues on this website, which I can only describe as virulently anti-UMC. And the posts from various writers are not only hostile (which is fine), but frequently misleading.
Comment by Gary Bebop on March 20, 2026 at 12:49 pm
Ignore the disparaging trolls that hover around this site. Mark Tooley is not working out his “personal issues” in his posts. He’s happy as a clam in his world. Clams like the seabed; its their natural habitat. Mark loves the church but grieves for her reckless ways. Take a hint.
Comment by April user on March 20, 2026 at 5:37 pm
Why not an Anglican Church? The Wesley’s were Anglican…
Comment by Dan Burress on March 21, 2026 at 1:34 am
I grew up in the New Providence, United Methodist Church in Clarksville, Tennessee.I have fled the coming fire, and am now a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.We have clear standards on the definition of marriage, that we refuse to compromise on, all 18 million of us and growing very quickly.I watched the 2024, UMC General Conference, it was clear to me, that the depravity and utter nonsense that was on full display was exactly NOT the faith I was raised in! Wolves and false teachers have sunk their fangs of false doctrine into the body of my former faith, they have scattered the flock, they speak with smooth words that are laced with spiritual poison! Poor John and Charles Wesley, they would go outside and throw up, if they could witness the demonic nonsense, that has a death grip on the faith they adored.What a shame, it is a total disgrace, and the word nasty, does not even come close, to this total hot mess! BYE UMC, gone forever, never to return.Uncounted thousands of us have left, we have been betrayed and now refuse to have any fellowship, with this modern version of Sodom.BYE!
Comment by Dan Burress on March 21, 2026 at 11:25 am
I left the UMC a long time ago, I am now a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.We are NOT confused as to the Lord’s definition of marriage, or to what gender we are! It broke my heart to hear and listen to the last UMC General Conference in 2024,it was a total clown show,with wolves and false doctrine sinking their teeth into the neck of my former faith.Perversion is now given honor and praise, even though we have been warned in scripture about the eternal fate of all who teach such rubbish and utter trash.I will never return under any circumstance, to the UMC. As part of our core doctrine, we teach at home and at church, what is called the ”Family Proclamation” given directly from the Lord, to us as a covenant people , through the First Presidency and the Quorum of the 12 Apostles in September during the course of that year. The Family Proclamation is clear and concise, it defines marriage as ONLY the union of male to female, nothing else, it makes very clear that our gender is eternal, a vital part of who we have always been, and most important, we are redeemed through Christ and Him alone, for our salvation.We have accepted ALL of the Family Proclamation, as from the Lord, in our day and time.Its principles are eternal, they are not up for debate, the Lord has spoken, end of discussion! BYE UMC, you have betrayed the common sense of nature and now mock the God of scripture, and our Lord Jesus Christ, by walking in gross disobedience, even though you have been warned not to take that path to the abyss..
Comment by Skipper on March 21, 2026 at 2:41 pm
So Mormons are not confused on sexuality. That’s good. But what about the confusion about “One God?”
Comment by Skipper on March 21, 2026 at 2:43 pm
When the Methodist Church became the United Methodist Church, it became more and more liberal. Today it even defines a marriage as “two people.” Such a pagan practice, you cannot just “get along” like there is no problem. There is a huge problem. Deuteronomy 6:10-12 tells us to break off complacency in our lives. Do not forget the Lord. 6:13-15 tells us to break off worldliness from our lives. Do not follow other gods. Do not follow the culture. It’s a long game, but the moment is urgent. I have heard how liberal the D.C. area is. Can a real church to be found? Don’t wait for the GMC to come. Start a GMC house church if it’s only 2 people. The numbers don’t matter. As Adrian Rogers said “It is better to be divided by truth than to be united in error. It is better to speak the truth that hurts and then heals, than falsehood that comforts and then kills.”
Comment by Thomas on March 21, 2026 at 5:20 pm
I think we will find some theological conservatives remaining in the liberal denominations in the United States, but they have no future. The Episcopal Church has gone totally woke and apostate, and in few years the so-called “conservative” dioceses remaining will be taken over by apostate bishops, like it already happens in the rest of the dying denomination. The United Methodist Church has gone the same way. I think the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is probably the denomination with more theologically conservatives remaining, they are found in Lutheran CORE. For some reason they have decided so far not to join the North American Lutheran Church of the Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ. I was surprised to see so many comments of praise and support, even when not totally supportive, of Charlie Kirk, upon his murder, unlike the official stance of the church, and also several pro-lifers criticizing the church for the fact that they don`t support the pro-life movement. Lutheran CORE is definetely pro-life.
Comment by Qohelet on March 21, 2026 at 5:51 pm
Attacks from rightwingers at the UMC are laughable at this particular moment in history. You want me to praise Charlie Kirk, when it says more than 90 times in the Bible to treat immigrants well? You want me to hate gays when the Jesus says love one another and never once mentions homosexuality? Stop bearing false witness, repent, and actually read the Book you thump.
Comment by Glenn Wheeler on March 21, 2026 at 9:44 pm
Bottom line is that Mark remains a United Methodist because he supports and agrees with the direction the denomination is going. Why not just come out and say that instead of putting up the smokescreen? No one is fooled.
Comment by Thomas on March 21, 2026 at 10:27 pm
The previous comment is pure trolling. No serious person can believe in that. Mark Tooley attends a conservative UMC parish and so far there isn`t a GMC parish there.
Comment by Glenn Wheeler on March 21, 2026 at 11:49 pm
Thomas,
An old song….Don’t do as I do, do as I say.” I repeat…. no one is fooled.
By their fruits, i.e., by their actions, you will know them.
Comment by Skipper on March 22, 2026 at 9:04 am
You spoke of someone wanting you to hate gays. I am curious, are you referring to those who pointed out that the Bible says the immoral, including homosexuals will not be part of the Kingdom of God? Are you saying to let them think they have no reason to turn from sin is loving and they will be showered by grace anyway? The Bible calls for truth in love. The compassionate thing is to tell them the truth. We must all turn from sin if we want a Savior. Another thing we might want to consider here is that Jesus was a moral person. If we want to follow Jesus, don’t we need to be moral people ourselves?
Comment by Qohelet on March 22, 2026 at 11:26 am
It doesn’t say that.
It does say the Kingdom is not for people who don’t visit prisoners, give drink to the thirsty, give food to the hungry, welcome the stranger, heal the sick, or clothe the naked.
You know, everything Republicans and Christian Nationalists stand for.
Comment by Skipper on March 22, 2026 at 5:59 pm
So, you don’t want to answer any questions. That in itself is an answer.
Comment by Glenn Wheeler on March 22, 2026 at 10:54 pm
Qohelet does make a good point. Read Matthew 25. It’s right there, plain as day. Ignore it if you wish. I’m sure the preachers you listen to will tell you it doesn’t mean what it says….
Comment by Skipper on March 23, 2026 at 10:26 am
Mark,
My complements on the picture for this article! That’s the way I feel each time I am reminded that the United Methodists have approved sexual perversion and Same-sex Marriage. It’s still unbelievable they could stray so far from the True Path. They are a such bad influence on others. Are they still Methodists? No, they are something else. Since I walked out of my UM Church for the last time, I don’t even want to be in the building of a UM Church. You know, I was so disappointed the minority took over our property, but now I realize how great it is not to have regular contact with those who promote perversion. We need regular contact with True Believers. We need to build an environment of discipleship. We are told to break off Worldliness from our lives and not to follow other gods. The UMC gets in the way of doing this. Again, what a great picture!
Comment by Td on March 23, 2026 at 1:07 pm
I think the question you may need to confront is whether the UMC is Christian or not.
Comment by Allison on March 23, 2026 at 4:27 pm
I am deeply distressed and saddened to read this post by Mark. The way you make it sound, it is as if there are absolutely no evangelical, theologically conservative, biblically centered, Christ-exalting (pick a word/phrase) church anywhere within 75 miles of his home. To say, “I came to and grew in faith in it. The denominational policies are less distressing to me now than 30 years ago because they have become almost inconsequential. ” And this: ” I prefer traditional worship with old hymns, liturgy, an organ, with minister in clerical robes. I enjoyably attend a United Methodist congregation near my home that has all of these, plus a pastor who preaches a traditional Gospel.” Seriously? You are staying with a UMC church because the pastor wears a robe? Is that what you will say when you stand before the Lord; that the pastor had a robe, and you liked the organ music???
Even if you give 10 cents a month to the UMC, you are still tied to a “church” that refuses to acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Messiah. And you refuse to leave a church that affirms wholeheartedly in the LGBTQA+ movement, that is wholly and completely against the Word of God, because you think they are “inconsequential?” So therefore, it’s not a big deal. If they were consequential, well, therefore, that would be different???
With all due respect sir, your hypocrisy is showing.
Comment by Terry Goodwin on March 23, 2026 at 4:40 pm
Your blog is great food for thought. Personally, I had to leave the UMC after a lifetime (78 years) of membership, growing in faith, true worship, and evangelism through the Emmaus movement. I watched the approach of apostasy via progressivism. I set deadlines for leaving, then stayed several time over. Ultimately I asked myself whose actual understanding I was leaning into. (Proverbs 3:5,6) When I let go of control of my stay-or-go decision to the Holy Spirit, the rest was easy! He made for me a straight path to Himself and I became part of the Church of the Nazarene, where the Holy Spirit is alive and well and moving freely. The politics of the UMC was disturbing enough. The apportionments and monies removed from Israel in favor of all things LGBTQ was the last straw and the deal breaker. God bless you in your faith journey, Mark. I can never walk the UMC path again.,
Comment by Elva Price on March 23, 2026 at 5:52 pm
Mark Tooley, I am sorry to say but, you seem to be justifying your staying in the UMC. You know full well that supporting the UMC financially ie. your tithe, your gifts, and your offerings is supporting what they stand for, what they write in their Book of Discipline, what their Bishops say and do, is in fact identifying with and proclaiming your support. Don’t blame the GMC for not planting a church in DC for you to attend. You deny your walk with Jesus to stay where you are comfortable, to be with your family and friends, enjoy your status, etc. Well, you have made your choice. Now just admit the sacrifice was not worth it. I will pray for you as the Lord brings you to mind.
Comment by Stuart Carson on March 23, 2026 at 6:08 pm
Well said Mark!
Comment by Kerry D. Bowers on March 23, 2026 at 9:18 pm
To those who continue to attend and contribute to a denomination acting out or supporting that which is contrary to The Word , I ask … What is your idol? Is it the facilities, the people, the pastor, the convenience; just what is it given there are options to not contribute both your number and resources to denominations engaged in abominations to the Lord? Even not attending a physical location is an option while giving of your resources to Christian-based charities may well please the Lord. Lastly, is continuing to provide for what we know is wrong according to The Word having any impact on our salvation and walking truly in the spirit of Christ? These are questions I asked myself 2 years ago and answered by leaving the UMC for a Methodist Church that had disaffiliated and chosen to remain independent. In doing so, it eliminated that black cloud of doubt that lingered over my head and it has turned out to be a great decision because all of what I had, and more, I found in another church. A wonderful thing too about the new church I attend is that the nearly $200,000 they gave annually to the UMC bureaucracy is now remaining mostly within the community of the church as well as supporting charitable causes throughout the U.S. and abroad.
Comment by David Gingrich on March 24, 2026 at 7:26 am
Attendance at UMC services is one thing. Giving money to people who oppose the Word of God is quite another.
Comment by Jim Radford on March 24, 2026 at 9:15 am
Thank you, Mark, for a good article. I, too, am still United Methodist. I was against the split because of, well, yet another schism in the Body of Christ. Probably forever I was never an advocate for the denomination, even the UMC. Jesus is Jesus, the church is the church, and one “branch” is just that–a branch. A twig, if you will. I agree the denominationism is dying. I never believed the Global Methodist crowd, who crowed, “Yeah, we’re the TRUE believers, and we’ve got it going on.” Thanks for the Reinhold Niebuhr reminder not to idealize the church, which, in my mind, many Global Methodists have already done. Incidentally, I am a retired pastor of forty-plus years. My bark now is worse than my bite. But I can still chew.
Comment by Skipper on March 25, 2026 at 9:09 am
I might should explain the Adrian Rogers quotation and how well it fits the current situation. The first part “It is better to be divided by truth than to be united in error.” The truth here is the truth of God as announced in Romans 1:18-28 and 1 Corinthians 5 and 6. Here is Romans 1:
1. 18 “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.
24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.
26 Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. 27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.
28 Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.”
So it is better to be divided by truth of God than united in error of the culture. It is not good to be united with the error of approving sexual depravity as approved by the United Methodists (a marriage can be “2 people” as they state and obviously believe, as evidenced by all their gay ministers and bishops).
Now the second part of the quote. “ It is better to speak the truth that hurts and then heals, than falsehood that comforts and then kills.” This is where we can speak the truth that turns people back to God rather than conforming to the worldliness of the culture. It hurts because they realize they are not obeying God and need to turn from sin to be healed. Being told sexual perversion is acceptable to God (UMC) comforts at first, but in the end it kills. The person is not in a right relationship with their maker and receive the “due penalty for their error”.
Comment by Mark S. on March 27, 2026 at 8:55 am
Mark, with all due respect I find your comments more equivocation and rationalization than explanation. I left the UMC over 10 years ago, but I have friends who continue to attend UMC churches, and they are–supposedly–as traditional in their beliefs as I am. Why do they continue to attend? Because they don’t want to drive 20+ miles to attend a traditional Christian church. They simply are unwilling to exercise courage in their convictions. When you drop a dollar in the UMC offering plate part of that money is going to blatantly non-Christian causes. And this is something that can be known in advance. The UMC is post-Christian. It is an apostate denomination. I don’t know how you could continue to attend, especially in light of the body of work you have done over the last several decades.
Comment by Sherrian McNeese on April 16, 2026 at 10:50 am
I left the UMC church the week they voted in 2024 and joined a GMC. I have never regretted that decision. I will not be giving any more money to the IRD.
Comment by Jason Micheli on May 2, 2026 at 9:57 pm
But you’ve yet to visit Annandale United Methodist! Come on, Mark!
Comment by James Seay on June 7, 2026 at 10:36 am
Pray for a successful Global Methodist Church plant in Northern Virginia.