Part Three
Published May 2022 – original post link
Today I want to share “part three” in a series of updates I have offered to our congregation regarding the future of the United Methodist Church dating back to January of 2020. Recent news merits this third update, but I believe the context of what has occurred since the beginning of 2020 is helpful in understanding where we are today.
January 2020
In part one of this series I wrote about the Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace through Separation which was a plan put forth by a group of key leaders representing the entire theological spectrum within The United Methodist Church. The stated intent of their shared work was to,
Multiply the Methodist mission in the world by restructuring the Church through respectful and dignified separation.
In defining their principles, the leaders who negotiated the Protocol began with this statement,
Whereas, The United Methodist Church and its members—after careful reflection, discussion and prayer—have fundamental differences regarding their understanding and interpretation of Scripture, theology and practice;
At that time the expectation was that this proposal would be brought before the General Conference gathering scheduled for May of 2020.*
One additional note of importance related to the Protocol is that in order to achieve the stated goals of reconciliation and graceful separation, the January proposal spoke about an “imagined” new ‘traditional’ denomination. This meant that the success of what was at the heart of the Protocol required that this imagined denomination become a reality.
*For those who may not know, the General Conference which is a gathering of delegates from all across the world that meets every four years is the only body that can formally adopt any potential changes to the general rules of our church which are found in our United Methodist Book of Discipline.
March 2020
I shared part two of this series in March of 2020 after a group of bishops, clergy, and laity from around the world gathered in Atlanta to begin the work of framing out the basic structure of this new denomination. At the conclusion of that event, a document was released entitled “Reimagining the Passion of a Global Methodist Movement.” A Transitional Leadership Council was also formed to continue the work of establishing what was named during that gathering in Atlanta as The Global Methodist Church.
I was invited to participate in this gathering and added my signature to the document that was released. To read more about why I chose to participate in this initial gathering, I would encourage you to read the full update here.
I shared part two on my blog on Wednesday, March 11th, 2020 with the intention of referencing that update in the email I usually send out to our congregation on Friday. However, that Friday morning was when my life and our life together was turned upside down by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fast forwarding to where we are today, May 4th, 2022, the General Conference gathering originally scheduled for May of 2020 has still not been able to convene.
Originally rescheduled for late summer in 2022, after exhaustive work and fervent prayer by the Commission charged with the planning of General Conference, concerns regarding the ability for delegates to acquire travel visas from all around the world and safely gather during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic compelled the Commission to delay the next General Conference until May of 2024.
With the announcement of this additional postponement of the General Conference, the Global Methodist Church announced that it would officially launch on May 1st, 2022.
Where are we today?
To understand the implications of these most recent announcements, it’s important to understand the hope leading into the General Conference planned for May of 2020. The best way to understand the Protocol is as a set of recommendations made to the General Conference regarding specific steps and suggested changes to our general rules to provide clear and uniform direction for all churches within The United Methodist Church to move towards the stated goal of “grace through separation.”
The General Conference is the only body that could take such action. That being said, in order to fully understand the “governance” structure of our church, it is important to know that anything approved at General Conference would have ultimately served as the guide for Annual Conferences in the legal process involved in a separation.
In The United Methodist Church, it is the Annual Conference that is the main “legal” body of the church. Any change in status or affiliation for a local church or for a clergy person happens at the level of the Annual Conference.
In other words, our legal affiliation is not to The United Methodist Church generally, but specifically to the Central Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church.
This means that at this point, any process involved in churches disaffiliating from The United Methodist Church for the sake of affiliating with the Global Methodist Church will happen according to the process outlined by our Book of Discipline and at the level of the Annual Conference.
What will that look like in the Central Texas Conference?
Our Episcopal leader, Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr., has put in place a timeline and process for churches within the Central Texas Conference seeking disaffiliation in 2022.
- First, the leadership council of the local church must notify their District Superintendent in writing by June 1st of their intent to enter into a time of discerning the question of disaffiliation.
- Second, prior to September 17th, the leadership council of the local church must hold a duly called Church Conference with the requirement of a two-thirds majority vote of professing church members present in favor of disaffiliation to move forward.
- Finally, those churches who have had a Church Conference and affirmed disaffiliation will be presented for approval at a special called session of the Annual Conference set for September 17th, 2022.
To read the full update from Bishop Saenz, please visit this link.
What does this mean for First Methodist Mansfield?
On Monday, April 25th, our Executive Lay Leadership Team – the main leadership body for our church – gathered to process this most recent information and direction provided by our Bishop.
There are two things I want to specifically note for you here.
- While this has not been a primary focus of concern for our entire congregation, this is a conversation our leadership has been following and discerning together since January of 2020.
- As your Senior Pastor, I do not have the authority to decide on the affiliation of our local church.
Any decision about the future of our congregation will be made by our congregation.
My role and responsibility is to inform and advise the congregation and leaders regarding what will lead to the most faithful and fruitful future of this congregation. Having served here for 17 years, I do believe I have come to know very closely the heart and theology of this church, and in my work beyond the local church, I have also had the opportunity to understand who you are in relation to the wider denomination.
Both of these have informed the recommendation I shared with our Executive Lay Leadership Team that a future affiliation with the Global Methodist Church would be the best fit for this congregation.*
However, what I believe is of equal significance to the question of where we go is the concern of how we get there.
With this additional interest in mind, I recommended to our leaders that we not seek to take this step prior to the called Annual Conference on September 17th.
Instead, my recommendation was that we prepare to enter into an extended time of education and dialogue this September with the expectation of bringing this before our church body for a Church Conference in mid to late fall of 2022.
After sharing that recommendation and allowing time for our leadership to process that together, our Executive Lay Leadership Team voted unanimously to affirm the recommendation that we not take immediate action, but instead move forward more carefully and deliberately by spending intentional time this fall ensuring that our congregation feels fully informed and prepared for any potential decision about our future affiliation.
*While I have not gone into detail in this update, during our time of dialogue this fall, I will share with our entire congregation the reasoning for the recommendation I have shared with our lay leadership. If you would like to learn more about the doctrine of the Global Methodist Church, I would encourage you to visit this link. I would recommend part one titled “doctrine” and part two titled “social witness” in particular.
What can we do in the meantime?
First, let me assure you that we will be diligent in keeping you well informed as we move forward. Please note that each congregation within the United Methodist Church will be processing this in different ways and at their own pace.
I can confidently say that if you invest a great deal of energy searching the latest news on social media or other online platforms, it will only increase your confusion and the overall anxiety within our congregation.
I want to ask that you not do that and instead trust that I am available for any questions you might have and that we will keep you appropriately informed.
Take a deep breath. There is no reason to panic or be afraid. There is no reason to doubt our future. Remember, Jesus is Lord! The church belongs to Jesus. We are only temporary stewards of this great treasure.
Faithfulness is success. Nothing more, nothing less.
That is what has been the defining mark of this church for generations. Obedience is what has fueled the great work of this church since it was established in 1885.
Finally, let me say again that I am fully persuaded that there is a movement of God happening in the life of this congregation unlike any other I have ever experienced in my time serving here. In the words of Nehemiah, “we are doing a great work,” and cannot afford to be distracted from what has always been and always will be the main thing which is,
Making and Maturing Disciples of Jesus Christ who love God, love others and serve the world.
I want to encourage you to join me in being guided entirely by these words from the Apostle Paul.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Philippians 4:4-8
*If you have any further questions or would like to visit further about this update, I will be holding a Town Hall on May 22nd at 3pm in our main sanctuary. All are welcome to attend.
Part Two
Published March 2020 – original post link
At the beginning of January I shared a response with our entire congregation regarding questions I was receiving regarding a potential separation within the United Methodist Church. Those questions came after a diverse group of leaders within our denomination released a proposal to restructure the United Methodist Church.
You can find that earlier note by visiting this link.
Today I want to share an important update regarding additional work that has been done to fulfill the intent of this earlier proposal.
For the sake of context, here is a brief summary of what has brought us to where we are today.
In February 2019 there was a special called session of General Conference to address ongoing disagreement within our global denomination around issues related to human sexuality. General Conference is the main legislative body of the United Methodist Church which includes representatives from all around the world.
Further, it is the only body that can speak for the denomination and formally adopt any potential changes to the general rules of our church which are found in our United Methodist Book of Discipline.
May 5th-15, 2020 will be the next gathering of this legislative body.
Since last February, more than a dozen proposals have been announced to move forward with some form of separation based on the shared belief that we are at an impasse regarding the questions addressed during the special session of General Conference in February of 2019.
The significance of the January proposal was that it includes key leaders representing the entire theological spectrum of our church as well as the various perspectives on the particular disagreements regarding human sexuality.
I want to note two things from what I shared in January.
- First, that I believed this proposal was a positive sign for our future.
Our future faithfulness to our mission requires a willingness to be honest about our present reality. The easiest thing to do in our individual life and in our life together is to ignore the problem which prevents us from taking necessary steps to make positive change.
- Secondly, that I believe our current impasse is over differences which include but are not limited to whether clergy may officiate same-sex weddings.
The statement released in January highlighted, “fundamental differences regarding the understanding and interpretation of Scripture, theology and practice.”
This is why I noted that the leadership that produced the January proposal represented the entire theological spectrum of our church as well as the various perspectives on the disagreements regarding human sexuality.
*For the sake of clarity, the words ‘progressive’ and ‘traditional’ are the most commonly used words to describe disagreements regarding human sexuality. I would suggest that the words ‘liberal’ and ‘conservative’ would more appropriately represent the theological differences within the church.
A final note about the proposal released in January…
In order to achieve the stated goals of reconciliation and graceful separation, the January proposal spoke about an “imagined” new traditional denomination.
That means that the success of what’s at the heart of the January proposal would require that this imagined denomination become a reality.
What’s happened since January?
With that final note in mind, several weeks ago I was invited to attend a gathering in Atlanta to begin the work of forming this new traditional Methodist denomination in the event that the January proposal was adopted by the General Conference.
I was nominated by our Bishop to participate in this conversation. From the nominations submitted by various leaders, 30 individuals were selected. After those selections were made, I was made aware of my nomination and was asked if I would be willing to participate in this gathering.
This group included bishops, clergy, and laity, men and women, African-American, Asian, Caribbean, Caucasian, and Hispanic persons from across the United States as well as the United Methodist Conferences in Africa, Europe, Asia and the Philippines.
Over the course of three days we worked in both large and small group settings to begin the work of shaping this new expression of Methodism.
Additionally, we spent significant time identifying and thinking through the various concerns of the transitional period that would occur including those concerns related to ensuring ongoing support of the world-wide church and the missional initiatives shared within our current denomination.
It was three long days of difficult work but at the conclusion of that time a document was prepared entitled “Reimagining the Passion of a Global Wesleyan Movement.”
That final document details the broad agreement reached during our time together regarding vision for a new church’s “culture and mission,” “essential doctrinal beliefs,” and “organizational” structure.
Included in that document is this statement.
“If the 2020 General Conference adopts the Protocol legislation, with one voice and a spirit of humility we intend to form a global Wesleyan movement committed to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, the authority and inspiration of the Scriptures, and the work of the Holy Spirit in conveying God’s truth, grace, renewal, and sanctification to all people who repent and believe.”
*The full statement is available at this link.
The final question addressed to all those in attendance was whether or not we would sign this final document.
I agreed to add my name to this work recognizing that doing so would require I answer two critical questions to each person I serve as the Senior Pastor of First Methodist Mansfield.
Why did I sign?
First, I want you to hear that I signed this document on my behalf and not on behalf of our congregation.
As a Senior Pastor, I have the responsibility to provide leadership but I do not have the authority to speak any final word for our church about our future denominational affiliation.
As a pastor, I have a responsibility to listen to God, to patiently and prayerfully discern how God is speaking into my life and pastoral ministry, and to live out my calling according to my best understanding of God’s leading.
I signed because I believe that God is calling for the formation of this new denomination.
Secondly, I signed this document because I love the United Methodist Church.
I have known no other home than the United Methodist Church. I am proud to be the son of a father who has served for 44 years as a United Methodist Pastor and a mother who has had that same level of investment and commitment to the church. Both of my grandparents were members of The Methodist Church prior to our merger in 1968 merger with the United Brethren Church which created our current denomination. I am humbled and grateful for this heritage of faith.
With that in mind, I believe that our current denomination needs this new denomination. It’s formation does more than serve a part of the current church. It serves the whole of the United Methodist Church.
It enables what those who drafted the January proposal and those who worked together in Atlanta believe to be the best way for every local congregation to move forward.
It is not a perfect solution. That simply does not exist for many reasons. The primary one being that we are imperfect people who are each doing our best to understand how God is leading and to follow that leading with humility and grace.
Finally – because of my deep respect and appreciation for the courageous leadership of others – I felt a conviction to follow their example.
I knew that my participation and personal endorsement would raise questions that would require a response. I recognize that what I am sharing today is not a full response to every one of those questions.
I want you to know that I welcome those questions.
In every instance that a question is asked of me as Senior Pastor, I try to communicate two things as clearly as possible.
- I appreciate this question being asked and the opportunity it provides me to respond. I cannot respond to what is not expressed.
- I want every person who asks a question to feel confident sharing with others my willingness to respond to any other question, comment or critique that anyone might have.
Should the General Conference pass the January proposal, the reality is that it is the fundamental differences within the larger denomination that have created the problem that every local church will be forced to address.
The easiest thing for any pastor to do is to remain silent, but I do not believe that doing so would be fulfilling my obligation to provide leadership for our local church.
What does this mean for First Methodist Mansfield and our future?
First and foremost, the General Conference body is the only body that can officially adopt any proposed changes to the general rules of our church.
That means that absolutely nothing has changed and nothing will change without the action of General Conference.
As I have said before, it is impossible for me to predict what that body will do, but what I do know with certainty is that Jesus will still be Lord regardless of what does or does not happen.
The mission we share of Making Disciples of Jesus Christ who Love God, Love Others and Serve the World will remain the same.
Who we have been is who we will continue to be regardless of whatever challenges or opportunities we face in the remaining months of 2020 and in the years to come.
I do want you to know that after serving here for 10 years under the leadership of our former Senior Pastor, Rev. Mike Ramsdell, and during my five years serving as your Senior Pastor, I do believe that I have come to know very closely the heart and theology of this church.
I also know that within our church there is not uniformity of thought or opinion on issues related to human sexuality. That is true of every church in America today and whatever choice we may have to make in the future will not change this reality.
With that being said – despite those differing thoughts – if General Conference does approve what was outlined in the January proposal, I do believe that the understanding and interpretation of Scripture, theology and practice of our church is aligned very closely with the new expression of Methodism outlined in the document that I personally affirmed.
But here is the most important point.
I will not and can not make that decision for our congregation. That is outside the boundaries of my authority.
If the denomination asks our congregation to make that decision, our congregation will make that decision.
In that instance, my responsibility will be to inform and advise but our church will decide.
In the meantime, I will remind you of what you already know.
Faithfulness has been the defining mark of this church for generations. Obedience has fueled the great work of this church for the last 134 years.
Your city needs you. The world needs you. Christ is counting on you.
Let us not forget the mission that we share.
As God has been faithful in the past, God will be faithful in our future. God has never given us any reason for us to doubt that we can trust Him for the future.
So pray for your church. Pray for the church. Pray like Jesus taught us. Pray for God’s kingdom to come and for God’s will to be done.
Part One
Published January 2020 – original post link
Several have asked me about recent news regarding a potential separation and/or split within the United Methodist Church.
For the sake of offering as full of a response as I can and ensuring that the same information is received by all, I wanted to share some initial thoughts with our entire congregation.
What happened?
Since many will have not read any of the recent news, here is a quick summary of recent events within the denomination.
In February 2019 there was a special called session of General Conference to address ongoing disagreement within our global denomination around issues related to human sexuality. For those who may not know, General Conference is the main legislative body of the United Methodist Church and includes representatives from United Methodist congregations all around the world. This body regularly gathers every four years (which we refer to as a quadrennium) and May 5th-15, 2020 will be the next quadrennial gathering of this legislative body.
In the months since the called session last February, more than a dozen proposals have been announced from various groups within the denomination to move forward with some form of separation. While these groups represent differing perspectives, these proposals have been born out of the widely shared perception that the United Methodist Church in it’s current form is at an impasse regarding the questions addressed during February’s special called session.
This past week an additional proposal was announced which you can read in it’s entirety by visiting this link.
What sets this current proposal apart from others is that it includes key leaders from the widest diversity of groups and perspectives who have worked together to propose a way forward.
**It is important to note that all proposals include this most recent one will be brought before General Conference in May 2020. The General Conference is the only body that can speak for the denomination and formally adopt any potential changes to the general rules of our church which are found in our United Methodist Book of Discipline.
What are your thoughts on a potential separation?
Almost everyone who has asked me about this recent news has framed it with this question. What are your thoughts?
I certainly have many, but the main thing I want to communicate to anyone with concerns is that I see everything that has been announced in recent months – including this most recent proposal – as positive signs for our future.
I believe that our future faithfulness requires a willingness to be honest about our present reality.
I find this statement significant from this most recent proposal.
The United Methodist Church and its members aspire to multiply the Methodist mission in the world by restructuring the Church through respectful and dignified separation.
I celebrate the faithfulness of key leaders from across the varying perspectives and convictions within our denomination who have stated that they are no longer willing to allow significant disagreements to undermine the mission of the Church and the vitality of each local congregation.
I find the above statement to be a sincere expression of where we are as well as a shared hope of what the future can be for the mission that all current United Methodist churches share with all our sisters and brothers within the larger Christian church.
While churches within United Methodism and churches affiliated with other denominations live it out in differing ways, we all are united around the commission Christ gives in Matthew 28.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…”
Is the United Methodist Church splitting over the question of same-sex marriage?
I think this is one of the most important questions anyone might ask. If you only read the headlines of recent articles, you would absolutely say ‘yes’ to this question. I would contend that this is a dramatic over-simplification of the deeper divisions that exist within the global denomination that is the United Methodist Church.
Again, I think it’s significant that the first sentence of the most recent proposal reads in this way. It says,
Whereas, The United Methodist Church and its members—after careful reflection, discussion and prayer—have fundamental differences regarding their understanding and interpretation of Scripture, theology and practice;
This statement regarding “fundamental differences” precedes any language regarding the expression of disagreements on the more specific issue of same-sex marriage.
I am fully committed to the conviction that our current impasse is over differences which include but are not limited to whether clergy may officiate same-sex weddings.
If you would like a better understanding of the “fundamental differences” referenced in the proposal, I highly recommend this articleregarding a 2019 survey done by United Methodist Communications which looked at theological perspectives within United Methodism. Additionally, these summary charts from this same survey are available here.
What will this mean for First Methodist Mansfield?
I saved this question for last because it is actually the easiest to answer.
I don’t know.
As I stated above, this most recent proposal is only the latest one to be offered as a potential way forward. The General Conference body that will gather beginning on May 5th this year is the only body that can officially adopt any proposed changes to the general rules of our church.
It is impossible for me to predict what that body will do.
What I can say with full sincerity is that I do not have any concern about what will happen during those 11 days in May.
Jesus will still be Lord on May 16th.
The mission we share of Making Disciples of Jesus Christ who Love God, Love Others and Serve the World will remain the same.
Who we have been is who we will continue to be regardless of whatever challenges or opportunities we face in the remaining months of 2020 and in the years to come.
So let me finish by sharing a portion of what I wrote to our congregation following the called General Conference last February.
I want you to know that I believe this as strongly today as I did then.
Faithfulness has been the defining mark of this church for generations. Obedience has fueled the great work of this church for the last 134 years.
Your city needs you. The world needs you. Christ is counting on you. And I want you to hear again that I believe in you, your leadership believes in you and God believes in you.
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to email me at pastordavid@fmcm.org.
