It will never be the same. Only congregants who were members of the church were allowed to vote. Our goals with this FAQ are to provide clarity and accurate information about the process of disaffiliation for those who may be considering it and to dispel confusion. Three paragraphs in the current Book of Discipline may be used to complete a disaffiliation in which the congregation may retain much or all of its property and assets. The NAC3 team has been clear that these agreed-upon processes belong to the conference trustees, who are elected by the annual conference and represent diverse points of view. BOD 2016, 340 3a, Responsibilities and Duties of Elders and Licensed Local Pastors. Your district superintendent can give you the most accurate information so your congregation can make its best decisions informed by the facts. Assuming the amendment process mentioned above is completed. The United Methodist Church (UMC) is a mainline Protestant denomination that has been experiencing a decline in membership and disaffiliation in recent years. Only2553relates directly to disaffiliation. This provision about property transfer is not about a vote for the congregation to disaffiliate or join another denomination. The 2019 Special Session of the General Conference of the UMC adopted paragraph 2553 in the Book of Discipline - Disaffiliation of a Local Church Over Issues Related to Human Sexuality. All congregations and ministries of The United Methodist Church hold their property and assets in trust for the denomination, and specifically for the annual conference. Ratification of a churchs disaffiliation by a simple majority at annual conference. Recently, White's Chapel United Methodist Church in Southlake voted to go through with the disaffiliation process. Why arent superintendents leading the disaffiliation and covenanting process? Any unused portion of the administrative fee will be reimbursed to the disaffiliating church by or no later than 10 days after the disaffiliation date. UMF is a stand-alone corporation with the ability to manage funds for any church organization even those that disaffiliate from the United Methodist denomination. UMF remains your trusted partner in ministry. Published 2:17 pm Tuesday, October 4, 2022. Nearly half of the UMC congregations. Pastors intent on being part of the GMC may wish to be part of this Conference. Guides will be impartial and unbiassed. Bishop Beard's presentation was recorded . Watch a select portion of Tom Berlins Celebrate UMC presentation where he refutes such claims directly. Video here (starts at 40 minutes into presentation): https://vimeo.com/722681837#t=40m. At what point in the process will clergy appointed to the congregation discerning disaffiliation have to express their personal decision regarding disaffiliation? Still, it is an outcome that can easily be avoided. Nearly 700 persons participated in one of the four forums. Rob Renfroe of Good News Magazine explains the current divisions within the United Methodist Church and discusses how Traditionalist Methodists should navigate future decisions. According to the United Methodist News Service, as of 2021, there are more than 100 churches have disaffiliated from the United Methodist Church. They are designed to ensure your congregations decision process is well-informed, healthy, and in keeping with all of the requirements set forth by the Book of Discipline and your annual conference. Based on the type of account agreement you have with UMF, youll need to amend your agreement(s) to reflect, among other things, the new name of your church. Our special called church conference was held on January 23, 2023. The provision permits such disaffiliations through Dec. 31, 2023. While the UMC is facing challenges, it is important to remember that the church is a living organism that is constantly evolving and adapting to the needs of its members and the world around it. The disaffiliation plan offers a limited way to release congregations from The United Methodist Church's centuries-old trust clause, which states that church property is held in trust for the benefit of the entire denomination. Does Elevation Church Believe in Speaking in Tongues? Church Cell: 828-507-7759. While paragraph 2553 authorizes the conference Trustees to develop the terms, they quickly realized that congregations leaving the denomination has a broad range of impact across the conference which they may not fully understand without obtaining feedback from a larger group and vetting the options. The committees role includes recommending compensation and benefits, conferring on ministry effectiveness, health and well-being and annually evaluating the pastor. If all of the above steps are completed by March 31, 2023, the Annual Conference will vote at its May 2023 session. We will likely receive a new presiding bishop on January 1, 2023. However, click here to read the covenant your cabinet has made to you concerning this matter. No, the timeframe for the administrative board/church council to discern disaffiliation from The United Methodist Church under 2553 has now passed. It creates a right for congregations to request such transfer of property, and then only where local laws require the congregation's involvement in the transfer. We are not encouraging any congregation to do so, either. What is a professing member? A formal request does not commit the church to disaffiliation. As with any legislative motion, an Annual Conference can choose to accept or reject the motion. But do the numbers match the rhetoric? No this is false. Together, guides will journey with the congregation through a spiritual discernment process that helps the church conference listen for the Holy Spirits wisdom and insight in making a decision about your relationship with The United Methodist Church. One study showed that regular church goers are likely to overestimate opposition to same-sex marriage in their congregation by 20%. Your Foundation remains firmly grounded in helping you achieve the dreams God has placed on your heart. Research and resources compiled by other United Methodist churches. I know the pastor is part of the church council. *possible* specially called Annual Conference has been announced, https://www.umcna.org/postdetail/16513389, https://cdn.cokesbury.com/images/community/cokesburyportals/2016boderrata.pdf, https://www.umcna.org/files/tables/content/16410823/fields/files/6761ca70658d4a5990ad3f6a68531f76/faq-2022.pdf, https://www.stayumc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/CalltoPrayerandDiscernmentFINAL.pdf. A vote to disaffiliate is a vote to leave relationships with other people and institutions that have helped congregation members grow in Christ over the years. While it was assumed that most United Methodists would remain in a denomination of some sort, there was awareness that a few might seek an independent status. Many WCA/GMC leaders are sharing talking points designed to portray the remaining UMC as engaging in theological drift by abandoning Biblical authority, questioning the resurrection of Jesus Christ, forsaking our doctrinal standards, promoting an open canon, and other similar things. General Conference could also fail to produce any exit or extend the expiration of par. a decision to disaffiliate by a two-thirds majority of the professing members present at a church conference (not charge conference); the payment in full of two years of that congregations apportionment commitment as set by the conference; the payment in full of the congregations pro-rata share of the conferences pension liability, based on a formula approved by the annual conference. Disaffiliation of a congregation is not final until approved by the Annual Conference and the final term sheet fulfilled before December 31, 2023. Missional Transitional Support the GNJ Trustees recognize that the bank balances, investments, endowments, and reserves in every congregation are the result of faithful tithing by every member of that congregation. The Southeast Jurisdictional Conference is November 2-4, 2022. The mission of the church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. About Us.. At that time, the full members of Bellview UMC who were present at the called church . No. In other denominations, such votes have resulted in people leaving the church. All voting in the church conference will be by prepared ballot. The costs to disaffiliate under par. May the Term Sheet payments be paid over several years? The pastor meets with the committee, but cannot be a voting member. All BSA settlement contributions as apportioned by the GNJ Council on Finance and Administration (CFA). The Council of Bishops has noted that Judicial Council Decision 1379 requires that any motion to disaffiliate must to be approved, reach a two thirds majority of the professing members present and voting at the church conference. The lower thresholds to request a transfer of property named in 2548.2 do not apply as a valid vote to request disaffiliation. This deadline represents something of a gamble for many churches wishing to disaffiliate. The Woodlands United Methodist and Faithbridge, two large traditional churches near Houston, both voted Aug. 7 for disaffiliation, while a third large church, Wildwood, adopted a resolution to stay in the denomination. Therefore, congregants who choose to remain United Methodist Church members will either decide to join another UMC church or start their own. Waiting to disaffiliate could either provide better terms or prevent the possibility of an exit altogether. The United Methodist Church was formed in 1968 through the merger of the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church. This process is based upon section 2553 of The Book of Discipline. Additionally, the UMC has been criticized for its bureaucratic structure, which can make it difficult for churches to navigate and get the support they need. God has important mission and ministry for the congregations of GNJ, and this will be the primary focus of GNJ over the next year. Section 2553 requires disaffiliation to occur on or before December 31, 2023. The mission of the church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Under any process of disaffiliation, your congregation will want to avoid any situation in which you do not follow or appear not to follow the requirements as set forth by the Discipline and your conference. This is permitted by the General Conference and paragraph 2553. And as the Judicial Council decision clarifies, the "comity agreement" referred to in this paragraph is created by the Council of Bishops and affirmed by General Conference. As we navigate the changes in the United Methodist denomination, we want to be sure we stay true to who we are, who God has called us to be, and our belief system. How were the terms determined? If you have questions regarding your account(s), please fill out the form below and we will respond to you as soon as possible. Letters, reports and other resources generated to keep us informed about this process, specifically as it pertains to First Methodist Carrollton. It is not judging others (Matthew 7:1-2), but encountering Gods wisdom and understanding in others, the community of faith and ourselves for discerning Gods calling for the congregation and each of us individually. (n.d.). This article will explore the reasons behind this trend and provide an overview of the number of churches that have disaffiliated in the US. The District Superintendents will be working with the GNJ congregations who are discerning their pathway to future mission and ministry as we emerge from the pandemic. Our mission at UMF remains the same To help Gods people pay it forward. There may be more cause for hope than you realize, but someone may need to stand up and make the case to stay United Methodist to activate others in your church inclined to remain United Methodist. Additionally, Jeff Greenway, a leader in the Wesleyan Covenant Association recently suggested that disaffiliating churches who go independent or join affliations of churches risk lacking Wesleyan connectionalism to accomplish their mission and theological drift into Reformed Calvinism amongst other risks. For congregations that disaffiliate, and their appointed pastor(s) remain(s) in the UMC, the estimated clergy compensation including housing and benefits for 18 months and maximum moving expenses for two moves per individual. Our beliefs, as a United Methodist Church. This is a matter of fairness, not punitive in nature. Absent such explicit instructions by the annual conference, however, there are no guarantees about what terms the trustees may offer, and the trustees are under no obligation to negotiate the terms they offer. You can learn more about the NAC3 team and plan here: https://www.umcna.org/postdetail/16513389 and watch their video below: We have documented many of our concerns with disaffiliation and joining the Global Methodist Church on our What are the Big Concerns page of our website. Disaffiliation means separating from the WNC Annual Conference (WNCC) and the entire UMC. Specifically, be a vocal advocate to make sure: Minimum duration times are observed at each phase of the process. The Guides will assist each congregation in discerning its future, not the desires of the Guide, GNJ or the UMC. United Methodist Foundation, Inc. Read this blog post by long time Asbury Spiritual Formation and Wesleyan Studies professor, Steve Harper. It's a collection of study-committee members and church leaders who have been in the trenches with us as we navigate this process. However, in recent years, there has been a growing movement among some churches to disaffiliate from the denomination. However, it may be important for you to point out hidden or unforeseen costs inherent in disaffiliation such as: Interest and loan costs to fund money needed to comply with par. If a congregation votes to disaffiliate from the UMC and GNJ, in order to move to the next stage, it will need to enter into a covenant with the Cabinet and the Connectional Table about ministries that may continue to be done jointly. Our history, as part of the Whittier community. The provision permits such disaffiliations through Dec. 31, 2023. Holy conversation that listens to understand, responds with grace and respect for God and one another and recognizes that we are in conversation with one another and with God. 2548.2, and, under some circumstances, 2549.3.bmay be sometimes also be involved to address related property issues. Your support of The General Administration Fund apportionment supports the legislative body of the denomination, the Judicial Council. Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World, United Methodist Church of Greater New Jersey, Pathways for Fruitful and Healthy Ministry, https://www.umc.org/en/content/ask-the-umc-who-has-voice-and-vote-in-a-local-church, ResourceUMC | Judicial Council Decision Number 1449, https://www.umc.org/en/content/articles-of-religion, https://www.umnews.org/en/news/bishop-urges-end-to-falsehoods-pivot-to-future, https://www.umc.org/en/content/ask-the-umc-what-should-united-methodist-congregations-know-about-disaffiliation, 2021 United Methodists of Greater New Jersey, Click here for FAQs in Spanish (updated version coming soon). A sound discernment process may also be able to reduce harms that may be unintentionally caused by the results of the vote. My administrative board did not vote to proceed with discernment; there will be no vote to disaffiliate. Clearly there is a substantial costs associated with the disaffiliation process. It is not about a congregation changing its denominational affiliation. This was denied and we were told that the guides would represent the UMC. We would prefer open ballot by show of hands to secret written ballot. They are assisting a congregation to discern if it will disaffiliate from the UMC and GNJ. Definition of Membership Non-professing members may attend the church conference without voice and vote. When a church discontinues as a United Methodist congregation, either by closing or disaffiliating from the UMC, all real and personal property reverts back to the UMC to strengthen the witness and mission of the church. And in a situation where the congregation has acted in ways that are not compliant with the Discipline and the guidance of the district superintendent, the conference board of trustees may not offer the congregation any terms to obtain its former property or assets. The Global Methodist Church was established earlier this year in response to the United Methodist Church becoming more progressive in their views on allowing LGBTQ+ members of clergy and performing wedding ceremonies for gay couples. Does the Annual Conference have to approve a Congregations disaffiliation? Any outstanding loans as identified by GNJ Loan Board; CFA or the GNJ Board of Trustees. Receive Communications and/or Join Our Support Lists! (2021). However, the pastor is the administrative officer of the church and, therefore, is an ex officio member of most committees of the local church. The annual conference determines whether and when such transfer may take place. Is this saying that in the event of disaffiliation the UMC will actually take that % of the churchs money and investments? In conclusion, the disaffiliation of Methodist churches is a complex issue that is driven by a variety of factors. When all seven steps of disaffiliation are completed and the church makes all required financial payments. Please provide details on the process that the two guides will follow as they assist us in the discernment process. Approval for disaffiliation by at least a two-thirds majority of a churchs professing members present at the vote. When does the Annual Conference vote to on a congregations disaffiliation? There are a number of reasons why churches may choose to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church. The provisions of 2553 expire on December 31, 2023 and shall not be used after that date. United Methodist Foundation of North Carolina. Pastor: Dr. Jim Dean: cell: 828-508-0035 / email: jedean619 . Take time to review all that weve done together in the North Alabama Conference. That's okay! Can a congregation disaffiliate under paragraph 2548.2 of The Book of Discipline? This disaffiliation process is a journey to find other Wesleyans who hold the same values of scriptural authority and Christocentric theology that we do. The Judicial Council has ruled that paragraph 2548.2 may not be used for disaffiliation. Q What disaffiliation provision was affirmed in JCD 1385? A $3,500 administrative fee to defray the cost of the discernment and disaffiliation guides that will be used by the GNJ cabinet and the board of trustees to facilitate the process. Or something else? While the terms may remain the same, the amounts may change based on information that was not know at the time of developing the initial term sheet projection, changes in the market, items in the deed, outstanding loans and gifts from the annual conference that have not been paid, unpaid apportionment calculations and any other items that could not be calculated accurately at the time of preparing the initial term sheet.

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