Voices of the Disaffiliating Churches

Reasons cited by churches voting to disaffiliate from the UMC

The following is a collection of direct quotes from UMC pastors of churches which have recently voted and passed the disaffiliation vote in their local congregations:

1) St. Andrew UMC of Plano, TX (6,500 members)- Oct 2022

Rev. Arthur Jones (son of UMC Bishop, Rev. Scott Jones): “The historical Methodist theology and our focus on Jesus is what we aim to protect".

“We can protect our finances, our property and our pastors by going in a new direction."

"Everyone involved has a deep love for the denomination that birthed us, but the fractures and flaws of the institution are too deep to ignore. What you may have read in the media or heard does not fully paint the picture of the complexities of the question and our resulting decision."

"The complexity of the debate involves how the denomination is organized, funded, and what systems and structures it uses to operate."

“We will be looking to create affiliations with those who also desire greater accountability with more efficient systems and structures than we have had with the UMC." Read more regarding St. Andrew's decision here: St. Andrew United Methodist Church - Our Decision.

2) The Woodlands UMC, TX (14,000 members)- Aug 2022

Rev. Mark Sorensen: “We are ready to move on past the division and the differences that have been an ongoing distraction in our denomination for far too long." Read more here: Large Texas Churches Vote on Disaffiliation.

"Though we're many people...we are united in one vision and one clear mission as a church".

"We are ready to discern our next steps in ministry as a church free from the constraints and conflicts."

"With this vote, we're preserving the ministry that we know and love". "We are Methodists. That's not going to change".

3) Cove UMC of Owens Crossroads, AL (1,400 members)- June 2022

Rev. John Tanner: "It is the mission of Cove Church Ministries to help people discover hope, develop faith and demonstrate love through a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. We have come to believe that remaining part of the United Methodist Church hinders our ability to fulfill this mission".

• Article available here: Cove-Disaffiliation-FAQ.pdf (covechurch.com)

"Our desire to separate is based primarily on four areas:

• Theology: We believe the United Methodist Church has drifted slowly and steadily from its historic Christian theological foundation. This includes differences in approach to/definition of the Authority of Scripture, the unique claims of Jesus as the Son of God and human sexuality.

• Governance: Through continued postponements and inaction, the UMC has rejected the processes by which disagreements are to be resolved. Proper denominal governance has eroded, resulting in leadership abusing their power and disregarding the Book of Discipline.

• Focus: The division has become a distraction from our mission and will only become more so the longer it continues.

• Stewardship: Member churches of the UMC are asked to pay yearly apportionments to the conference, and for Cove that can be close to $250,000. In the face of denominational division, abuse of power and decline, we no longer see this as money well spent".

4) Asbury UMC of Madison, AL (3,400 members)- May 2022

Lead Pastor, Rev. Dr. Tommy Gray: “Many significant relationships and mission efforts have resulted during our time with the Conference. It is not without sadness that we come to this decision to disaffiliate. However, we believe that aligning with a network of other disaffiliated churches will afford many exciting new opportunities for mission and ministry. We look forward to this new season in our history once this decision is ratified by the Annual Conference, in accordance with the guidelines of the UMC Book of Discipline.

“We continue to pray for our Bishop and the entire United Methodist Church. We trust great kingdom impact can come to every church in this season no matter their affiliation."

• Article available here: Asbury Church | Disaffiliation (weareasbury.com)

5) Asbury UMC of Tulsa, OK (7,000 members)- May 2022

Rev. Tom Harrison: “There isn’t one issue driving this separation; rather, after years of operating under vastly different approaches to theology, ministry and Christology, it was determined by the leadership of the Church, in conjunction with the pastoral staff, that these approaches are irreconcilable and no longer sustainable. As Asbury Church, we will continue to pursue our mission of helping others follow Jesus.”

Transition team chairman, Jeff Wilkie: “Our denomination is at a crossroads. Some in the United Methodist Church insist we should change some of the traditional positions dealing with the issues of sexuality. However, sexuality is merely the presenting issue. We believe the real issue is not about sexuality. It’s about how we view Scripture.” You can read more here: Asbury splits from United Methodist Church, changes name

How are We Doing?

36 Sometime later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.”37 Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them,38 but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work.39 They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus,40 but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord.41 He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. Acts 15 (NIV)

A few questions I'll pose for consideration:

How are we doing today (Acts 15:36)? How are we doing in reaching a new generation of followers of Jesus Christ? How are we doing in preaching a balanced perspective of both Grace and Truth (John 1:14) from God's Word in our local churches each week? Is the path of our local churches a sustainable one in the long term? How are we doing when it comes to baptizing new followers of Jesus Christ or of receiving new professions of faith in our local churches? Are we seeing signs of growth, renewal, or new life in our local churches? Why do we believe this is the case?

Do we need more of the same? Are we open to the possibility that God may be doing a "new thing" in our midst (Isaiah 43:19)?

These are trying times for so many across the community of the UMC faithful. I pray for us all to continue to live out the model and instruction of Ephesians 4:

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called;5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism;6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (NIV)

In the love of Jesus Christ,

Wes