Changes Ahead for the Global UMC – But No Need to Panic
Thoughts by Pastor Chris
TC Central Church is part of the worldwide United Methodist Church. We are a huge denomination, but one that has been in transition since its original founder, John Wesley, broke away from London’s Fetter Lane Christian Society to start a different mission outpost known at the Foundry across town.
We at Central continue to offer info and conversations to help us learn about the proposals that are coming to the specially called General Conference of global delegates this month in St. Louis. This gathering will try to deal with the fact that worldwide United Methodists do not agree on whether to ordain or marry LGBT persons. At issue is whether the denomination remains together beyond 2020. “The Way Forward” is a plan designed by a group of our bishops intended to keep us together despite differences on this issue. Most bishops are in favor of the One Church Plan, which allows conferences and congregations to make their own decisions on embracing full inclusion of LGBT persons. You can find out more about this and other options by CLICKING HERE.
Many of us have been in prayer for the upcoming conference in St. Louis, praying a wise path forward for our denomination currently not of one mind on the matter of mature human sexuality. Our global UMC mission statement is “To Make Disciples for the Transformation of the World”. Now our delegates, come Feb 23rd, will help decide how folks on all sides of this issue can live out our mission – either as the one large UMC begun in 1968, or several smaller denominations. As someone raised in the UMC since birth, and serving as a pastor for all of my career, I am not afraid of the prospect of our denomination dividing (multiplying) in the future, to allow us to better serve our contexts and the people before us. I believe faithful UMs will be able to fully serve Christ’s Church, even if we must part ways, or relate as sister denominations defined by region or principle. Again, I do not fear the possibility of a schism in the UMC, which is likely, for I do not believe we serve our mission best by a false unity, as we currently exist.
IT’S ABOUT INTEGRITY
For me as pastor, this is an issue of integrity, to respect the God-honoring mature covenantal love between adults, whether straight or gay. Our UM Book of Discipline (ie. the rule book for running our churches) added language in 1972 saying, “While affirming that all persons are people of sacred worth and that God’s Grace is available to all, the United Methodist Church (UMC) does not condone the practice of homosexuality and considers it not compatible with Christian teaching”. What does this language say to the gay couple who wants to take membership vows to join our church? What does this language say to the straight couple whose child, after years of reflection, comes out to them as gay? What does this language say about the Church modeling Jesus’ way of breaking down social barriers and having inclusion extended to the outsider?
SCHISM HAPPENS
Again, when you look at history, our Methodist movement is no stranger to schism and re-alignment in order to live out the mission of serving Christ as best we know how, in our time and place. When it comes to full inclusion of African Americans; when it comes to full inclusion of women as pastors – it has sometimes required the Church to divide and reorganize to more fully live its mission to call all persons to Christ. Here’s an excellent article by UM historian and professor, Dr. Jack Jackson, on the history of unavoidable schism that has allowed Methodists to be in more places. I hope you’ll read it. He makes a strong case for living our mission as more important than keeping a false sense of unity for the sake of staying together. Here is a quote from Dr. Jackson:
“The UMC is at an impasse and there is no solution that truly unifies. Nevertheless, we can thrive as distinct Protestant and Wesleyan communities if we value our different understandings of mission as it relates to human sexuality instead of trying to cling to a false unity. If we can release each other to live out our missional visions separately, we can then devote all our efforts to being the missional communities the Spirit wants us to be, without all the vitriol of the last 50 years. We can refocus our time, energy, and finances so that we aren’t fighting each other, but are actually serving the world. Both new expressions of the Methodist spirit might decide, to see each other as fellow Protestants, blessing each other as fellow Methodists and Protestants, and perhaps working in partnership with each other as we currently do with hundreds of Protestant communities. Methodists have done this before–it is in our Wesleyan and Protestant DNA.” Read the full article HERE.
WE’LL BE OK
Finally, a word on how I see Central Church being affected by these potential changes in the UMC. Ours is a healthy vibrant congregation. New people come here, and they tell us it is because they see Christ’s love and hospitality and joy and mission consistently being offered. Regardless of what decisions are made at General Conference, we’re going to be just fine at Central. We will continue to love one another, to feed the hungry, to welcome the stranger, to build up the Body of Christ which includes God-imprinted persons both straight and gay. Or as my friend, and General Conference delegate Rev. Kennetha Bigham-Tsai, beautifully says, in this 1-minute video “we’ll still be a people of hope beyond General Conference.”
I can see instances where we’ve learned to joyfully receive our gay brothers and lesbian sisters into our fellowship. Still, others have left us because they did not feel welcome. There is always more work for us in learning to fully receive all people searching for God. And there is work to do in understanding one another when we may not all agree on this or other matters. May we pray for generous minds and hearts, here at Central, and for those gathering at General Conference. May we be open to Holy Spirit’s wisdom, brooding over us all. Or as Apostle Paul prayed in the Book of Ephesians:
…that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through the Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
May it be so, come what may,
Pastor Chris
P.S. Here’s one final link, this one from our Bishop of the Michigan Conference, David Bard, on behalf of all our bishops. He offers a hopeful word as we offer Christ into the future. READ THE LETTER HERE.
Wise and calm words from an enlightened mind. Thank you Pastor Chris.
So wonderful to read these reassuring words while we are far away on our winter travels. I am blessed to be part of a worshiping family that honors all people as “God imprinted.”
We are heartened that Central Church will remain an open and loving body to anyone who wishes to be a part of our congregation.
Sheri and Larry Grow
It is shamefully late for the Methodists to come to the inclusion table! This crucial issue has caused me great angst and I have not always been proud to be a member. Frankly, that the church should be at an impasse is beyond my understanding. If there must be a break, so be it. Who among us has the right to dictate whom we chose to love?
A truer heretic has seldom spoken.
I believe that God has continually been moving humankind, from the beginning, over the millennia, in the direction of the wholeness of God’s love. And that has always meant change. It seems good to me to be praying Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians you’ve shared here, for this General Conference. Thank you, Pastor Chris, for reassuring and teaching us.
It is my prayer that Central will continue its practice of inclusion regardless of the outcome of the Conference decision. “Open Doors & Open Hearts” should encompass all who seek God’s will for their lives.
Thanks for these thoughts, Pastor Chris. I believe the culture of Central Church has embraced an understanding of God’s love and how we need to extend God’s Grace to all. I believe regardless of the decision of the denomination our church will remain a beacon of hope and compassion in Traverse City. We are not perfect, and our welcome of our LGBT neighbors need to continue to grow, but I believe we are on a good path.
God is God of new surprises.
Thank you for the confirmation that Central United Methodist will not change with their warm welcome embrace to those seeking a place to worship no matter the outcome of the voting of the Conference. Those entering the church seek God and the message of love, not permission, debate or judgement.
Thank you Pastor Chris for your integrity. I would much rather be part of a dynamic church community than a static one. Change is the only sure bet in our lives, and I applaud the reach for change and inclusion at Central and beyond. My favorite Christmas card reads: Christ came to earth as love, so that we might learn to love as Christ. He was our first example of inclusionary practices. So I agree, we will be just fine with leadership that helps show us the way forward, regardless of conference voting.
I’m so grateful for these words, and for the hearts of those in leadership at Central. Thank you for being fearlessly inclusive. You are right. Everything’s going to be ok!
Hello and peace! I’m intrigued by your blog. This term, “inclusivism” …Why do we have to use terms to describe what already should be? Jesus, our Lord is inclusive but at the same time, he loved enough to speak the truth! What exactly is your truth when it comes to homosexuality? What are you saying exactly?
We considered ourselves non-denominational when we came to CUMC. We became Methodists because of the open and accepting church this is. I believe Jesus would be proud of our church if we stand up against treating some of His children like second class Christians.
Thank you Pastor Chris for this thoughtful and inspiring message about the issue of inclusion for the Global UMC. We are blessed to be part of a church family at TC Central in which the members have openly discussed and decided who and what they stand for. I especially appreciate your reassurance that we have nothing to fear in the outcome of the upcoming General Conference.
Thank you, Pastor Chris, for the words you continually share that challenge us to reevaluate our own imperfect human interpretations of God’s perfect love. We grow when we have the opportunity to see the world from new and sometimes uncomfortable angles. My 11 year old daughter recently had the incredible opportunity to play the role of Small Allison in the musical Fun Home at Old Town Playhouse, and her young heart is forever opened because of this experience, as are the hearts of our entire family, our friends, and I honestly believe every person who sat in the audience which, I am so honored to say, includes Central UMC’s entire pastoral staff. Thank you for standing on the Old Town Playhouse stage alongside community representatives whose mission is to support the LGBTQ community, and making a statement that our church passionately celebrates inclusion, as Jesus did, and that all are welcomed.
Change can be scary. There is comfort in what we know, because it is routine and predictable. Change is challenging. It asks us to make decisions that might be difficult. I am proud to be part of what I view as a welcoming, inclusive church. I am always amazed when I read the statement from the UM Book of Discipline that Pastor Chris referenced, as it sounds so different from what I believe. As the Global UMC tackles the task of change-making and tough decisions, it is heartening to know that the inclusive Central we know will be ok. I don’t want to go backwards. I want to push forward and embrace our Church and ALL those who wish to be part of it in any way or capacity they choose. We may (and hopefully will!) continue to evolve and change for the better, and become more open, more inclusive, more welcoming, and more diverse. We will be stronger in our faith for it.
As I read Chris’ Blog three words stood out for me: “It’s about integrity.” Although I am not the parent of someone who is gay or a Lesbian I am the parent of two children who did not fit in here at CUMC especially during their early schooling.
Kyle had health and physical disabilities and wore diapers at age 3-4. When I dropped him off at Sunday School I was told he couldn’t stay in that class…he’d have to go to the infant room because he wore diapers. When Katie, who has Down syndrome, attended VBS I was called to come and get her because she was running in the hall.
“It’s about integrity.” Because Kyle and Katie were around church often people began to see that these two children deserved and needed to be able to attend church and Christian education classes. Before his death Kyle was a much loved youth leader. Katie spurs us on at The Well to loosen up and dance and she takes the offering during the 11:00 service. She knows many people and is quick to help elderly.
Our church has been integral in the growth of my children from infancy to adulthood. They have learned from you all about acceptance and love and giving.
So while it may be scary to think our church may no longer be a part of a worldwide United Methodist Church we can be confident that over the years we have learned and demonstrated that we are caring and loving and inclusive. My friend who lives downstate hears from me about our church…our outreach and love and respect for all. She tells me she’s never heard of a church that accepts and gives as we do almost without blinking an eye.
I am proud to say I am part of Central United Methodist Church here in Traverse City. “It’s about integrity.” We have examined ourselves. We have learned. We have realized that not all are alike no matter if it’s skin color, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation or without a permanent home…and we all can worship here at 222 Cass Street. We work at being inclusive and honest…it’s about integrity.
We are not a pretend church. We don’t pretend to accept two men or two women who love each other…WE DO ACCEPT. “It’s about integrity.” Just as Kyle and Katie showed us we shouldn’t close our doors, we welcome all. It’s the right thing. We’ll be OK. “It’s about integrity.” Thank you, Chris, for helping me see how important honesty is.
As I read Chris’ Blog three words stood out for me: “It’s about integrity.” Although I am not the parent of someone who is gay or a Lesbian I am the parent of two children who did not fit in here at CUMC especially during their early schooling.
Kyle had health and physical disabilities and wore diapers at age 3-4. When I dropped him off at Sunday School I was told he couldn’t stay in that class…he’d have to go to the infant room because he wore diapers. When Katie, who has Down syndrome, attended VBS I was called to come and get her because she was running in the hall.
“It’s about integrity.” Because Kyle and Katie were around church often people began to see that these two children deserved and needed to be able to attend church and Christian education classes. Before his death Kyle was a much loved youth leader. Katie spurs us on at The Well to loosen up and dance and she takes the offering during the 11:00 service. She knows many people and is quick to help elderly.
Our church has been integral in the growth of my children from infancy to adulthood. They have learned from you all about acceptance and love and giving.
So while it may be scary to think our church may no longer be a part of a worldwide United Methodist Church we can be confident that over the years we have learned and demonstrated that we are caring and loving and inclusive. My friend who lives downstate hears from me about our church…our outreach and love and respect for all. She tells me she’s never heard of a church that accepts and gives as we do almost without blinking an eye.
I am proud to say I am part of Central United Methodist Church here in Traverse City. We have examined ourselves. We have learned. We have realized that not all are alike no matter if it’s skin color, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation or without a permanent home…and we all can worship here at 222 Cass Street. We work at being inclusive and honest…it’s about integrity.
We are not a pretend church. We don’t pretend to accept two men or two women who love each other…WE DO ACCEPT. Just as Kyle and Katie showed us we shouldn’t close our doors, we welcome all. It’s the right thing. We’ll be OK. “It’s about integrity.” Thank you, Chris, for helping me see how important honesty is.
Thank you.
John Wesley preached that if your heart is the same as mine, let us join hands. By uniting with each other, we at Central UMC seek to be God’s agents in Traverse City, and believe that debating scripture is fruitless and divisive. Thanks, Chris, for your thoughts.
Allen and Nan Horstman
Thank you Pastor Chris.
I was going to leave my own comments until I read Bonnie Sonnemann’s beautiful sentiments. Thank you Bonnie, you captured my thoughts better than I ever could:
“I am proud to say I am part of Central United Methodist Church here in Traverse City. We have examined ourselves. We have learned. We have realized that not all are alike no matter if it’s skin color, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation or without a permanent home…and we all can worship here at 222 Cass Street. We work at being inclusive and honest…it’s about integrity.
We are not a pretend church. We don’t pretend to accept two men or two women who love each other…WE DO ACCEPT. Just as Kyle and Katie showed us we shouldn’t close our doors, we welcome all. It’s the right thing. We’ll be OK. “It’s about integrity.” Thank you, Chris, for helping me see how important honesty is.”
Jesus’ 2 commandments were to 1. Love God with all of your heart soul and mind and 2. To love your neighbor as yourself. He did not hang with those already Christians but with those unclean, ill and sinners. He showed them love and understanding and yet he spent the few years he had teaching what was right. He accepted the people but not their wrong behaviors. Why all of the parables then? He turned the money collectors tables in the temple. So He did not give them a pass for wrong behavior.
A good and lovimg parent doesn’t let a child do anything he or she wants. They teach them right from wrong. A good teacher in school can’t allow students to run the classroom or no learning takes place.
So the question is where did all of this come from? Is it all of the abuse in families and society that has such a stigma no one is willing to get help. Do we not need to get to the root of the problem and not gloss it over and say the behavior is ok? Do you really think God thinks it is Ok???
I believe the challenge for the church is to be bold and show the love and compassion to the people while at the same time TEACHING what is correct behavior that marriage is sacred and between a man and a woman.
I have felt the shunning from church members at Central who profess to welcome in words but not actions due to a horrible accident when I was 6, NOT MY FAULT, but I have LISTENED to God who wants me there to set an example. Those who leave are perhaps not listening to our Father.
Respectfully
There is a difference between unity, liberty, and charity. Without compromise, unity is an improbable goal. For several years, the divisive issue of homosexual acceptance has splintered our church and society. Now the United Methodist Church seeks to find unity with democratic debate and ballot.
Dr. Jack Jackson’s reference to false sense of unity accurately describes the current schism. Liberty for individual conferences and churches to select their course of action may or may not be the outcome of the upcoming General Conference. I hope all of us will seek to accept each other with charity.
Thanks Chris and Dale, for your sermon message today…
I am grateful for the validation, diversity and inclusion that we find at Central Church.
Whatever it takes, whatever it costs-
to be God’s hands and feet in this great big beautiful world, to care for Gods Children, ANY and ALL of God’s Children, Im committed to that…
Pastor Chris,
I thank you for your calm, wise and caring words, encouraging everyone to hold love in their hearts and to be unafraid of change. Transition and transformation have always been a part of life. They are learning opportunities, no matter how painful, to discover, learn and grow. The current movement we are facing has been a long time coming. Other churches have moved forward, embracing diversity and inclusiveness. Like the color of our skin and the color of our eyes, our sexual orientation has been a genetic and God-given trait throughout human history. And the capacity to love and cherish someone is a universal gift of being human.
I encourage everyone to read the article Pastor Chris cited by Dr. Jack Jackson. It defines the possibilities that lie before us in a clear, calm and helpful way. Thank you, Chris, for helping us to better understand what lies before us as a faith community. I am grateful for your kindness and your courage.
Pastor Chris,
I thank you for your calm, wise and caring words, encouraging everyone to hold love in their hearts and to be unafraid of change. Transition and transformation have always has been a part of life. They are learning opportunities, no matter how painful, to discover, learn and grow. The current movement we are facing has been a long time coming. Like the color of our skin and the color of our eyes, our sexual orientation is a genetic and God-given trait people have received throughout history. The capacity to love and cherish someone is a universal gift of being human.
I encourage everyone to read the article Pastor Chris cited by Dr. Jack Jackson. It defines the possibilities that lie before us in a clear, calm and helpful way. Thank you, Chris, for helping us to better understand what lies before us as a faith community. I am grateful for your kindness and your courage.
I agree BJ I don’t think they are on the right track on what they are voting on. Sad sad that so few people have had any voice in this and have no vote with so few people as delegates from each state when this is so important to our entire denomination. Never saw any open conversations at Central and I attended a meeting with the Bishop in Grayling on this and was the only one from Central.
Sunday, as I sat in church listening to Pastor Dale’s message, reflecting on Pastor Chris’s blog, and thinking about the upcoming UMC decisions. I also observed the people gathered — singles, couples, friends, families, gay, straight, young, old — various configurations all dressed reflecting the weather and their personalities. Various configurations but united in our desire to grow in our faith.
In the 1950’s, the typical configuration was a father in a suit plus a mother wearing a hat and gloves along with children in their ‘Sunday best’. That wasn’t how I arrived at church. Mother definitely wore a hat and her gloved hands certainly guided my brother and me — but where was the father? And, at the Methodist church of my childhood, that did not matter. We were not 1950’s typical but that Methodist congregation openly welcomed the three of us and invited us to join in growing in our faith. They accepted us as Jesus would. We were loved as God commands.
Today’s congregations are as diverse as the people gathered. That has changed. Blue jeans are as common at church as ‘Sunday best’. That has changed. What hasn’t changed is a desire to grow in faith. What hasn’t changed is Jesus’ examples of acceptance. What hasn’t changed is God’s command to love.
The Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians to live a life that measures up to the standard God set instructing us: Be always humble, gentle, and patient. Show your love by being tolerant with one another. Do your best to preserve the unity which the Spirit gives by means of the peace that binds you together. (Ephesians 4:2-3)
It is my prayer that, through all the upcoming UMC decisions, our Central United Methodist Church congregation and all who worship here continue to grow in our faith, continue to expand our acceptance, and, most importantly, to love as God commands.
So many wonderful honest comments! As a new visitor to Central it warms my heart to read your thoughts. Thank you.
My comment is simple. All people should live their lives as a “celebration of humanity” – from The Greatest Showman. All humanity, no matter what. UMC is over thinking this decision. Thank goodness Central gets it.
My wife and I moved up north from Williamston, MI where we attended the first in Michigan reconciling UMC. We understand the need for guidance from the Book of Discipline as we have to travel 45 minutes to find a church that will celebrate us since moving up north. Guidance is needed to help all Methodists see that all people should be celebrated, regardless.
Chris, thank you for sharing your thoughts — you are very wise. I agree that the Church will be okay — unified or separated — and Central UMC will continue to thrive. Recently, when referring to our Christian faith, I heard you announce so eloquently, “Our founder was inclusive, not exclusive.” Christ was also a revolutionary, who created a schism in the existing culture of the time.
I am proud to associate with, and serve in, a community that embraces the notion of inclusivity, making it possible for us to love our neighbors as ourselves. The love of Christ frees us from having to judge others; rather, it urges us to not only accept, but embrace, everyone for who they are.
Pastor Chris here. I appreciate all your posts, prayers & testimonials here. In case you weren’t able to make it, Central held a congregation “teach in” last evening around the upcoming General Conference. We were able to capture it on Facebook Live, including some other links. Just click on this link to watch. Additional links for more info are in the comments following the video.
(the following reply is posted on behalf of Cindy Armbruster) –
In reading Pastor Chris’s Blog about consideration on the United Methodist stance on embracing full inclusion of LGBT I was led to ponder on such things he noted as integrity, unity and maintaining both through possible conflict of differences of opinion.
Commenting on the subject is not taken lightly, as for me it took time of prayer and meditation in order to follow the Holy Spirit’s lead. My conclusion may be risky, as I have learned through my own journey of recovery from the isolation of trauma, that such deep thoughts may possibly mean laying my heart open for all to see. And I now measure all such actions following Proverbs 4:23 “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life”!… which I see is a segway into the subject of Integrity that Pastor Chris used as a bullet point in his blog.
The definition of Integrity:
• Being true to yourself
• Doing nothing that demeans or dishonors yourself
• Following your moral or ethical convictions
• Doing the right thing
So with that said I will follow a recovery truth that I learned along the way… I share only my experience, strength and hope. Today I choose to share for the purpose of
“true unity”, as I love Christ’s Church so much, I want nothing more for her but to continue to grow for the future generations, which in turn may mean to heal from the past.
I have found maintaining “true unity” in any relationship requires facing fears and hurts, digging deep into the portals of the mind and soul through introspection, so that honesty of heart can be laid on the table. In doing so requires laying down judgments… really laying them down by letting the Holy Spirit reveal which is hidden, then allowing such to be exposed into the light of Christ for one purpose…. “Putting on the virtues of love… which binds them together in perfect unity”!
Colossians 3:14.
As a Church… I am referring to Christ’s Church in which I believe Central is part… as I witnessed the “virtues of love” through serving in Children’s Ministry the past four years… we have an opportunity to lay down “false unity” and pick up “true unity” by traversing our way through conflict. As I have learned “true unity” comes from the bonding that is formed through mutual willingness to be open, honest and compassionate by confessing to one another concerns, errors, misgivings without blame or fault by both….
…and as a result common ground only leads to that place of “peace that transcends all understanding”… ahhh “true unity”… which allows love to flow without hindrance. I believe this is what Jesus wanted us to learn as his disciples when he said… “a new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know you are my disciples, if you love one another” John 13:34-35
To cap “Integrity and maintaining unity” as Pastor Chris gave his written words to contemplate… to me generates one more word ….”Acceptance”… “Accept one another, then just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God” Romans 15:7
To me practicing such precepts is not easy but a choice to try… through the trying allows the gifts of “endurance and encouragement” that God gives through the Holy Spirit… and as mistakes are forgiven through Jesus… hope becomes our guiding force… if we are filled with hope how can there be division?
To me conflict is an opportunity to grow deeper in love with each other..
Cindy Armbruster
This is my prayer for the Church in which I love:
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” Romans 15:13
Feeling emotional and grateful for the wise and loving messages from our pastors – along with the insightful comments posted here. The LGBTQ stance on the part of our denomination has been driving a wedge between us and the UM church for the past few years. However, to witness the mobilization, courage and support here at home and around the country in the face of this most recent heartbreaking, fractious vote- to see the wave of outspoken passionate commitment to standing up for what is right — has changed our hearts. The bishop from Indianapolis refers to “those who have been hurt by the church but still insist upon a place at the table.” That would be us – and we’re still here.