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The following are significant milestones/durations to be aware of: Disaffiliation Discernment Process, Phase 1 (Notification) 1 month minimum, Disaffiliation Discernment Process, Phase 2 (Prayerful Discernment) 3 month minimum, Disaffiliation Discernment Process, Phase 3 (Church Conference) 10 day minimum notification. A *possible* specially called Annual Conference has been announced for December, 2023 for additional disaffiliations. This paragraph does not create a right nor a process for congregations to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church. The decline in membership has led to financial difficulties for many churches, as they struggle to keep their doors open and maintain their facilities. Is it fair to increase Shared Ministry apportionments or draw from GNJ designated funds to cover this cost? Deadline looms for Methodist churches considering disaffiliation - Yahoo Pastors and congregation leaders should start with a conversation with their District Superintendent who can help find the best option to accomplish the congregation's goal. 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. The UMC Disaffiliation Requirements Timeline The Future with the Global Methodist Church To Contact StayUMC THE PROCESS In January of 2021, the Administrative Board established a leadership team to explore our relationship with our denomination. Dear Disaffiliating United Methodist Congregations Clarify please. The provision permits such disaffiliations through Dec. 31, 2023. 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. Or something else? Definition of Membership Non-professing members may attend the church conference without voice and vote. Some churches may be anticipating a change in policies and rush to disaffiliate at the December 10 Annual Conference, but this is based on a unsubstantiated fear. 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. Your awareness of the contents of the following documents may be critical in being an advocate for a fair process during the Discernment Process and any effort to stay United Methodist: Newly added par. Theological differences, declining membership, and a lack of clarity in the UMCs mission and purpose are all contributing to this trend. GNJ congregations are required to begin this process no later than September 30, 2022. The Discernment Team has the opportunity to decline to recommend to the Church Council moving forward with disaffiliation. excerpt from a story by Heather Hahn, assistant news editor, UM News. Pastor: Dr. Jim Dean: cell: 828-508-0035 / email: jedean619 . Still have questions? 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. 33 Days To Morning Glory Consecration Prayer, Is Hillsong United Part Of Hillsong Church, Why Did The Catholic Church Introduce Tropes, What Does The Bible Say About Non Denominational Churches, How Politics Poisoned The Evangelical Church, Why Church And State Should Not Be Separated, United Methodist News Service. What should United Methodist congregations know about disaffiliation? Copyright 2023 All rights reserved. All property and congregational transfer costs including GNJ legal fees. 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. Lets take a look at two examples: Can our congregation receive a term sheet prior to the church council vote to engage in the discernment process?The disaffiliation passage in The Book of Discipline is a result of the current deep conflict within The United Methodist Church around issues of human sexuality. The denomination is known for its strong emphasis on social justice and service, and it operates a number of mission programs both in the US and abroad. 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. That covenant outlines outlines how to honor one another and what information will be shared with the public and the broader church, and if there is openness to reunification in the future. At the very least, advocate that there are voices on the Discernment Team inclined to stay in the United Methodist Church. If you have questions regarding your account(s), please fill out the form below and we will respond to you as soon as possible. *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. There are two exceptions the pastor parish relations committee and the board of trustees. What should United Methodist congregations know about disaffiliation? Section 2553 requires disaffiliation to occur on or before December 31, 2023. This can lead to a sense of isolation and frustration among churches, which can contribute to their decision to disaffiliate. And here's a few of many reasons why: + Some of your members will vote to stay in the UMC. The United Methodist Churchs top court released six decisions Feb. 9 related to a new provision governing how congregations can leave the denomination with property. 2553, Money needed to remove Cross and Flame logo, Future liability for potential Boy Scout lawsuits, Opportunity costs involved in using funds to disaffiliate rather than do ministry, Potential loss of income from congregation members who do not plan to follow local church into disaffiliation, Funding ministry and administrative efforts previously funded through United Methodist connectional giving. Will there be opportunity for the congregation to ask them questions and address any concerns prior to the church vote? Our role at Ask The UMC is to provide accurate official information about The United Methodist Church. Paragraph 2553 of the Book of Discipline , the denomination's law and policy book, identifies and charges the Conference Trustees with oversight of terms and conditions for churches wishing to disaffiliate over matters of conscience . Receive Communications and/or Join Our Support Lists! 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. Theprojectedterm sheet will be provided in the first disaffiliation discernment Special Called Church Conference session with the assigned Guide. Wespath has also posted an informative FAQ about the impact of disaffiliation on continued ability to participate in the UMC's pension programs. Any unpaid apportionments for the 12 months prior to the disaffiliation date, as well as an additional 12 months of apportionments. This is an anxious season for the congregation and its leaders. 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. https://www.umc.org/en/content/ask-the-umc-what-should-united-methodist-congregations-know-about-disaffiliation. If a church votes to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church, when will they know the payment amount? These questions have made it clear that there is a lot of confusion and misinformation in the church about this topic. Waiting to disaffiliate could either provide better terms or prevent the possibility of an exit altogether. The Term Sheet is not negotiable. My administrative board did not vote to proceed with discernment; there will be no vote to disaffiliate. General Conference could also fail to produce any exit or extend the expiration of par. Assuming the amendment process mentioned above is completed. 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 deadline for your church to be on the agenda for this called annual conference is December 1, and all financial payments must be submitted to the Conference Trustees and the treasurer by December 1. The Annual Conference must approve the disaffiliation for the congregation to disaffiliate. Some require repayment in full of grants made to the local church. Prior to the disaffiliation date, a local church shall pay to the Annual Conference any unpaid apportionments for the 12 months immediately prior and an additional 12 months of . That's okay! 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. Research and resources compiled by other United Methodist churches. When does a disaffiliating congregation officially end its relationship with the UMC and GNJ? Hosted by Cornerstone UMC in Houston on August 14, 2022. PDF Ballot - AWFUMC What will the conference do to ensure the well-being of clergy serving in congregations that decide to disaffiliate but he/she/they decide to stay in the UMC? More than 100 Florida churches file lawsuit to leave United Methodist The principle used was that any congregation that sought to leave the denomination would pay for what is required by paragraph 2553 and any additional costs that the conference would incur because of the congregation leaving. The annual conference may only consider such a request after the presiding bishop and the majority of the district superintendents and the district board of location and building have given their consent. One of the main reasons for disaffiliation among Methodist churches is the growing theological differences within the denomination. Ive watched your webinar for EPA conference and was surprised to find out that the term sheet may be revised as needed. At our first church meeting yesterday, many members expressed concern that the pastor and his leadership were giving only biased information on disaffiliation and joining GMC. Notifications about the meeting are to go to all members as outlined and provided to the church. Recently, the North Carolina Annual Conference published the process for clergy and churches to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church. Your district superintendent can give you the most accurate information so your congregation can make its best decisions informed by the facts. They did not respond by press time. 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 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. One option is for young people to meet as a group and the guides will work with them. The Global Methodist Churchs Convening General Conference to be held between May 1, 2023 and November 1, 2023 based on this announcement. The Deficiencies of Disaffiliation - United Methodist Insight According to the United Methodist News Service, as of 2021, there are more than 100 churches have disaffiliated from the United Methodist Church. Spiritual discernment is setting oneself or the community apart for a time of deep listening for the Holy Spirits wisdom, insight and calling. In order for a congregation to disaffiliate, the Annual Conference must approve the disaffiliation by a simple majority vote. Another reason for disaffiliation among United Methodist churches is concerns about the denominations organizational structure and decision-making processes. (919) 836-0029 - Fax (919) 836-0092. PDF Q&A About the Disaffiliation Process - NGUMC 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. This disaffiliation process is a journey to find other Wesleyans who hold the same values of scriptural authority and Christocentric theology that we do. This provision about property transfer is not about a vote for the congregation to disaffiliate or join another denomination. 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. There are other resources that may we may have that have not yet made it to this page. First UMC to disaffiliate from United Methodist Church 2553 expires on December 31, 2023. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The North Alabama Conferences Discernment Process is designed to help congregations count the costs of disaffiliation. Is the Term Sheet negotiable? Your Foundation remains firmly grounded in helping you achieve the dreams God has placed on your heart. BOD 2016, 340 3a, Responsibilities and Duties of Elders and Licensed Local Pastors. Has the United Methodist Church changed or abandoned its beliefs that are now outlined in our Articles of Religion, specifically, the resurrection, and the Trinity? A vote was taken at the church on Monday evening (Oct. 3). Specifically, be a vocal advocate to make sure: Minimum duration times are observed at each phase of the process. However, our annual conference policies and processes on disaffiliations will not change with new leadership. Due diligence in all land transfers requires an accurate accounting of values of all properties, particularly if any costs of the transfer arerelated to the property itself. No. Video here (starts at 40 minutes into presentation): https://vimeo.com/722681837#t=40m. Can a congregation disaffiliate under paragraph 2548.2 of The Book of Discipline? A total 421 congregants voted - 295 voted to disaffiliate, but 126 voted to remain with the United Methodist Church [] Disaffiliation - United Methodist Foundation, Inc. The disaffiliation will be complete by December 31, 2022. Will the Guides represent a particular theology or viewpoint about ministry with and by LGBTQ persons? UMF remains your trusted partner in ministry. Doing the legwork of someone willing to speak to your congregation may make this offer difficult for your church leadership to decline. Our mission at UMF remains the same To help Gods people pay it forward.