Discernment
Updated: September 27th, 2023
Church vote Results
On 9/10/23, Brandon First voted to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church by an 85% majority.
Our discernment team will reconvene in the near future to begin a new process of discerning our next steps. They have already gathered to ensure certain necessities are taken care of for whatever our future may hold. If you were unable to attend our evening worship service on 9/17 which addresses this season we're currently in, please watch below.
Our discernment team will reconvene in the near future to begin a new process of discerning our next steps. They have already gathered to ensure certain necessities are taken care of for whatever our future may hold. If you were unable to attend our evening worship service on 9/17 which addresses this season we're currently in, please watch below.
Timeline and next steps
- October - Discernment Team Meetings
- November - Discernment Team Meetings
- December - Discernment Team Meetings
- December 9th – Special Called Annual Conference to ratify disaffiliations
Discernment q&a
WHAT IS THE VISION OF OUR CHURCH?
Drawing people close to God, changing lives, and transforming our community - all through the love and hope of Jesus Christ.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS TEAM?
To steward our congregation through a process of discernment as we take a next step towards a preferred future together.
WHAT IS NEXT/WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?
The team will begin an additional phase of discernment that will mirror the same process that was used from Jan to Sept. That process included listening sessions with members, attending Sunday school groups and other groups within the church to inform and listen, gathering the whole church to educate and receive any possible questions, and any other additional means needed. At the end of that time, the church will make a decision on future affiliation.
WHY ARE WE DISCERNING/WHY DID WE VOTE?
Click HERE for a history of this discussion within The United Methodist Church.
*********
PAST DISCERNMENT QUESTIONS
Your discernment team spent 4 weeks meeting with every Sunday school class and various other groups throughout the church. Following our church's Pulse Survey results, the Pastors, Lay Leaders, and other members of the Discernment Team held "Coffee and Conversations" with many people during the Sunday school hour. Here are some of the top questions and concerns that have been brought to the table:
1. HOW CAN WE FEEL UNIFICATION (BE UNIFIED) TO MAKE THIS DECISION?
First, we must be fully engaged and united around Jesus’ mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ. That will not change, and must move to a new level. Built upon that, the discernment team is committed to helping our church understand the issues before us, listen well, help the church process our hearts and thoughts, and seek God towards where God would lead us. Each of us must move toward God’s guidance (“To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue.” “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Proverbs 16:1,3).
In seeking the Lord, each of us must come to the conclusion, “It seems good to the Holy Spirit and to us.” (Acts 15:28) This was the response of the first “Jerusalem Counsel” when the church was deciding whether those who were “turning to the Lord” should have to first become Jews, then become Christians.
We are following a process to ensure everyone thinks through and prays deeply about this issue. Your discernment team is committed to helping guide the church toward that unity that only comes through God’s Spirit at work in us.
2. HOW CAN WE ENSURE THAT WE REMAIN A "LOVING CONGREGATION?"
First, we ensure this by actually loving people! People will experience our love by their experience of our love for them. Second, at every juncture of our church's discernment process we have heard unanimously that we want to continue to be a loving and welcoming place for all people to experience the love and grace of Jesus Christ. We have gained a clearer understanding that all people are made in the image of God and are persons of sacred worth. We also understand that our love for one another necessarily contains certain relational boundaries (see 1 Cor. 13 about what love is AND isn't). So, in our love for God, our love for each other, and God's love for us, we recognize certain boundaries that He establishes. Our loving, welcoming presence in our community and hope for all people to partake in our fellowship must continue to be front and center as we seek to make disciples of Jesus Christ!
3. WHAT ARE THE CHANCES THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE WILL CHANGE TO REMOVE OR INCLUDE LANGUAGE ALLOWING FOR HOMOSEXUAL CLERGY AND MARRIAGE?
Though we cannot predict the future, trends indicate it will change. This is the reason the rule of paragraph 2553 was placed in the UM Book of Discipline in 2019. Given that the potential change is so fundamental for many, the General Conference felt the need to give churches an option to leave.
4. WHY AM I BEING ASKED TO DECIDED IF I WANT TO REMAIN UNITED METHODIST/WHY DO WE HAVE TO CHOOSE? IF ANOTHER GROUP WANTS TO FOLLOW A DIFFERENT DISCIPLINE, SHOULDN'T THEY BE THE ONES ASKED IF THEY WANT TO REMAIN?
There have been many twists and turns on the journey to where we are. This is an excellent question. It really does seem strange to be at a juncture like this. It was a combination of many events, decisions and parties that brought us to this point. Please read our “How We Got Here” document at the end of this section for more details.
5. DO WE KEEP OUR BUILDING AND PROPERTY IF WE DISAFFILIATE?
After a church disaffiliates, the church will receive a quit claim deed and own all property outright. The church will retain its assets under the processes of 2553 or 2549 (Trustees process outlined after General Conference with a deadline of June 2025, see info on these statements below).
6. IF WE DISAFFILIATE, WHAT HAPPENS THEN?
Our mission will always remain the same: "To make disciples of Jesus Christ!" If we do disaffiliate, the church will decide to either remain independent or to affiliate with another denomination. The discernment team is actively researching various Wesleyan-based alternatives to the UMC in the event the church desires to disaffiliate. If the church remains independent, there are many steps that must be taken in order to be legally recognized. If the church affiliates with another denomination, that denomination's leadership will give guidance at the time.
7. IF WE DISAFFILIATE, WILL OUR PASTORS REMAIN THE SAME & CAN THEY KEEP THEIR PENSION?
The way we recruit, retain, and release clergy leadership will be different if our church disaffiliates. If our church remains independent, we will be responsible for all matters related to finding, hiring/dismissing, and ordaining clergy. If our church affiliates with another denomination, pastors will likely be recruited and received through a “called” or "networking" system, rather than an "appointed" system (our current method) - with possible guidance from a denominational structure. Your current pastoral leadership is discerning along with you at this time. Please feel free to reach out to them directly for further information.
Pastors that disaffiliate will keep the money already contributed to their pension plans, but they will stop being credited “years of service” within the UMC.
8. DOES A CHURCH MEMBER HAVE TO BE A CERTAIN AGE TO VOTE? WILL YOUTH BE ABLE TO VOTE?
All full members are eligible to vote, regardless of age. You must have made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior to be a full member of a UM Church, which usually happens at the minimum age of 11 in our church. Regardless of age, to be an official member one must have agreed to the membership covenant before the congregation in worship. The discernment team believes it is the parent’s choice to invite or not to invite their “under age” children to vote.
9. HOW DOES A CHURCH DISAFFILIATE?
After all of the pre-work is completed to enter into the process (per Para. 2553), the church will hold a called "church conference" for all local church members. The vote will be taken for all members present and that vote must reach a 67% (2/3) vote in favor of leaving the denomination. If that 67% threshold is reached, the church must then pay two years of apportionments and the church’s share of the unfunded pension liability. That total amount is determined at the church's exploratory meeting.
10. IF WE DO DECIDED TO DISAFFILIATE AND JOIN ANOTHER DENOMINATION, WHO IS TO SAY THAT THOSE DENOMINATIONS DO NOT CHANGE THEIR "DISCIPLINES?"
There is a subcommittee of the Discernment Team looking into the polity and disciplines of other denominations in which we may consider affiliating if we choose to disaffiliate. Their research will be brought to the church for consideration. It is very unlikely those denominations will change their discipline any time soon.
*********
-OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS-
WHAT IS THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE?The Book of Discipline of the UM Church outlines denominational law, doctrine, administration, organizational work and procedures. It reflects our understanding of the Church and of what is expected of its laity and clergy as they seek to be effective witnesses in the world as a part of the whole body of Christ.
WHAT IS THE UMC'S CURRENT POSITION RELATED TO ORDAINING AND MARRYING LGBTQ+ PERSONS?
The current debate within the UMC centers around the Book of Discipline's language on human sexuality. Among those statements are these:
Paragraph 341.6: Ceremonies that celebrate homosexual unions shall not be conducted by our ministers and shall not be conducted in our churches.
WHY IS THE LEADERSHIP OF CONFERENCES NOT DOING SOMETHING ABOUT THOSE NOT FOLLOWING THE RULES?
There is a process to holding leadership accountable. Our UMC structure places accountability in the hands of each annual conference and their Bishops. At this point, the MS Conference has taken action in accountability towards those who have not followed the UM Book of Discipline.
WHEN LOOK AT THE TIMELINE, WHY DO WE HAVE TO RUSH TO A DECISION?
We don’t have to rush to a decision. The Discernment Team has committed to leading a process in which any decision made would not be hasty. There is no rush, but there is a timeline for disaffiliation under paragraph 2553. See timeline at the bottom of this section.
HOW MANY UMC CHURCHES ARE THERE IN MISSISSIPPI AND HOW MANY HAVE LEFT THE UMC?
There are currently 852 United Methodist churches in Mississippi. About 180 will leave at Annual Conference in June.
WITH THE REDUCTION IN UMC CHURCHES, WE'VE BEEN REASSURED THAT OUR APPORTIONED MISSION SHARES WILL NOT INCREASE. THAT IS GOOD TO HEAR, BUT HOW CAN THAT REALLY BE?
There is a specific formula to every church’s apportioned Mission Shares (“apportionments”). In order to keep each church within a similar ratio of apportioned mission shares to the church’s income, the budget of the conference must change accordingly. Therefore, if the income decreases, so will the expenses of the mission shares. That’s the simple answer.
AS OUR SPIRITUAL LEADERS, WOULD PASTORS PERFORM A SAME-SEX UNION IF THE ISSUES BEFORE THE CHURCH ARE ADOPTED INTO THE DISCIPLINE?
No. All indications are that, if the Discipline happens to change in 2024, pastors and churches will continue to be able to choose how they will function according to conscience. In other words, pastors will not be required to perform same-sex marriage ceremonies and churches will not be required to have same-sex marriages in their churches.
HAS ANY CHURCH THAT IS NOT FOLLOWING THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE DECIDED TO LEAVE THE UMC?
There have been a few churches across the United States who have left the UMC who disagreed with what it currently states in our UMC Book of Discipline and chose not to follow it, but not in the Mississippi Conference at this time.
PROPORTIONALLY, ARE THERE MORE CONSERVATIVE CHURCHES THAT ARE LEAVING THE MS ANNUAL CONFERENCE?
Yes. Most of those disaffiliating would prefer for the UM Book of Discipline to not change with regard to the current issues at hand.
IF WE WAIT UNTIL AFTER DECEMBER TO DISAFFILIATE, DO WE KNOW WHAT THE OPTIONS WILL BE THEN?
Click HERE to see the Conference Trustees' statement on options beyond 2023. General Conference occurs in April 23rd - May 3rd, 2024.
IF A CHURCH (AND PASTOR) DISAFFILIATES FROM THE UMC AND INTENDS TO REMAIN PART OF A WESLEYAN DENOMINATION, CAN THEY STILL USE THE SAME RETIREMENT PLAN?
The Global Methodist Church has partnered with Wespath (the UMC’s current pension plan sponsor) to offer retirement to their clergy. Other denominations offer other plans. Brandon FUMC uses Wespath for its employees as well.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN WITH CAMP WESLEY PINE AND OTHER CAMPING MINISTRIES?
These organizations have been moving beyond reliance on mission-share dollars for several years. They will still need assistance from local churches. The boards of these camps have plans to become independent, with the intention of continuing support from both UM churches as well as other regional churches and organizations. Anyone will be allowed to attend Camp Wesley Pines regardless of that person's denominational affiliation.
WHAT ARE THE CHANCES THAT A BISHOP WOULD CLOSE OUR CHURCH?
Effectively zero.
WHEN IT IS TIME FOR THE GENERAL CONFERENCE TO VOTE, IS THERE A WAY FOR PEOPLE THAT ARE NOT FOLLOWING THE DISCIPLINE TO NOT BE REPRESENTED?
All delegates from each respective conference has a vote.
IF WE DISAFFILIATE, HOW SOON AFTERWARDS DO WE DECIDE WHAT WE'LL DO AS FAR AS AFFILIATIONS?
The discernment team is actively researching denominational affiliation options if we choose to disaffiliate. This will be a part of our discernment as a church.
WHAT DID THE POINTE DO? WHAT DID SHILOH DO?
The Pointe left the UMC under a similar path that the conference is currently offering for disaffiliation (Para. 2549). Shiloh disaffiliated under paragraph 2553.
OUR CHURCH HAS BEEN STRONG ON REDUCING DEBT. WOULD DEBT BE SOMETHING THAT COULD BE LEVERAGED?
The disaffiliation process is the same whatever your debt. All churches are given the same process of disaffiliation. Conference leadership is not holding back churches in the Mississippi Conference from disaffiliating.
WHAT IS THE OUTLOOK OF THE MS CONFERENCE?
The MS Conference is preparing for the changes at hand, the reduction of churches, financial resources, and the conflict that has arisen. The MS UM Conference is making plans to move from 11 to 7 districts.
WILL THE UMC, MS CONFERENCE, EPISCOPAL DIOCESE, CATHOLIC CHARITIES, AND OTHERS THAT HAVE BEEN WORKING TOGETHER CONTINUE TO COLLABORATE?
Nothing will change with the UMC’s ecumenical relationship with other denominational leadership and organizations.
I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS/I WANT TO DISCUSS SOMETHING WITH THE DISCERNMENT TEAM
If you would like to ask additional questions or request a meeting for your group with the Discernment Team, please email your questions/requests to discernment@brandonfumc.org .
********
HOW WE GOT HERE:
Click HERE for a history of this discussion within The United Methodist Church.
Drawing people close to God, changing lives, and transforming our community - all through the love and hope of Jesus Christ.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS TEAM?
To steward our congregation through a process of discernment as we take a next step towards a preferred future together.
WHAT IS NEXT/WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?
The team will begin an additional phase of discernment that will mirror the same process that was used from Jan to Sept. That process included listening sessions with members, attending Sunday school groups and other groups within the church to inform and listen, gathering the whole church to educate and receive any possible questions, and any other additional means needed. At the end of that time, the church will make a decision on future affiliation.
WHY ARE WE DISCERNING/WHY DID WE VOTE?
Click HERE for a history of this discussion within The United Methodist Church.
*********
PAST DISCERNMENT QUESTIONS
Your discernment team spent 4 weeks meeting with every Sunday school class and various other groups throughout the church. Following our church's Pulse Survey results, the Pastors, Lay Leaders, and other members of the Discernment Team held "Coffee and Conversations" with many people during the Sunday school hour. Here are some of the top questions and concerns that have been brought to the table:
1. HOW CAN WE FEEL UNIFICATION (BE UNIFIED) TO MAKE THIS DECISION?
First, we must be fully engaged and united around Jesus’ mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ. That will not change, and must move to a new level. Built upon that, the discernment team is committed to helping our church understand the issues before us, listen well, help the church process our hearts and thoughts, and seek God towards where God would lead us. Each of us must move toward God’s guidance (“To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue.” “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Proverbs 16:1,3).
In seeking the Lord, each of us must come to the conclusion, “It seems good to the Holy Spirit and to us.” (Acts 15:28) This was the response of the first “Jerusalem Counsel” when the church was deciding whether those who were “turning to the Lord” should have to first become Jews, then become Christians.
We are following a process to ensure everyone thinks through and prays deeply about this issue. Your discernment team is committed to helping guide the church toward that unity that only comes through God’s Spirit at work in us.
2. HOW CAN WE ENSURE THAT WE REMAIN A "LOVING CONGREGATION?"
First, we ensure this by actually loving people! People will experience our love by their experience of our love for them. Second, at every juncture of our church's discernment process we have heard unanimously that we want to continue to be a loving and welcoming place for all people to experience the love and grace of Jesus Christ. We have gained a clearer understanding that all people are made in the image of God and are persons of sacred worth. We also understand that our love for one another necessarily contains certain relational boundaries (see 1 Cor. 13 about what love is AND isn't). So, in our love for God, our love for each other, and God's love for us, we recognize certain boundaries that He establishes. Our loving, welcoming presence in our community and hope for all people to partake in our fellowship must continue to be front and center as we seek to make disciples of Jesus Christ!
3. WHAT ARE THE CHANCES THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE WILL CHANGE TO REMOVE OR INCLUDE LANGUAGE ALLOWING FOR HOMOSEXUAL CLERGY AND MARRIAGE?
Though we cannot predict the future, trends indicate it will change. This is the reason the rule of paragraph 2553 was placed in the UM Book of Discipline in 2019. Given that the potential change is so fundamental for many, the General Conference felt the need to give churches an option to leave.
4. WHY AM I BEING ASKED TO DECIDED IF I WANT TO REMAIN UNITED METHODIST/WHY DO WE HAVE TO CHOOSE? IF ANOTHER GROUP WANTS TO FOLLOW A DIFFERENT DISCIPLINE, SHOULDN'T THEY BE THE ONES ASKED IF THEY WANT TO REMAIN?
There have been many twists and turns on the journey to where we are. This is an excellent question. It really does seem strange to be at a juncture like this. It was a combination of many events, decisions and parties that brought us to this point. Please read our “How We Got Here” document at the end of this section for more details.
5. DO WE KEEP OUR BUILDING AND PROPERTY IF WE DISAFFILIATE?
After a church disaffiliates, the church will receive a quit claim deed and own all property outright. The church will retain its assets under the processes of 2553 or 2549 (Trustees process outlined after General Conference with a deadline of June 2025, see info on these statements below).
6. IF WE DISAFFILIATE, WHAT HAPPENS THEN?
Our mission will always remain the same: "To make disciples of Jesus Christ!" If we do disaffiliate, the church will decide to either remain independent or to affiliate with another denomination. The discernment team is actively researching various Wesleyan-based alternatives to the UMC in the event the church desires to disaffiliate. If the church remains independent, there are many steps that must be taken in order to be legally recognized. If the church affiliates with another denomination, that denomination's leadership will give guidance at the time.
7. IF WE DISAFFILIATE, WILL OUR PASTORS REMAIN THE SAME & CAN THEY KEEP THEIR PENSION?
The way we recruit, retain, and release clergy leadership will be different if our church disaffiliates. If our church remains independent, we will be responsible for all matters related to finding, hiring/dismissing, and ordaining clergy. If our church affiliates with another denomination, pastors will likely be recruited and received through a “called” or "networking" system, rather than an "appointed" system (our current method) - with possible guidance from a denominational structure. Your current pastoral leadership is discerning along with you at this time. Please feel free to reach out to them directly for further information.
Pastors that disaffiliate will keep the money already contributed to their pension plans, but they will stop being credited “years of service” within the UMC.
8. DOES A CHURCH MEMBER HAVE TO BE A CERTAIN AGE TO VOTE? WILL YOUTH BE ABLE TO VOTE?
All full members are eligible to vote, regardless of age. You must have made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior to be a full member of a UM Church, which usually happens at the minimum age of 11 in our church. Regardless of age, to be an official member one must have agreed to the membership covenant before the congregation in worship. The discernment team believes it is the parent’s choice to invite or not to invite their “under age” children to vote.
9. HOW DOES A CHURCH DISAFFILIATE?
After all of the pre-work is completed to enter into the process (per Para. 2553), the church will hold a called "church conference" for all local church members. The vote will be taken for all members present and that vote must reach a 67% (2/3) vote in favor of leaving the denomination. If that 67% threshold is reached, the church must then pay two years of apportionments and the church’s share of the unfunded pension liability. That total amount is determined at the church's exploratory meeting.
10. IF WE DO DECIDED TO DISAFFILIATE AND JOIN ANOTHER DENOMINATION, WHO IS TO SAY THAT THOSE DENOMINATIONS DO NOT CHANGE THEIR "DISCIPLINES?"
There is a subcommittee of the Discernment Team looking into the polity and disciplines of other denominations in which we may consider affiliating if we choose to disaffiliate. Their research will be brought to the church for consideration. It is very unlikely those denominations will change their discipline any time soon.
*********
-OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS-
WHAT IS THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE?The Book of Discipline of the UM Church outlines denominational law, doctrine, administration, organizational work and procedures. It reflects our understanding of the Church and of what is expected of its laity and clergy as they seek to be effective witnesses in the world as a part of the whole body of Christ.
WHAT IS THE UMC'S CURRENT POSITION RELATED TO ORDAINING AND MARRYING LGBTQ+ PERSONS?
The current debate within the UMC centers around the Book of Discipline's language on human sexuality. Among those statements are these:
Article 4: The United Methodist Church is a part of the church universal, which is one Body in Christ. The United Methodist Church acknowledges that all persons are of sacred worth.
Paragraph 304.3: The practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching. Therefore self-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be certified as candidates, ordained as ministers, or appointed to serve in The United Methodist Church.
Paragraph 341.6: Ceremonies that celebrate homosexual unions shall not be conducted by our ministers and shall not be conducted in our churches.
Social Principles - Paragraph 161-G: We affirm that sexuality is God’s good gift to all persons. We call everyone to responsible stewardship of this sacred gift. Although all persons are sexual beings whether or not they are married, sexual relations are affirmed only with the covenant of monogamous, heterosexual marriage. We affirm that all persons are individuals of sacred worth, created in the image of God. All persons need the ministry of the Church in their struggles for human fulfillment, as well as the spiritual and emotional care of a fellowship that enables reconciling relationships with God, with others, and with self. The United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and considers this practice incompatible with Christian teaching. We affirm that God’s grace is available to all. We will seek to live together in Christian community, welcoming, forgiving, and loving one another, as Christ has loved and accepted us. We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons.
WHY IS THE LEADERSHIP OF CONFERENCES NOT DOING SOMETHING ABOUT THOSE NOT FOLLOWING THE RULES?
There is a process to holding leadership accountable. Our UMC structure places accountability in the hands of each annual conference and their Bishops. At this point, the MS Conference has taken action in accountability towards those who have not followed the UM Book of Discipline.
WHEN LOOK AT THE TIMELINE, WHY DO WE HAVE TO RUSH TO A DECISION?
We don’t have to rush to a decision. The Discernment Team has committed to leading a process in which any decision made would not be hasty. There is no rush, but there is a timeline for disaffiliation under paragraph 2553. See timeline at the bottom of this section.
HOW MANY UMC CHURCHES ARE THERE IN MISSISSIPPI AND HOW MANY HAVE LEFT THE UMC?
There are currently 852 United Methodist churches in Mississippi. About 180 will leave at Annual Conference in June.
WITH THE REDUCTION IN UMC CHURCHES, WE'VE BEEN REASSURED THAT OUR APPORTIONED MISSION SHARES WILL NOT INCREASE. THAT IS GOOD TO HEAR, BUT HOW CAN THAT REALLY BE?
There is a specific formula to every church’s apportioned Mission Shares (“apportionments”). In order to keep each church within a similar ratio of apportioned mission shares to the church’s income, the budget of the conference must change accordingly. Therefore, if the income decreases, so will the expenses of the mission shares. That’s the simple answer.
AS OUR SPIRITUAL LEADERS, WOULD PASTORS PERFORM A SAME-SEX UNION IF THE ISSUES BEFORE THE CHURCH ARE ADOPTED INTO THE DISCIPLINE?
No. All indications are that, if the Discipline happens to change in 2024, pastors and churches will continue to be able to choose how they will function according to conscience. In other words, pastors will not be required to perform same-sex marriage ceremonies and churches will not be required to have same-sex marriages in their churches.
HAS ANY CHURCH THAT IS NOT FOLLOWING THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE DECIDED TO LEAVE THE UMC?
There have been a few churches across the United States who have left the UMC who disagreed with what it currently states in our UMC Book of Discipline and chose not to follow it, but not in the Mississippi Conference at this time.
PROPORTIONALLY, ARE THERE MORE CONSERVATIVE CHURCHES THAT ARE LEAVING THE MS ANNUAL CONFERENCE?
Yes. Most of those disaffiliating would prefer for the UM Book of Discipline to not change with regard to the current issues at hand.
IF WE WAIT UNTIL AFTER DECEMBER TO DISAFFILIATE, DO WE KNOW WHAT THE OPTIONS WILL BE THEN?
Click HERE to see the Conference Trustees' statement on options beyond 2023. General Conference occurs in April 23rd - May 3rd, 2024.
IF A CHURCH (AND PASTOR) DISAFFILIATES FROM THE UMC AND INTENDS TO REMAIN PART OF A WESLEYAN DENOMINATION, CAN THEY STILL USE THE SAME RETIREMENT PLAN?
The Global Methodist Church has partnered with Wespath (the UMC’s current pension plan sponsor) to offer retirement to their clergy. Other denominations offer other plans. Brandon FUMC uses Wespath for its employees as well.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN WITH CAMP WESLEY PINE AND OTHER CAMPING MINISTRIES?
These organizations have been moving beyond reliance on mission-share dollars for several years. They will still need assistance from local churches. The boards of these camps have plans to become independent, with the intention of continuing support from both UM churches as well as other regional churches and organizations. Anyone will be allowed to attend Camp Wesley Pines regardless of that person's denominational affiliation.
WHAT ARE THE CHANCES THAT A BISHOP WOULD CLOSE OUR CHURCH?
Effectively zero.
WHEN IT IS TIME FOR THE GENERAL CONFERENCE TO VOTE, IS THERE A WAY FOR PEOPLE THAT ARE NOT FOLLOWING THE DISCIPLINE TO NOT BE REPRESENTED?
All delegates from each respective conference has a vote.
IF WE DISAFFILIATE, HOW SOON AFTERWARDS DO WE DECIDE WHAT WE'LL DO AS FAR AS AFFILIATIONS?
The discernment team is actively researching denominational affiliation options if we choose to disaffiliate. This will be a part of our discernment as a church.
WHAT DID THE POINTE DO? WHAT DID SHILOH DO?
The Pointe left the UMC under a similar path that the conference is currently offering for disaffiliation (Para. 2549). Shiloh disaffiliated under paragraph 2553.
OUR CHURCH HAS BEEN STRONG ON REDUCING DEBT. WOULD DEBT BE SOMETHING THAT COULD BE LEVERAGED?
The disaffiliation process is the same whatever your debt. All churches are given the same process of disaffiliation. Conference leadership is not holding back churches in the Mississippi Conference from disaffiliating.
WHAT IS THE OUTLOOK OF THE MS CONFERENCE?
The MS Conference is preparing for the changes at hand, the reduction of churches, financial resources, and the conflict that has arisen. The MS UM Conference is making plans to move from 11 to 7 districts.
WILL THE UMC, MS CONFERENCE, EPISCOPAL DIOCESE, CATHOLIC CHARITIES, AND OTHERS THAT HAVE BEEN WORKING TOGETHER CONTINUE TO COLLABORATE?
Nothing will change with the UMC’s ecumenical relationship with other denominational leadership and organizations.
I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS/I WANT TO DISCUSS SOMETHING WITH THE DISCERNMENT TEAM
If you would like to ask additional questions or request a meeting for your group with the Discernment Team, please email your questions/requests to discernment@brandonfumc.org .
********
HOW WE GOT HERE:
Click HERE for a history of this discussion within The United Methodist Church.
Resources
New resources will be added in time.