We recommend the following engagement strategies when/if this happens: Ask those who assert such things for specific examples in the North Alabama Conference of such things. Clergy persons who leave The UMC on their own accord or with a disaffiliating congregation, must surrender their membership credentials and join a another denomination or serve an independent congregation and the clergy person will need to be credentialed by the denomination or independent congregation. Additional votes on disaffiliations are expected at this annual conference. Receive Communications and/or Join Our Support Lists! A commitment has been made by this team to honor and respect differing theological convictions of congregations and pastors in the continuing United Methodist Church, including in the appointment process. A formal request establishes key contacts for disaffiliation communication between the church and Conference, and provides the church with initial disaffiliation information (including financial obligations related to disaffiliation). 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. In order for a congregation to disaffiliate, the Annual Conference must approve the disaffiliation by a simple majority vote. The newly added paragraph 2553 of the Book of Discipline says The decision to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church must be approved by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the professing members of the local church present at the church conference. A church conference is the entire membership of your church. Why are terms different from conference to conference? This paragraph authorizes the presiding bishop and majorities of the district superintendents and the district board of location and building to declare that exigent circumstances exist that require immediate protection of the local churchs property. The effect of that declaration is the immediate transfer of all property and assets of a local church to the control of the conference board of trustees. How much is the stipend for Guides who lead the disaffiliation discernment process? Spend time asking others in your church about milestones, shared moments of mission, and more that have been part of their legacy. The UMC has been grappling with issues related to human sexuality, particularly the ordination of LGBTQ+ individuals and the blessing of same-sex marriages. No this is false. Does the Annual Conference have to approve a Congregations disaffiliation? The choice by a local church to disaffiliate with The United Methodist Church under this paragraph must be made in sufficient time for the process for exiting the denomination to be complete prior to December 31, 2023. Below is a list of strategies to get there. No. Establishment of terms and conditions between the exiting local church and the conference board of trustees. Thepastor parish relations committeeis the personnel committee that works with the pastor and other staff. A drastic shift in exit costs Yes. This can lead to a sense of isolation and frustration among churches, which can contribute to their decision to disaffiliate. Another option is for the youth to sit with a sensitive adult who will help to explain to the youth the conversation and questions. The United Methodist churches that have disaffiliated are found across the United States, with the majority being located in the South and Midwest. Some conferences require a full three years of apportionment payments. So while it may be possible for your congregation to exit under this paragraph and have some property and assets when you do, the risks of greater costs or the entire loss of property and assets are substantial. We are your trusted partner in ministry and are here to help you in any way we can. Our beliefs, as a United Methodist Church. Example: If the three-year average of all the church funds is $100,000 and 20% of the members vote against disaffiliation, the terms for disaffiliation include a $20,000 Missional Transitional Support. Is the Term Sheet negotiable? 2553. While we do not know how other conferences will cover these costs, the GNJ Board of Trustees determined their fiscal responsibility was to avoid/minimize drawing from GNJ Designated Funds which are designed to fund GNJs Mission and priorities and to avoid/minimize increasing Shared Ministry Apportionments for congregations who elect to stay with GNJ. 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. It is more accurate to say that the United Methodist denomination left us a long time ago, and we are now finding our way to other, like-minded believers. Successful Guides will be those whose theology or viewpoints are not detected by congregations in the discernment and decision process. This paragraph is about transfer of property. 2553 of the Book of Discipline: https://cdn.cokesbury.com/images/community/cokesburyportals/2016boderrata.pdf, North Alabama Conference FAQ on Disaffiliation: https://www.umcna.org/files/tables/content/16410823/fields/files/6761ca70658d4a5990ad3f6a68531f76/faq-2022.pdf, North Alabama Conference Discernment Process Document: https://www.stayumc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/CalltoPrayerandDiscernmentFINAL.pdf, Once recent decision in civil court on enforcement of the trust clause, Practical Strategies for Avoiding Disaffiliation in YOUR church. I am deeply concerned about the safety of the many members who want to stay with UMC. There, in the nation's fourth-largest city, 1,245 members voted to approve the disaffiliation, with 3% voting to oppose the split and another 4% abstaining. Our lay leadership, organized through our Church Council. The amendment will take effect on the date of disaffiliation. The GNJ terms include requirements of paragraph 2553 and any costs incurred by GNJ. They will lead the congregation through this season and the Church Conference will make its decision listening for the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, not to decisions that represent the UMC. Well over 100 churches (out of our 650 congregations) are currently considering disaffiliation from the United Methodist Church. The United Methodist Church is one of the largest Protestant denominations in the United States, with an estimated 7 million members. Definition of Membership Non-professing members may attend the church conference without voice and vote. Has there been any major change at a recent Board of Trustee meeting? Since for this brief period of time, the Trust Clause is suspended, payments for the items listed in the Term Sheet are paid to ensure that past, present and future liabilities incurred by the congregation are paid. First United Methodist Church in Washington was founded in 1800. What is spiritual discernment? 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. Clear lines of communication between the church and the district superintendent that show ongoing progress toward completing the processes set forth by the Discipline and the conference will help ensure as gracious a transition and outcome for all as all would desire. Were here to help! Bellview's church council voted, after a time of prayerful discernment to seek disaffiliation, to ask for a date for a special called church conference. A collection of videos and links as we navigate moving forward. Section 2553 requires disaffiliation to occur on or before December 31, 2023. 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. United Methodist Foundation of North Carolina. However, in recent years, there has been a growing movement among some churches to disaffiliate from the denomination. 2548.2, and, under some circumstances, 2549.3.bmay be sometimes also be involved to address related property issues. If you are not the pastor or other designated contact person, you will want to talk with your pastor or designated contact person about any questions or concerns about the process. If a church votes to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church, when will they know the payment amount? Creating space and time to listen deeply and contemplate. Bishop Beard's presentation was recorded . Any professing member who has not voluntarily asked to be removed from the roles or was not removed by the 2021 charge or church conference is entitled to participate and vote. Whether you are super-familiar with what's happening across the United Methodist Church or you're entering into the discussion, here are some resources on how it relates to us at First Methodist Carrollton and some further reading you may be interested in. A total 421 congregants voted 295 voted to disaffiliate, but 126 voted to remain with the United Methodist Church fold. Question about A Missional Transitional Support that will be assessed by multiplying the three-year average of the total amount of all cash, bank balances, investments, endowments, and reserves by the percent of the votes against disaffiliation during the Church conference vote.. Isnt fair that a portion of their tithing be used to support this cost, or should we increase Shared Ministry apportionments or draw from GNJ designated funds to cover this cost? Or is it some percentage of that? Several recommended activities of Phase 2 of the Discernment Process propose something like this. 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. Churches will need to provide a sealed ballot box with a slot for ballots to be submitted. We cannot speak to the approach used by other conference Board of Trustees to discern and fully vet these costs, as our Trustees did. They did not respond by press time. These are strawman arguments typically based on some extreme anecdote. However, the pastor is the administrative officer of the church and, therefore, is an ex officio member of most committees of the local church. My understanding is they are to discern whats best for them and have no vote. Is this saying that in the event of disaffiliation the UMC will actually take that % of the churchs money and investments? All voting in the church conference will be by prepared ballot. Following the worship service on Sunday, February 5,First Methodist Carrollton voted173 to 1 in favor of joining the Global Methodist [], Church family, Sunday was great! Read this blog post by long time Asbury Spiritual Formation and Wesleyan Studies professor, Steve Harper. What are the financial requirements in the Term Sheet? The provisions of 2553 expire on December 31, 2023 and shall not be used after that date. Across the world, United Methodist regional bodies called annual conferences are negotiating with churches that wish to withdraw from the United Methodist Church over issues including. The following is a summary of the financial items in the term sheet. There are also probably real people in the families of your church that will feel marginalized by a decision to leave the UMC over intolerance of our differences, and they need you to be their advocate. Ask to be part of the Discernment Team. READ: Are Charismatic Churches Biblical One of the main reasons for disaffiliation among United Methodist churches is disagreements over theological issues. That's okay! Dear Disaffiliating United Methodists: The pastors and lay members who are leading you to vote to leave the UMC tell you that your local church will remain the same as it always has been. What are the seven steps to the disaffiliation process? UMF remains your trusted partner in ministry. Take time to watch and read information about the Conferences NAC3 team, designed to help make space for traditionalists, centrists, and progressives in the continuing United Methodist Church. This is a fast-moving, evolving situation and there are many moving parts. What is certainly the same across every conference, is that there are costs involved when churches disaffiliate, both for those leaving and for those who remain in the conference (either direct cost or indirect costs in the form of less available funds). The policy is designed to make the process fair and transparent. In other cases, churches have chosen to disaffiliate in order to reduce their financial burden and focus on their local community. In recent years, a growing number of United Methodist churches in the US have chosen to disaffiliate from the denomination. One option is for young people to meet as a group and the guides will work with them. Heres a list of names (in no [], Read Pastor Johns note about these articles here. We would prefer open ballot by show of hands to secret written ballot. The disaffiliation will be complete by December 31, 2022. It is more accurate to say that the United Methodist denomination left us a long time ago, and we are now finding our way to other, like-minded believers. https://www.umc.org/en/content/ask-the-umc-what-should-united-methodist-congregations-know-about-disaffiliation. Please help us to ensure that going forward, this will be a safe, fair and peaceful process. 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. This trend has been particularly pronounced among churches in the southern and midwestern regions of the United States. Can they vote when voting on the discernment process? They are also deeply emotional. The Council of Bishops and Judicial Council Decision 1449 have affirmed2553, added by the 2019 special called General Conference, as the primary paragraph used for disaffiliation or separation. They have also recognized that there may be some instances where 2548.2 or 2549.3.b may apply to how property matters are addressed. Annual conferences cannot create comity agreements with other denominations. 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. Clarify please. Only2553relates directly to disaffiliation. Sunday Worship: Services at 10:30 a.m. All unfunded retiree health care liabilities as apportioned by the GNJ Board of Pension and Benefits. Nearly half of the UMC congregations. A congregation can only vote on and go through the disaffiliation process once. A total 421 congregants voted - 295 voted to disaffiliate, but 126 voted to remain with the United Methodist Church [] *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. Exigent circumstances include, but are not limited to, situations where the property will no longer be used for the purposes of The United Methodist Church or the congregation is no longer in a position to maintain it for the denomination. The 2019 Special Session of the General Conference of The United Methodist Church adopted a disaffiliation agreement allowing United Methodist churches to leave the denomination through the end of 2023 "for reasons of conscience regarding a change in the requirements and provisions of the Book of Discipline related to the practice of The district superintendent may have additional questions for you at that time to make sure you are working from accurate information and a clear sense of the congregations readiness for a vote. All court costs and GNJ legal fees related to disaffiliation or suits related to disaffiliation of the church. The Judicial Councils ruling said the disaffiliation process established by General Conference constitutes minimum standards, which do not preclude additional procedures and standard terms created by annual conferences, provided that the latter do not negate or violate the former.. The provision permits such disaffiliations through Dec. 31, 2023. As a part of due diligence, appraisal of all local church properties by a certified appraiser is required. There are a number of reasons why churches may choose to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church. This was denied and we were told that the guides would represent the UMC. The Term Sheet is not negotiable. Alternately, the annual conference may instruct the conference board of trustees how to handle specific cases or classes of cases that may fall under these provisions. InDecision 1423, the Judicial Council affirmed a decision by New England Conference Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar. 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. 2553 are not insignificant. What will the congregation vote on to disaffiliate? These questions are not designed to delay you. Washington Daily News reached out to First United Methodist Church Reverends Ken Hall and Stephen Bazan for comment. 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. As an ex officio member of a committee, the pastor may vote on decisions before the body. 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. Please read the guidelines thoroughly and make sure shortcuts are not being taken. 2553 outlines the steps the congregation, the district superintendent, and the conference must take to request, meet the criteria for, and complete a disaffiliation from The United Methodist Church. 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. Our witness, as servants in the community. Our role at Ask The UMC is to provide accurate official information about The United Methodist Church. E.g., if a church has $100,000 and 20% of the members vote against disaffiliation, then the UMC will take $20,000? On April 16, 2021, the Judicial Council of the United Methodist Church affirmed the constitutionality of this paragraph, paving the way for annual conferences to implement processes for disaffiliation. The Annual Conference will be presented a motion detailing the names of the churches that have completed the discernment process, voted to disaffiliate, and have accepted the final term sheet for disaffiliation as presented by GNJs Board of Trustees. 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. Stay UMC is a grassroots organization and is not involved in conference administration. One of the main reasons for disaffiliation among United Methodist churches is disagreements over theological issues. 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. 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. (2021). We want to help you advocate for your church to stay United Methodist. The Brief and Bumpy History of Disaffiliation In addition to the Way Forward Plans, multiple stand-alone disaffiliation plans came to General Conference 2019. Or something else? InDecision 1425, the Judicial Council also affirmed Devadhars decision that the New England Conference can require churches considering disaffiliation to go through at least an eight-month discernment process. Therefore, as terms were developed, they sought feedback from the Cabinet, Chancellor, Benefits Officer and Treasurer which are all required by paragraph 2553. Request to Explore and Discern Disaffiliation - A Congregation's Church Council votes to explore and discern disaffiliation and the Pastor notifies the District Superintendent of the desire to engage in the disaffiliation process. If all of the above steps are completed by March 31, 2023, the Annual Conference will vote at its May 2023 session. The Disaffiliation Policy approved at the 2019 Annual Conference Session sets out a framework to be followed when a significant number of members of a congregation express a desire to leave the South Georgia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church, pursuant to the provisions of paragraph 2553 of The Book of Discipline of The United . These questions have made it clear that there is a lot of confusion and misinformation in the church about this topic. Any outstanding loans as identified by GNJ Loan Board; CFA or the GNJ Board of Trustees. This disaffiliation process is a journey to find other Wesleyans who hold the same values of scriptural authority and Christocentric theology that we do. Print and distribute this side-by-side comparison of the UMC and future GMC which was developed by the Texas Annual Conference Future Discernment Team. If this is the case the church should move forward with discernment process. The pastor meets with the committee, but cannot be a voting member. Ask The UMC: What should United Methodist congregations know about disaffiliation? Rob Renfroe of Good News Magazine explains the current divisions within the United Methodist Church and discusses how Traditionalist Methodists should navigate future decisions. Nearly 700 persons participated in one of the four forums. I would like to know if we as a congregation could decide on voting method at our church conference for disaffiliation. The bishops are prepared to pursue this outcomeunder the authority of the Trust Clause should it be required. In conclusion, the disaffiliation of Methodist churches is a complex issue that is driven by a variety of factors. The Guides will assist each congregation in discerning its future, not the desires of the Guide, GNJ or the UMC. Prayer, scripture reading and the words of Jesus to center and root ourselves spiritually. Votes about disaffiliation are never simply rational or financial. We are not encouraging any congregation to do so, either. BOD 2016, 340 3a, Responsibilities and Duties of Elders and Licensed Local Pastors. That seems very wrong. The pastor will receive a letter that can be shared with the congregation. A YouTube playlst where Rev. However, click here to read the covenant your cabinet has made to you concerning this matter. A *possible* specially called Annual Conference has been announced for December, 2023 for additional disaffiliations. Can a congregation disaffiliate under paragraph 2548.2 of The Book of Discipline? This decline is due to a number of factors, including an aging population and a lack of younger members. You can find the Discipleship Ministries resources here, bishops are prepared to pursue this outcome. Pastor: Dr. Jim Dean: cell: 828-508-0035 / email: jedean619 . This is a matter of fairness, not punitive in nature. Clergy who are appointed to a congregation that disaffiliates, but the clergy person continues with The UMC, the cabinet will work to identify a new appointment and will require financial support from the disaffiliating congregation to maintain salary and benefits until the next appointment. We encourage you to read it carefully. The questions become who leaves, how many people leave, and how to address the losses to the remaining congregation when they leave. The transfer of property may happen under an allocation, exchange of property, or comity agreement, provided that such agreement shall have been committed to writing and signed and approved by the duly qualified and authorized representatives of both parties concerned.. The trend of disaffiliation among United Methodist churches raises questions about the future of the denomination. The Annual Conference will provide information on the cost required to cover pension liabilities for previous pastors and release your church from the trust clause on its property. 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. 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. United Methodist Foundation, Inc. It is then signed by the local church pastor and the chair of the local church Board of Trustees. Does Elevation Church Believe in Speaking in Tongues? Additionally, some churches have chosen to disaffiliate and become independent, non-denominational congregations. How many times can a congregation vote on disaffiliation? 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. In the case when a church votes to disaffiliate and it is not to a unanimous vote, the Missional Transitional Support help the members who want to stay with GNJ have a path to transition to a new place of worship. Click here for the Connectional Covenant. No, the timeframe for the administrative board/church council to discern disaffiliation from The United Methodist Church under 2553 has now passed. The Oklahoma Conference Board of Trustees has approved a disaffiliation process for local churches. What you may have heard or read about in another conference may not apply in yours. First United Methodist Church in Washington will disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church. You can find the Discipleship Ministries resources here. (Concerns of disillusion of younger disciples). However, there are also disaffiliated churches in other regions, including the Northeast and West. While the Trustees, received input, ultimately it was their decision. As a connectional church, United Methodists hold property in common. All deed restrictions must be followed by the disaffiliating congregation prior to disaffiliation. 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. This is a good and sensitive question. the Book of Disciplines new Paragraph 2553, The United Methodist Churchs centuries-old trust clause, Church court clarifies disaffiliation rules. All unfunded pension liabilities as identified by Wespath and apportioned by the GNJ Board of Pension and Benefits. It will be even more difficult to reach if you actively organize to make sure most everyone in your congregation and their family members are present during this critical meeting. If your church is considering or has decided to leave the United Methodist denomination, its important to know that the Foundation can still manage your funds. In some cases, churches have been forced to merge or close due to financial constraints. Will the Guides represent a particular theology or viewpoint about ministry with and by LGBTQ persons? The fellowship around [], January 22, 4 PM FMC Church Conference January 24, 7 PM Church Council meeting January 29 Whats [], Lindy Thomas has prepared a table graphic comparing the United Methodist Church, Global Methodist Church, Free Methodist Church, and Evangelical [], A View From the Pew: How We Got Here I was baptized in the Methodist church but spent the last [], An update on whats happened in the life of our church regarding disaffiliation from the United Methodist denomination. [], Still have questions about the disaffiliation process and want to talk to someone? The disaffiliation will be complete by December 31, 2022. 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. Assuming the amendment process mentioned above is completed. As with any legislative motion, an Annual Conference can choose to accept or reject the motion. If this is not the case, please explain it better in the FAQ. At what point in the process will clergy appointed to the congregation discerning disaffiliation have to express their personal decision regarding disaffiliation? 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. Therefore, congregants who choose to remain United Methodist Church members will either decide to join another UMC church or start their own. You may read the Judicial Council ruling here:ResourceUMC | Judicial Council Decision Number 1449. 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. About Us.. Q What disaffiliation provision was affirmed in JCD 1385?
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