Why umc?
Many of us were either raised here in this church or by grace have found a home here. For many of us, the people of MDUMC have become our family – beautifully diverse and woven together by God’s grace through the power of the Holy Spirit. And because we believe deeply that God has a bright future in store for MDUMC, we’re not going anywhere. We will continue to uphold the Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church. We are staying focused on our mission: “to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” That is our call from God. That is why we exist. That is why we will continue to be a United Methodist church. That is why we are MDUMC.
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What is happening is that some leaders have decided to create their own denomination (the Global Methodist Church). Leaders of that denomination and other unofficial advocacy groups are encouraging like-minded United Methodist congregations and clergy to leave The United Methodist Church and join their denomination instead.
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While there are some who have said or done things that have garnered a lot of attention, a single person’s statements or actions do not speak for the denomination as a whole. Only the General Conference, the legislative body of the United Methodist Church, can speak for the church and establish its official doctrines and teachings. MDUMC and its pastors will continue to uphold the Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church.
Read our Articles of Religion, Confession of Faith and Social Principles.
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Absolutely nothing. MDUMC will continue to be a place where everyone who wants to follow Jesus can do so. There is nothing that we nor any other congregation must do in response to denominational turmoil. There is no mandate from our Bishop or District Superintendent to do anything. The best and healthiest option for most local churches – including MDUMC – is to stay the course. Though some are insisting that churches must act now, it is a false urgency motivated out of fear. We believe there is great hope for the UMC in the future.
“I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”
“And I beseech you brethren, by the mercies of God, that we be in no wise divided among ourselves. Is thy heart right, as my heart is with thine? I ask no farther question. If it be, give me thy hand. For opinions or terms, let us not destroy the work of God. Dost thou love and serve God! it is enough. I give thee the right-hand of fellowship.”
Resources
Find panel discussions, podcast resources, and answers to other frequently asked questions at the links below.
The Gathering: Senior Pastor’s Report
Town Hall Conversation with Dr. Brad Morgan
A Future With Hope for the UMC
That We May Be One, Pod Have Mercy Podcast
Why MDUMC? A Message From Dr. Brad Morgan | July 31, 2022