I wanted to speak with him to better understand similarities and differences between what happened in The Episcopal Church and The United Methodist Church with respect to liberal ideology and the division it caused in both denominations. Both the Anglican Church in North America and the Global Methodist Church are essentially refugee denominations from these hostile takeovers. To what degree did both groups deal with the same phenomenon, and what important differences were there? It is a large, broad topic. I have already spoken with Dean Wheeler about this with respect to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA). This picks up with the same theme. Enjoy!

If you want to examine Canon Roseberry's organization, or if you are an ACNA congregation that might like to consider his services, go to https://www.leaderworks.org/

And if you would like to support me and the work that I am doing, you can go to plainspoken.locals.com to become a member or, even better, a supporter!

Sources:

Clip 1 & 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9YMoE8QC6I

Clip 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sV2BhyQTIWw

Clip 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ey1TiWbksIw

Clip 5: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GY8M1qSfBY

Clip 6: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHZgLSrSWAM&t=0s

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In this conversation, we talk a bit about sacramental theology, church growth practices, and the ways in which doctrinal fidelity impacts, not only church growth, but how ethnically and culturally diverse a church will be. While we do not carry love for the UMC leadership, we speak to conservatives still within the UMC, asking how it is that folks can righteously continue to participate in such a body. We also talk a bit about why he and his church have chosen not to join the GMC despite having initially signaled a desire to join up. Interesting stuff!

Links:

Talbot's Website - https://talbotdavis.com/

Come Alive Website - https://www.inviteresources.com/lp/come-alive-series

If you enjoy what we are doing you can support us by subscribing on Locals. By doing so you help support this ministry while also getting special perks.

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Link to our petition questionnaire - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfh9VhGo7nB9zav4WGBUQ-lI_31Zn5Jey27OXaccLKem4Qkag/viewform?usp=sharing

Link to this General Conference document that we review - https://globalmethodist.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/The-Convening-General-Conference-Community.pdf

In this conversation, he and I discuss the topic of pneumatology, which is the branch of theology that deals with the Holy Spirit. We explore the history of the Methodist tradition and its relationship with the Holy Spirit, as well as the importance of reclaiming pneumatology in the context of the Global Methodist Church. We also touch on topics such as deliverance ministry, enthusiasm, and the balance between gifts and fruit of the Spirit. The conversation highlights the need for a normative understanding of the Holy Spirit's presence and power in the life of the church. We explore the relationship between pneumatology and Christology, emphasizing the importance of linking our understanding and relationship with the Holy Spirit to our understanding of Christ. The Holy Spirit bears witness to the person and work of Christ, not to himself. The conversation also highlights the need for discernment and testing of spirits, as there are false manifestations and spiritual narcissism in the charismatic movement. Discipleship and accountability are crucial in cultivating the gifts of the Spirit and ensuring they are used for the edification of others. The focus should be on fruit over gifts, holiness over power, and the love of God and neighbor.

As it comes up a few times in this conversation, you might consider purchasing (and reading) Bellini's book: "Thunderstruck! The Deliverance Ministry of John Wesley Today" - https://a.co/d/gzkj4Ui

He also has a number of other titles that you can find by searching his name on Amazon.

If you would like to support PlainSpoken for conversations like these, you can go become a supporter at plainspoken.locals.com. Thanks!

Link to our petition questionnaire - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfh9VhGo7nB9zav4WGBUQ-lI_31Zn5Jey27OXaccLKem4Qkag/viewform?usp=sharing

Link to this General Conference document that we review - https://globalmethodist.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/The-Convening-General-Conference-Community.pdf

In this conversation, I ask Jeremy about the decision to join the Global Methodist Church (GMC) after disaffiliating from the United Methodist Church. We discuss the reasons for joining the GMC, the influence of denominational history, and the importance of accountability and trust. We also explore the impact of disaffiliation on the church and the challenges of navigating the transition. The conversation delves into the dynamics of large church leadership, the role of denominational engagement, and the potential for collective impact within the Wesleyan movement. It explores the need for disciple making, the impact of church size, and the ethos of the GMC. We touch on the importance of spiritual renewal, disciple making conviction, and organizational clarity for church vitality. The conversation concludes with a prayer for discernment and guidance for churches considering joining the GMC.

Links:

Flyer for "Multiplication Co-Lab" ministry Jeremy referenced: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Dg5IuIM_cWnq58IBygEEjHkDOrCfBEBV/view?usp=sharing

Flyer for "Huddle" ministry Jeremy referenced: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1I1QVfYHR3Xwp_iswsQxHOLmI1W6mjadR/view?usp=sharing

'Replicate' Ministry - https://replicate.org/

'Exponential' Ministry - https://exponential.org/

Both have QR codes that should take you fun places

So I and others need to have conversations with people of underrepresented constituencies so that we know how to work towards what we believe Christ requires. Blango, clergy from the UMC's Baltimore Washington Annual Conference, was willing to help me think through these things, drawing heavily on his decades of experience in ministry and life.

Many of you will enjoy this conversation very much. Blango and I are friends, and I believe we are paving the way for the future to look pretty different from the past and present.

Links:

Willimon Article (I didn't like it, of course, but it has the 4% stat in it) - https://www.christiancentury.org/features/missed-opportunities-umc-general-conference

Interview with Randy Frye:

https://youtu.be/qCTaZRK68qY

Help support the channel by following us on locals:

https://plainspoken.locals.com/

In this conversation, Chance tells more of his story, and we try to flesh out why exactly secret fraternal organizations are such a threat to the Christian faith. We end in a conversation about idolatry more broadly. I hope you benefit from our discussion!

Links:

Chance's Article in Firebrand - "Allegiance as Christian Witness" - https://firebrandmag.com/articles/allegiance-as-christian-witness-a-testimony-of-leaving-freemasonry

We were surprised at how transparent and responsive everything is designed to be. This is going to be a large culture shift from the UMC. We are pleased and excited. We hope everyone else will be, too!

I had a hard time understanding how a conservative could say these things. It turns out his thoughts are a little more nuanced than the article was able to represent. I still find myself in a pretty different place than him, but I appreciate his efforts to remain faithful where he is. My hope is publishing this is that it helps conservatives within the UMC to think through how it is that they want to participate in that covenant body, if at all. Rev. Frye presents an example of how one might navigate these issues faithfully from within, if one so chooses.

Links:

'Conservative Pastor Says He Will Live Into New Reality' by Annette Spence - https://www.holston.org/article/randy-frye-post-gc-18362101

Website for First Broad Street UMC - https://www.fbsumc.org/

My role was a bit different with this one. I felt like arguing with both of them. I was a bit more adversarial with my guests than usual. I figured it was time to make a strong case for a more fundamentalist sexual ethic. I also argued that these things are not racially coded, but are actually fundamentally a class issue. We had a good robust exchange. I think a lot of you will enjoy it.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfh9VhGo7nB9zav4WGBUQ-lI_31Zn5Jey27OXaccLKem4Qkag/viewform?usp=share_link

Scott also took the lead to form the Northern Illinois Regional Chapter of the Wesleyan Covenant Association and worked voluntarily there for the last seven (7) years. His days were spent working within northern Illinois to inform, connect, advise, and resource Methodists in the disaffiliation process for separation from the United Methodist denomination. Scott retired from the UMC in 2019.

Scott has been a part of the Leadership Council of the Great Lakes Provisional Annual Conference, and also serves on the Great Lakes Board of Ministry both of the Global Methodist Church.

Links:

The Wesleyan Covenant Association - https://wesleyancovenant.org/

In this conversation, Rev. Lambrecht helps me to sift through the different things being said about changes in sexual morality, options for disaffiliation, and degrees of progressive takeover. He gave me a lot of clarity. I hope you receive the same benefit!

The audio is a little rough at first, but it levels out, so bear with it!

Links:

Good News Magazine - https://goodnewsmag.org/

Tom's Blog - https://tomlambrecht.goodnewsmag.org/

GMC Website: www.globalmethodist.org

General Conference Website: https://www.sotheworldwillknow.org/

The Convening General Conference Community Document: https://assets-global.website-files.com/65ecb1a33dc79361d6f90b07/6619cdf0ca169e0b60fa4a89_Plan%20of%20Organization%20%2B%20Covenant%20202403.pdf

I wanted to take some time to hear from Rob himself to ask about things that went on behind the scenes at General Conference, and to ask him about his plans for the future now that this chapter has closed. Consider spending time with Rob and me as we digest what transpired together.

If you want to show appreciation for this broadcast, you can give to my church at https://tithe.ly/give?c=2198808.

If you want to join my Locals community, you can go to plainspoken.locals.com.

You can also support my work at plainspoken.substack.com and at jeffreyrickman.substack.com.

In this conversation, Mark and I talk Wesleyan political theory and try to share an understanding of how contemporary institutions work. Mark explains his political framework of choice, Whiggery, alongside other models of more reactionary conservatism (which I generally adopt). It is a robust discourse, in which a final hope for the Global Methodist Church is offered. I hope this conversation is a blessing to you in the way that it was to me.

Links:

The Institute for Religion & Democracy - www.theird.org

Mark Tooley's "Juicy Ecumenism" publication website - https://juicyecumenism.com/

Tooley's most recent book, "The Peace That Almost Was" - https://www.amazon.com/The-Peace-That-Almost-Was/dp/0718022238

The IRD's John Wesley Institute - https://nextmethodism.org/

In this segment, he explains how Socinianism and Pelagianism are both threats to modern Methodism, and what language currently reflects a potential openness to these schools of thought. I am to speak with Andrew at least a couple more times, so go ahead and get to know him!

Links:

Sullivan's Article on Evangelical Arminians - https://evangelicalarminians.org/andrew-sullivan-harmony-of-the-arminian-faith-a-proposal-to-the-global-methodist-church-full-thesis/

Richard Watson, Methodism's first systematic theology textbook: https://www.amazon.com/Theological-Institutes-Two-Lexham-Classics/dp/1683591208/ref=sr_1_1?crid=CEWFPP6MHGAD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TtyqeRP1rUcs3LYl5A475LdAlmRGH1vow_-I40fdAa7hp6v0W9h6CMKCXL-blHIOwVQm7bC23tYkSRgUu859W5crAohUDVJ8j8qqPrQYmYjDD895jSiHFyglOUJD2aBQIl5mjkYuf30HbUPW5vMwhbB7lAtphZNhOJcaKfDvGDcbaN2ACABmBXz3f87HLH9KiMajudeX5bEFLPVLLP8DJaIpqrD0lmrNf9hkt3YQqYM.BDwwC6M8i-FY63Fh0X1L_rGpLZKwp92DEgGzSlMaho0&dib_tag=se&keywords=richard+watson+theological+institutes&qid=1713807737&sprefix=richard+watson%2Caps%2C127&sr=8-1.

Thomas N. Ralston, Methodist Episcopal Church South - https://archive.org/details/elementsofdivini0000rals/mode/2up

Thomas O. Summers, Methodist Episcopal Church South - https://archive.org/details/systematictheolo02summ/page/n5/mode/2up

Adam Clarke, Wesleyan Methodist Connection of Great Britain - https://bibleportal.com/commentary/adam-clarke

I wanted to speak to Chris because of his proximity to the conversations that are generating this new (or older) understanding of episcopacy that will become a part of the culture of the Global Methodist Church. He also has a great birdseye view of Methodism more broadly. His is an informed perspective. I'm glad he took the time to visit with me.

Links:

Christopher's Website - peopleneedjesus.net

Christopher's Book - https://a.co/d/2A1jFDt

Christopher's article detailing new developments w/ GMC episcopacy - https://peopleneedjesus.net/2024/04/10/just-dropped-big-recommendations-on-the-proposed-shape-of-the-global-methodist-church/

The "UM Fallout Compendium," which Ritter hosts and is a source for a lot of my reporting - https://peopleneedjesus.net/2024/02/24/um-fallout-a-compendium/

Episcopacy recommendations from the GMC - https://globalmethodist.org/gm-churchs-transitional-leadership-council-offers-proposals-on-the-nature-of-the-episcopacy/

We then spent the last 30 minutes or so talking through what the bishop's gathering right now is looking like, and some last minute options for changing the "harmful language" around sexual behavior or identity, depending on who is talking. Our crew doesn't all think the same about such things.

It was an interesting and worthy time. Those interested to know the different options for what can happen in the coming weeks will be glad to spend the time with us. We hope this is of benefit to the denomination.

I decided to get the band back together and see what biblical and practical wisdom my brothers would have. We go over some of the video, try to reconstruct a timeline, try to wrestle with the scriptures. Overall, it's just some woefully unprepared guys trying to understand Charismatic NAR folks. I think you'll enjoy it. I enjoyed my time with my brothers in Christ.

I know there have been developments since we discussed this, and my grasp of the timeline is a little off, but the conversation is worthy because of its theological commentary and the interpersonal exchange. Enjoy!

As an elder of the Global Methodist Church, I chose my strategy. However, it is possible that there is still a role to play for conservatives within the UMC. We also talk about the PCUSA and the imminent threats to conservatives in that body. Many would dismiss Ackerman as overly idealistic, but the man seems to have history on his side. Is our historical moment as exceptional as it feels, or are we just like every other generation of saints that came before?

Lots of good questions answered, and some asked, in this segment. I hope you enjoy.

Links:

Operation Reconquista Site - https://www.operationreconquista.com/

Young Methodists for Tradition - https://www.youngmethodistsfortradition.org/

Article on Taylor Eubanks Lying to Punish Conservative Anglican Clergy - https://livingchurch.org/2024/04/16/weaponizing-title-iv-for-ideological-purposes/

The frankness of this document is really quite rare from within the UMC umbrella. Take a few moments to assess these issues without the institutional bias. Especially if you aren't quite informed yet on the issues at play, this is a good way to get a brief introduction to the topics at hand.

Links:

Dakotas Conference Webinar w/ Links - https://www.dakotasumc.org/news/the-business-of-general-conference-dakotas-delegations-webinar-summary

Conference Q&A Document - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pdNO88jgkDyHax7HAW4X6WJd_WMIR0yVlJZkcxtZnfQ/edit

It turns out that Lonnie, Odell, and Joe are all publishing articles for the consideration of the people of the UMC at this time. Consider the links below. These final days and weeks are disheveled and hard to navigate, especially when one hasn't necessarily kept track with all of the developments along the way. We hope our analysis at this present moment is helpful for making sense out of what is being seen.

Links:

Lloyd Nyarota's rebuke of Mark Holland & Mainstream UMC for their overt colonialism - https://um-insight.net/in-the-church/umc-future/harambee-it-is-not-yet-uhuru-for-african-united-methodists-a/

Lonnie's article talking about the unraveling of the centrist-progressive alliance in the UMC - https://www.umnews.org/en/news/centrist-progressive-coalition-could-soon-unravel

Links:

The Judicial Practice & Procedure Rules of the GMC - https://globalmethodist.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Judicial-Practice-and-Procedure-Rules-English.pdf

Join our Locals community and support the work of PlainSpoken! - plainspoken.locals.com

Links:

The Judicial Practice & Procedure Rules of the GMC - https://globalmethodist.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Judicial-Practice-and-Procedure-Rules-English.pdf

Join our Locals community and support the work of PlainSpoken! - plainspoken.locals.com

The conversation ranged from all kinds of topics, from Christian Nationalism, to Charlie Kirk, to Donal Trump, to Greg Locke, Modernism, Social Justice, The United Methodist Church, and, you know, the Day of the Lord. Just light stuff like that, you know? I hope you enjoy!

Links:

Dr. Watson's Substack - https://davidfwatson3.substack.com

Keith was gracious to accept an invitation to speak with me about the job he has done, the legacy he hopes will sustain, and his plans for the near future. This will give many folks a better understanding of how and why it is that the GMC has been structured the way that it has, what values have been balanced in the formation of this new covenant body, and what we might anticipate in the coming months as we prepare for the coming conference. Also, we spend some time figuring out how to pray for Keith. It is my hope that you will do so.

In this segment, Dan tells the story of the fellowship he is serving. He details how they covered the task of securing a location and a leader. We talk about some basic logistics and theology around these concerns. We both prayed that this would be of benefit to many communities of faith. May it be a blessing to you.

This segment deals with the general topic, how a budget is created, who participates in the discussions, how things proceed at General Conference, and how each of the different power brokers and constituencies navigate these dynamics. We hope this is of benefit to everyone as they continue praying for April's General Conference!

Link to Transitional Book of Doctrines & Discipline - https://globalmethodist.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Transitional-Discipline.20231130.pdf

If you would like to make a gift directly to the church that sponsors this, here is the link: https://tithe.ly/give?c=2198808

If you would like to become a supporter on Locals, where we offer unique content and host exclusive live streams, go to plainspoken.locals.com.

If you would like to purchase your own copy of the Catechism, go here: https://my.seedbed.com/product/a-catechism-of-christian-faith-and-doctrine-for-the-global-methodist-church/

If you would like to make a gift directly to the church that sponsors this, here is the link: https://tithe.ly/give?c=2198808

If you would like to become a supporter on Locals, where we offer unique content and host exclusive live streams, go to plainspoken.locals.com.

When the conference leadership asked him in writing to quit helping those congregations that had left, John Ed knew that he needed to end his affiliation with The United Methodist Church. After three generations tied to the denomination over the course of more than a century, John Ed left the UMC. Rather, in his article, he says the UMC left him.

This is a conversation with this man who continues to pour his life out for the bride of Christ. It is intended to be a blessing to many others who are thinking of similarly ending their relationship with the UMC, and who want to count the cost with someone who is paying the price.

Consider supporting John Ed's ministry at his leadership ministry. You can find him at www.johnedmathison.org, where he is regularly producing content for the good of the church, whether or not one is called a Methodist.

Links:

"A Defining Day," the article referenced in this piece - https://johnedmathison.org/a-defining-day/

In this conversation, Jamie and I speak about the larger cultural forces that impact our ministries despite thousands of miles between us. We find ourselves at a point in history at which some quality reflection can be done on how it is that the church needs to perhaps stand against the tides of a culture awash in ungodly forces. There is a good deal of history and theology interspersed here in our words. Those concerned with how to do ministry in this present age might do well to attend upon Jamie’s contributions here.

For those who want to follow Jamie, you can find him here:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jamie.bambrick

Twitter/X: @j_bambrick

What is obviously at stake is the legitimacy of the assembled body. If the African delegation, which is already abysmally underrepresented, is reduced by 25%, any sane person is right to ask if any decisions made can be honored. In seeking victory on liberalizing the positions of the church, it would seem the General Conference staff are cutting off their nose to spite their face...

If you would like to purchase your own copy of the Catechism, go here: https://my.seedbed.com/product/a-catechism-of-christian-faith-and-doctrine-for-the-global-methodist-church/

If you would like to make a gift directly to the church that sponsors this, here is the link: https://tithe.ly/give?c=2198808

If you would like to become a supporter on Locals, where we offer unique content and host exclusive live streams, go to plainspoken.locals.com.

In this segment, the crew picks up where Matonga left off. If you haven't seen it already, I published our time with Rev. Matonga on the morning of Tuesday, March 12. You might consider watching that before this, as it lays a good foundation. This segment picks up by rehearsing the history of bishops in Methodism, then we examined a number of angles around how bishops are currently utilized in the UMC, and why that could continue to be an Achilles heel in the polity of the denomination going forward.

Rev. Matonga has been a leading voice in the African UMC for several years. He has had the patience for the process while maintaining his theological clarity. One would be wise to consider his words in dialogue with other voices speaking to these things.

Link to Forbes Matonga's UM News article: "African regionalization support hardly unanimous" - https://www.umnews.org/en/news/african-regionalization-support-hardly-unanimous

This segment deals with why he might have done this, what ideology would undergird such behavior, and what, if anything, that has to do with mainline denominationalism. This has some summary history of neoMarxism involved that may shed some light. It also addresses contemporary antisemitism in America. This stuff is probably all connected.

If you would like to become a supporter of my work, you should go to plainspoken.locals.com. Thanks!

This series is seeking to establish a solid doctrinal foundation for Global Methodists and all Christians more broadly. Take some time to learn from this unique dynamic of a father instructing his daughter in the faith.

If you would like to purchase your own copy of the Catechism, go here: https://my.seedbed.com/product/a-catechism-of-christian-faith-and-doctrine-for-the-global-methodist-church/

If you would like to make a gift directly to the church that sponsors this, here is the link: https://tithe.ly/give?c=2198808

If you would like to become a supporter on Locals, where we offer unique content and host exclusive live streams, go to plainspoken.locals.com.

As always, I urge you to consider the ways in which you can use this material to benefit your local church, especially the children in your orbit. Folks need to be equipped with good, biblical doctrine. Susanna and I are doing whatever we can to give this next generation of Methodists the vocabulary they need to reclaim your faith. Use us!

If you would like to purchase your own copy of the Catechism, go here: https://my.seedbed.com/product/a-catechism-of-christian-faith-and-doctrine-for-the-global-methodist-church/ 

If you would like to make a gift directly to the church that sponsors this, here is the link: https://tithe.ly/give?c=2198808 

If you would like to become a supporter on Locals, where we offer unique content and host exclusive live streams, go to plainspoken.locals.com.

Robert’s Regular Blog & Bible Study - https://www.mattchristiansenmedia.com/bible-study

William Layne Craig’s “Defenders” Series - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIpO3BUiq2IH1ocE76paUM_OxUZTL3XYh&si=OmrVaS16H6UKNm2S

"Doctrine of Election: Doctrine of Salvation” Podcast Series - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIpO3BUiq2IHt7bJnTIuln-uDzSxaOGGu&si=B7TCPlsk_Cr6E6JB

William Layne Craig’s “Doctrine of Man” Series - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIpO3BUiq2IFJ7TORDSoj3VLiTv5oMbVj&si=FbO-3R3uj1ZhmUspA

Write-Up on the Kalam Cosmological Argument - https://www.reasonablefaith.org/writings/popular-writings/existence-nature-of-god/the-kalam-cosmological-argument?gad_source=1

Presentation of the Ontological Argument by Gavin Ortlund - https://youtu.be/11bcuapYEsA?si=gT-o3dIyZmpJldWh

Presentation of the Fine Tuning Argument by Luke Barnes - https://youtu.be/lKxCVZVBgoI?si=S41UQ4lf68--27e2

To download your own copy of the Advance Daily Christian Advocate, go to https://www.resourceumc.org/en/content/general-conference-2020-advance-daily-christian-advocate.

To download a copy of Lonnie's Matrix of Petitions, go to https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1KTnzUbOO6NORahwa_nrdxKV1ftNxUQpQ/edit?usp=share_link&ouid=117124792218903575974&rtpof=true&sd=true

C. Chappell Temple is a husband, father, grandfather, pastor, and teacher, who has been appointed to serve as the lead pastor of Christ United Methodist Church in Sugar Land, Texas, a southwestern suburb of Houston. He  holds degrees from SMU, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and Rice University, and is an adjunct faculty member in the Houston program of Perkins School of Theology, teaching United Methodist history, doctrine, and polity. He has started teaching for Baylor at Truett in the last couple of years, teaching Methodist topics and Pastoral Care. He is now a Presiding Elder in the Trinity Conference of the GMC. He is a great fan of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkein, G.K. Chesterton, C.K. Barrett, J.I. Packer, N.T. Wright, and other British thinkers who, like him, don’t believe in using their actual first names. He blogs at chappelltemple.com.

There is a lot on the line with this issue. This is only the first episode in which we will talk about it, with two more to follow. This episode covers a good deal of the history and the framework out of which this push has come. The topic isn't boring. It is rather necessary to understanding the precipice upon which the UMC currently sits.

To download your own copy of the Advance Daily Christian Advocate, go to https://www.resourceumc.org/en/content/general-conference-2020-advance-daily-christian-advocate.

To download a copy of Lonnie's Matrix of Petitions, go to https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1KTnzUbOO6NORahwa_nrdxKV1ftNxUQpQ/edit?usp=share_link&ouid=117124792218903575974&rtpof=true&sd=true

To download your own copy of the Advance Daily Christian Advocate, go to https://www.resourceumc.org/en/content/general-conference-2020-advance-daily-christian-advocate.

To download a copy of Lonnie's Matrix of Petitions, go to https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1KTnzUbOO6NORahwa_nrdxKV1ftNxUQpQ/edit?usp=share_link&ouid=117124792218903575974&rtpof=true&sd=true

To download your own copy of the Advance Daily Christian Advocate, go to https://www.resourceumc.org/en/content/general-conference-2020-advance-daily-christian-advocate.

To download your own copy of the Revised Social Principles, go to https://www.umcjustice.org/documents/124

I know Susanna is a little out of focus. Very frustrating, as I'm sure she is easier on the eyes than my haggard face. Forgive me!

If you would like to purchase your own copy of the Catechism, go here: https://my.seedbed.com/product/a-catechism-of-christian-faith-and-doctrine-for-the-global-methodist-church/

If you would like to make a gift directly to the church that sponsors this, here is the link: https://tithe.ly/give?c=2198808

If you would like to become a supporter on Locals, where we offer unique content and host exclusive live streams, go to plainspoken.locals.com.

If you would like to purchase your own copy of the Catechism, go here: https://my.seedbed.com/product/a-catechism-of-christian-faith-and-doctrine-for-the-global-methodist-church/

If you would like to make a gift directly to the church that sponsors this, here is the link: https://tithe.ly/give?c=2198808

If you would like to become a supporter on Locals, where we offer unique content and host exclusive live streams, go to plainspoken.locals.com.

C. Chappell Temple is a husband, father, grandfather, pastor, and teacher, who has been appointed to serve as the lead pastor of Christ United Methodist Church in Sugar Land, Texas, a southwestern suburb of Houston. He  holds degrees from SMU, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and Rice University, and is an adjunct faculty member in the Houston program of Perkins School of Theology, teaching United Methodist history, doctrine, and polity. He has started teaching for Baylor at Truett in the last couple of years, teaching Methodist topics and Pastoral Care. He is now a Presiding Elder in the Trinity Conference of the GMC. He is a great fan of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkein, G.K. Chesterton, C.K. Barrett, J.I. Packer, N.T. Wright, and other British thinkers who, like him, don’t believe in using their actual first names. He blogs at chappelltemple.com.

Feinberg was appointed by the administration of President Barack Obama to serve as administrator of the Gulf Coast Claims Facility to compensate victims of the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010. He also served as administrator of the Aurora Victim Relief Fund following the Aurora, Colorado, shootings in 2012 as well as administrator of the Virginia Tech Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund in 2007.

Feinberg served as administrator of the One Fund Boston Victim Relief Fund, established to benefit the victims of the Boston Marathon attacks of April 15, 2013 and is currently working with the “RoundUp” weedkiller cancer case and the Boeing MaxAir 737 settlements.

He served as assistant U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York from 1972 to 1975; special counsel for U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary from 1975 to 1980; chief of staff to Senator Edward M. Kennedy from 1978 to 1980; founding partner of the Washington office of Kaye Scholar in 1980; and founder of The Feinberg Group in 1993.

He has served as adjunct professor of law at Harvard Law School, Columbia Law School, University of Pennsylvania School of Law, Georgetown University Law Center, New York University School of Law, the University of Virginia School of Law, and the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.

He served as a law clerk for Chief Judge Stanley H. Fuld, New York State Court of Appeals from 1970 to 1972.

Feinberg received his J.D. from New York University School of Law in 1970, where he was articles editor of the Law Review, and his B.A. from the University of Massachusetts in 1967

Links:

Protocol Website: https://www.gracethroughseparation.com/legislation

To download your own copy of the Advance Daily Christian Advocate, go to https://www.resourceumc.org/en/content/general-conference-2020-advance-daily-christian-advocate.

To download a copy of Lonnie's Matrix of Petitions, go to https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1_mbHq9ABRo8D4BjDVGcjxjx6DOxSv2Gx/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=117124792218903575974&rtpof=true&sd=true

So that is what Susanna and I did for these 30 minutes of reflection upon who God is and the implications this has for us, individually and collectively within the church. We are laying the groundwork for what will surely become a more nuanced tapestry of biblical faith. We invite you to join us on our journey!

If you would like to purchase your own copy of the Catechism, go here: https://my.seedbed.com/product/a-catechism-of-christian-faith-and-doctrine-for-the-global-methodist-church/

If you would like to make a gift directly to the church that sponsors this, here is the link: https://tithe.ly/give?c=2198808

If you would like to become a supporter on Locals, where we offer unique content and host exclusive live streams, go to plainspoken.locals.com.

To download your own copy of the Advance Daily Christian Advocate, go to https://www.resourceumc.org/en/content/general-conference-2020-advance-daily-christian-advocate.

Link to Global Methodist Catechism - https://globalmethodist.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Catechism-V2.pdf

Links:

Matt’s Firebrand Article - https://firebrandmag.com/articles/doctrine-spirit-and-discipline-a-holistic-vision-for-church-renewal

Spirit & Truth Ministry Website - https://www.spiritandtruth.life

Spirit-Led Leader Substack - https://spiritandtruth.substack.com

Link to Transitional Book of Doctrines & Discipline - https://globalmethodist.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Transitional-Discipline.20231130.pdf

If you would like to make a gift directly to the church that sponsors this, here is the link: https://tithe.ly/give?c=2198808

If you would like to become a supporter on Locals, where we offer unique content and host exclusive live streams, go to plainspoken.locals.com.

To download your own copy of the Advance Daily Christian Advocate, go to https://www.resourceumc.org/en/content/general-conference-2020-advance-daily-christian-advocate.

Link to CHRON article: https://www.chron.com/culture/religion/article/texas-global-methodist-church-18605641.php

As always, we want to urge you to share this widely so as to equip the UMC denomination to be able to track and understand these proceedings. Feedback can be given to us at plainspokenpod@gmail.com. Make sure to subscribe, like, and comment as you are able.

Links:

UM News Article detailing many particulars of this upcoming session - https://www.umnews.org/en/news/what-comes-after-general-conference-deadline

Rules from the Daily Christian Advocate, detailing how the session is to be carried out - https://drive.google.com/file/d/17xKR3idzjOlXbl_CfmrXdIJHBj7zjnS9/view?usp=sharing

Bio for Amy Valdez Parker - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TVCzYIRj2E19mp-T0QDVpK4Sd__66vfE/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=117124792218903575974&rtpof=true&sd=true

Links:

Jeff’s Accounting Website - JCT Accounting - https://jctaccounting.com/author/jefffpospisil/

YouTube Page - https://www.youtube.com/@JeffPospisil

My Segment on why leaving Wespath was probably the right decision (article is below video) - https://plainspokenpod.substack.com/p/why-leaving-wespath-is-probably-the

GMC Press Release - https://globalmethodist.org/gmc-announces-relationship-with-guidestone-financial-resources/

Additional GMC Publication on the Topic - https://globalmethodist.org/why-guidestone/

GMC FAQ on GuideStone Shift - https://globalmethodist.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/GuideStone-FAQs.20240111.v2.pdf

Yet there are also many other meaningful items coming to the assembly for its two-week conference. Given that the official list has not yet been published, it is fficult to confidently predict what all of them will be. Some presumptions are safer than others.

In this series, these four United Methodist veterans of conference structure and protocol will do their best to anticipate the items that will come before the body. The hope is that they will help delegates to prepare to make informed and conscientious decisions when they come together, having already thought a great deal about the key proposals.

As a host, I will work simply to create the space and the platform for the discussion to be had in earnest. If it is the will of the assembled body that they should adopt regionalization, liberalize the theology of sex and gender of the church, adopt new Social Principles, or do anything that stands against my convictions, then I want to defend their right to do so. I only advocate for them to do it with eyes wide open, which I hope this series serves to aid.

Each of these four men of faith has a background that entitles them to consideration from United Methodist leadership. Their voices are ignored to the detriment of the denomination.

I would invite you to consider them, their insights, their concerns, their hopes as you pray for The United Methodist Church. If you agree that this is a worthy effort, then make sure to subscribe and tune in over the coming weeks as we try to shed light without creating any more heat. Make sure to pray for us, too!

This episode was filmed only to introduce viewers/listeners to the panel. Future episodes will have much more meaty content. Stay tuned!

Links:

American Saint by John Wigger - https://a.co/d/fvYHAGX

Article on Wespath Micro Loans - https://www.wespath.org/retirement-investments/investment-information/investment-philosophy/sustainable-investment/PSP/wespath-cares

Zellner defending ESG - https://www.top1000funds.com/2022/08/esg-strikes-a-nerve-why-it-shouldnt/

GuideStone website - https://www.guidestone.org

Strive Asset Management website - www.strive.com

Links:

The John Wesley Institute - https://nextmethodism.orgThe Mere Methodism Conference Registration Page - https://nextmethodism.org/mere-methodism/The School of Methodism Registration Page - https://nextmethodism.org/mere-methodism/

Link to Transitional Book of Doctrines & Discipline - https://globalmethodist.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Transitional-Discipline.20231130.pdf

If you would like to make a gift directly to the church that sponsors this, here is the link: https://tithe.ly/give?c=2198808

If you would like to become a supporter on Locals, where we offer unique content and host exclusive live streams, go to plainspoken.locals.com. 

This corresponds with a written report I have published on Substack, in which I have a lot more links that I can't provide here. If you want to go to that article, here is the link: https://plainspokenpod.substack.com/p/year-end-report

Thanks for all the support given this podcast over the last year. There is a lot more great stuff to come!

Jim worked for 12 years in the information technology field as a programmer and IT manager prior to joining TMS Global in 1996. His family served for 10 years as missionaries in Kazakhstan, where he was part of a church-planting team and directed a school operated by the mission. He served as team leader for most of those years. The school and the church still serve the community today, fully owned and led by local leadership. Jim assumed the role of regional coordinator for Asia for TMS Global during his final two years in Kazakhstan. He joined the home office staff in 2006, initially as the senior director of field ministries, then assuming the vice president role in 2011.

Jim has been a regular contributor to Good News magazine, Unfinished magazine, and the Seedbed blog.

Jim is married to Shawn, who works with the third culture kid ministries for TMS Global. They raised four children during their years as missionaries, all of whom are now adults. They have one grandchild. Jim enjoys languages and had attained fluency in Danish and a working knowledge of German prior to moving to Kazakhstan, where he became fluent in Russian. He loves observing and experiencing other cultures. Jim grew up in Kentucky and remains an avid University of Kentucky basketball fan.

Through experience, education, and ongoing studies, Jim has expertise in missiology, mission strategy, and mission best practices. In recent years he has studied the phenomenon of mass migrations of people and implications and opportunities that presents the church in mission. He teaches in various areas of mission, including cross- cultural ministry, cross-cultural partnerships, theology of mission, and leadership.

Links:

TMS Global - www.tms-global.org

“Who Is My Neighbor” study, published by TMS Global (referenced in conversation) - https://neighbor.study/

Jim Ramsay’s Work Email - jramsay@tms-global.org

Ramsay recommends this work as an excellent history of missionary work - https://www.amazon.com/Transforming-Mission-Paradigm-Theology-Missiology-dp-1570759480/dp/1570759480/

For those interested in what global Christianity is transforming into demographically and culturally, Ramsay recommends this book - https://www.amazon.com/Next-Christendom-Coming-Global-Christianity/dp/0199767467

This piece is a response to a critique I got. I provide some explanations for what I understand myself to be doing and why I think it is needed, not just at the present moment, but for all history, if the church is to be who Christ requires us to be. It is admittedly a self-centered piece. I’m hoping folks apply it to themselves and their church contexts and consider whether their current approach is right.

If you find these topics worthy, consider spending the time with us.

Link to Transitional Book of Doctrines & Discipline - https://globalmethodist.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Transitional-Discipline.20231130.pdf

Matt and his church will be hosting the Reconstructing Methodist Conference on April 26-27. Those who want to attend can get a $10 discount by the promo code ’PS10.’ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theologyprojectonline

Web: www.theologyproject.online 

Twitter: @mporeilly

Books

• Paul and the Resurrected Body: Social Identity and Ethical Practice (SBL Press) https://amzn.to/48tlyvu
• The Letters to the Thessalonians (Seedbed) https://amzn.to/3GTduIP
• The Question of Holiness (Seedbed, forthcoming)

Links:

O’Reilly’s List of Methodist Doctrines & Practices - https://5c8c126c-2e97-491d-8c3d-c68de0039a1b.usrfiles.com/ugd/5c8c12_d6a7debb6cb345b3af3dcf38dd2a2fc7.pdf

Reconstructing Methodism Conference Page - https://www.reconstructingmethodism.com

Link to Transitional Book of Doctrines & Discipline - https://globalmethodist.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Transitional-Discipline.20231130.pdf

This segment covers some of the particulars of the new language and ties the undergirding theology around sexual behavior and gender to phenomena we also see in many other denominations. In particular, we will look at the Episcopal Church and its postmortem sanctification of gay martyr Matthew Shepard, coupled with the drag show phenomenon. For those who are incredulous at the continued development of these insults, I hope it helpful to think through these things and to connect some of these dots. 

Links:

NPR Article “Pope Francis approves Catholic blessings for same-sex couples, but not for marriage” by Becky Sullivan - https://www.npr.org/2023/12/18/1220077102/pope-francis-blessings-same-sex-couples

Fiducia Supplicans (the Roman Catholic document in question) - https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2023/12/18/0901/01963.html#en

Roman Catholic Bishop Robert Barron’s Statement on the document - https://twitter.com/BishopBarron/status/1737574875395391530/photo/1

IRD Article on Drag Worship Service for Matthew Shepard “Drag ‘Sister’ Indulges Episcopal Washington National Cathedral” by Jeffrey Walton - https://juicyecumenism.com/2023/12/12/perpetual-indulgence/

YouTube Video of the Actual Service at the National Cathedral - https://www.youtube.com/live/J0VGWyE6Tw0?si=xd2psBP0XOavEe9n

Wikipedia Page for Matthew Shepard - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_Shepard

Links:

This PlainSpoken Substack Article - https://open.substack.com/pub/plainspokenpod/p/is-it-really-all-about-the-gay-stuff?r=17brpc&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcome=true

New York Times Article “With a Deadline Looming, The United Methodist Church Breaks Up - https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/18/us/the-united-methodist-church-schism.html

In this segment, I walk through the reporting of both outlets to some degree, while also consulting a couple of other resources for ascertaining where things currently stand. While my commentary (and the buzzy audio) might be lacking in this one, the resources presented here, especially the interactive map and the GCFA list of largest churches, are worthy resources, so here are all the links to the resources consulted in this segment:

Liam Adams Tweet Thread: https://twitter.com/liamsadams/status/1735718114367504847

Tennessean Interactive Map “Total churches that have disaffiliated from United Methodist Church since 2019” - https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/11865260/

UMNews Disaffiliation Numbers Spreadsheet - https://www.umnews.org/en/news/disaffiliations-approved-by-annual-conferences

Jimmy Boone’s UM Disaffiliations Tally - https://www.facebook.com/groups/197734687313310/permalink/1841598499593579

Talbot Davis Tweet on NYTimes Article - https://twitter.com/TalbotDavis

New York Times Article “With a Deadline Looming, The United Methodist Church Breaks Up - https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/18/us/the-united-methodist-church-schism.html?unlocked_article_code=1.G00.GTs9.wlHnAcOOD46l&smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

GCFA’s “2020 Top 100 Churches by Attendance” - https://www.gcfa.org/_files/ugd/5524b1_20f39c75fee649c69ec49751578b2b08.pdf

Links:

Florida WCA post - https://www.facebook.com/WesleyanCovenantAssocFl/posts/pfbid0pZUXzzGa1LLZX5WADxNJyyAENKYmc8VGRmdRV1Yz6UXeFATSyaCbmhmBmbXujiTsl

Florida Conference Article - https://www.flumc.org/newsdetail/with-disaffiliation-complete-the-florida-conference-looks-to-a-united-future-18162480

Links:

List of the 17 disaffiliating churches on December 2 - https://riotexas.org/events/2023/10/3/special-called-session

“Rio Texas Conference Asserts Fiduciary Responsibilityin Legal Suit” - https://peopleneedjesus.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/rio-texas-conference-asserts-fiduciary-responsibility-in-legal-suit.pdf

Plaintiff Petition - https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54b8639ee4b076c29fb6eae7/t/6463ee52292c436b126e2778/1684270676012/Plaintiff+Original+Petition.pdf

My interview w/ Lloyd Lunceford, church disaffiliation lawyer - https://youtu.be/hxaB8FFGsk0

“Five conferences merge to become two” - https://www.umnews.org/en/news/five-conferences-merge-to-become-two

“Me & Bishop Dorff” account of Bishop Dorff being somewhat of a pushover for the left - https://loveprevailsumc.com/2015/08/12/me-bishop-dorff/

“Rio Texas bishop resigns after admitting wrongdoing” - https://www.umnews.org/en/news/rio-texas-bishop-resigns#:~:text=United%20Methodist%20Bishop%20James%20E,1%2C%202016.

Bio on Bishop Robert Schnase - https://www.unitedmethodistbishops.org/person-detail/2464082

In this episode, we finish talking through Part Three of the Transitional Book of Doctrines and Discipline, covering church planting, protecting doctrine, exiting noncompliant churches, and allowing for all kinds of interesting relationships between a local church and other denominations and/or other annual conferences. We have a decent conversation around the theology of church planting being at odds with part of disfellowshipping rebellious local churches. There are definitely worse ways to spend your time. We hope you enjoy!

In this segment, I read the news articles, show the footage, and read the account of the local church, which has put their story online. I do some analysis about the ideologies at play here and urge folks to pray for those who continue to be crushed by the UMC, and that the UMC leadership would repent. I would like to think it is all worthy. 

Supporters are hereby encouraged to go to plainspoken.locals.com to support my work and help me to build up the infrastructure needed to spread good and helpful information.

Links:

“Trinity United Methodist Church in Eugene suddenly and permanently closes” by KLCC - https://www.klcc.org/social-justice/2023-11-21/trinity-united-methodist-church-in-eugene-suddenly-and-permanently-closes

“United Methodist Church officials speak on Trinity closure” by KVAL - https://kval.com/news/local/united-methodist-church-officials-speak-on-trinity-closure

Trinity’s Website - https://savetrinityeugene.org

Dr. Vic Reasoner is known by many to be an expert in Wesleyan theology, having published dozens of books on the topic. Among those publications are several dealing with how to properly read prophecy and apocalypse in the Wesleyan tradition. In our time spent together, Vic explains how it is that Methodists have traditionally read scriptures around the final judgment, the millennial reign of Christ, the binding of Satan, and the covenant people of God in the last days. I would like to think I did a decent job at breaking it down for novices in this area. Please forgive me if I failed!

Links:

Dr. Reasoner’s Methodist Essentials document - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YdVVab_ZLM7q1-PNGXs9LMuDgOKi34hY/view?usp=sharing

In this episode, we finish talking through the mandatory committees and the work, and we get into how local churches are expected to fund shared ministries.

Very few people enjoy committees and committee work. Even so, the Transitional Book of Doctrines and Discipline of the Global Methodist Church has adopted a lot of the structure and stipulations spelled out for committees from The United Methodist Church. To our surprise, a lot of this stuff is actually pretty great. In this episode, we talk through the Church Council, the Nominations & Leadership Development Committee, and the Staff-Parish Relations Committee. I explain why it is that pastors are actually sorta idiots for not following these guidelines, as they essentially guarantee healthy functioning of a local church. I also tell a story or two from a dysfunctional church I served. Bigger news: TJ seems to be warming up to the idea that spelling a lot of these things out is actually beneficial. Maybe some of you likewise are considering how much of the old needs to be jettisoned?

As always, we enjoy reading thoughts and comments in response to this stuff. If you haven’t already, consider recommending this segment to your GMC church leadership. We know it is a sort of dull topic, but it has huge implications for local churches, so we recommend you make it a priority. Blessings to you and your churches.

Help support what we do! Consider joining our Locals community and getting behind the scenes content & connecting with us!

https://plainspoken.locals.com/upost/4410860/welcome-to-our-locals-community

GMC Transitional Book Of Doctrines & Discipline: https://globalmethodist.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Transitional-Discipline.2022041257.pdf

David earned a Public Relations degree from Georgia Southern. He got his Mdiv from Asbury Theological Seminary in 2017 and is a doctoral student currently. He has served two Methodist churches since then. He is married to Brandy, a kindergarten teacher, with two young children. David is very into football, but he makes sure to post about Jesus and his church more than football.

He enjoys a professional friendship with his President Pro Tempore, Jay Hanson, and many others across the connexion. He recently engaged in a back-and-forth with Chris Ritter on funding models for annual conferences, involving the tithes of active clergy. Yet today he is here to talk about how it is that the GMC will potentially utilize bishops in its new polity, which will be determined at its Convening Conference in September of next year.

Angela's recommended resources on spiritual healing:

1. The 5Q Method of Discipleship: five questions that will change your life by Matt Friedeman

2. Lord I Want to Be Whole by Stormie Omartian

3. Emotional Survival for law enforcement by Kevin Gilmartin (even though this is for LEO there is so much anyone can learn)

4. Emotional intelligence 2.0 is another good read.

This week we dive even further into part 3 of the GMC Transitional Book of Doctrines & Discipline. While most of these paragraphs are mundane organizational framework there does appear to be some problematic language that may be a holdover from the UMC around the gauge language of "Inclusion". Join us and our friend Spencer as we discuss the good and the bad in paragraphs 336 - 342.

Help support what we do! Consider joining our Locals community and getting behind the scenes content & connecting with us!

https://plainspoken.locals.com/upost/4410860/welcome-to-our-locals-community

GMC Transitional Book Of Doctrines & Discipline: https://globalmethodist.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Transitional-Discipline.2022041257.pdf

Spencer's Substack: https://spencertabor.substack.com

During my live stream last Friday, while taking a break from the Heartland Convening Conference for the GMC, my brother and I engaged the substance of Lathem’s analysis and held it up against, not just our personal theologies, but our personal experiences leading churches. Our hope isn’t to shut down conversation, but to make it more robust. In the comments, let me know what you think needs to be considered in these issues of how we understand church membership and what Methodist leadership should expect and promote within local church settings with respect to growth.

To read Lathem’s article for yourself without my wordy commentary, you can go to: https://juicyecumenism.com/2023/11/01/rev-dr-warren-lathem-on-methodist-changes/

Also, where do things stand in Western North Carolina? Did any churches get voted down? What does the future look like?

Links:

Bishop Carter’s Full Address (or at least the version I found) - https://vimeo.com/881210107?fbclid=IwAR02jimNpNODzK_oiJMOHtcj33iG8daCVimR6esB2qaRqndbmPHRt3cbPPk

Report on Disaffiliation by Western North Carolina Conference - https://www.wnccumc.org/november-results?fbclid=IwAR2YIHKEJr3Z4PbGJrqW2lCkUecTcyJ6W9ru4R4ch68SissKw-HUz_0S6_A

In this segment, I go through a recent piece she did and connect it some other work that I have done, as well as some previous reporting on her claiming to be a Muslim and railing against the ‘basket of deplorables’ culture found within some parts of the UMC. This isn’t meant to preach to the choir (although I’m sure many choir members will appreciate this) so much as educate those outside of the Western Jurisdiction who may not know very much about her.

Links:

Judicial Council Decision #1341, which delegitimated Oliveto’s episcopacy - https://www.resourceumc.org/en/churchwide/judicial-council/judicial-council-decision-home/judicial-decisions/in-re-petition-for-declaratory-decision-from-the-south-central-jurisdiction

Conversation with Rev. Robert Barnes, in which he details the rigged dismissal of his complaints against Oliveto - https://youtu.be/Av4Z9ENR54A

Conversation with Rev. John Nadasi, in which he details the kindness of Oliveto - https://youtu.be/32rEGl0DHWQ

Video Oliveto Recorded - https://www.facebook.com/MountainSkyUMC/videos/2247578005443624/?vh=e&extid=MSG-UNK-UNK-UNK-AN_GK0T-GK1C

Article w/ Picture of Oliveto Claiming to be Muslim - Lesbian Bishop Seeks to ‘Reshape United Methodism for a New Era’ - https://juicyecumenism.com/2022/01/17/lesbian-bishop-reshape-united-methodism/

Simon Mafunda has been active in The United Methodist Church for much of his adult life. He has capably and conscientiously served. Recent developments in Africa leave him concerned about the institution he has given so much of his life to. In this talk, we address concerns around African bishops who seem to have lost loyalty to their constituents, especially Muyombo and Wandabula. We also look at the somewhat overt efforts to exclude the African voice from denominational discourse, whether that be by ‘regionalization,’ or by simply not getting invitation letters to them quickly enough to make it through the visa application process. Finally, we discuss examples of overt power being used to exclude people from the UMC in Africa who do not toe the line and quietly let themselves be taken advantage of.

Africa needs to be understood. If you are invested in the UMC maintaining any semblance of righteousness, then you need to learn about what is happening and work to mitigate the damage. Otherwise, next year’s General Conference is going to look so racist that all will walk away in shame.

For that reason, TJ and I have been walking through the Transitional Book of Doctrines & Discipline, which spells out how we are going to live together. In particular, this segment deals with ¶329 - ¶335. These sections deal with church membership, which turns off many people. It shouldn’t. Lack of discipline around church membership is what caused such misery when it came time to take a membership vote to disaffiliate from the UMC. Moreover, there is a lot of important theology about the nature and work of the church, as well as the nature of the relationship of individuals to their church, that bears some thought.

We do the thinking and talking; we urge you to take the time and energy to go along with us as we cover this ground. We hope that this is a blessing to you and your church!

Isaac Blakemore graduated from Wesley Biblical Seminary with a Master’s in Apologetics. He is the co-founder and Executive Director of the John & Charles Wesley Center for Christian Thought and Apologetics; an ordained minister; sought after speaker; husband and father. Isaac's research focuses on the interface of science, philosophy, and religion. To learn more about Isaac and his content visit: isaacblakemore.com. He can be reached at isaacblakemore@substack.com.

For growing in apologetics knowledge and skill, Steve recommends a podcast on Rumble called “Thinking is Good for You.” He also recommends the book 'Heresies: Heresy and Orthodoxy in the History of the Church' (https://a.co/d/2HKhlwD).

Isaac recommends a book called 'The Fathers Know Best: Your Essential Guide to the Teachings of the Early Church' (https://a.co/d/dq5BH0I), as well as his organization’s website: https://jcwcenter.org.

The portion this episode deals with is still in Section 3 - The Community of God's People. It will cover ¶316-¶323, which deals with local church membership vows, expectations of pastors, confirmands, all members, how inactive members are removed, how prospective members can overrule a pastor standing in the way, and how someone can join the GMC without being part of a local church, among other things. We explore the nature of the church, the purpose of membership, postulate as to the likelihood that many churches or clergy will even read or implement these things, and TJ even volunteers to fill a new function in the local church.

Seriously, we hope you enjoy this time. It isn't always fun to do this stuff on your own. We hope doing it with us makes all this more interesting, engaging, and meaningful for you. Make sure to share your thoughts with us at plainspokenpod@gmail.com. If you want to support work like this being done for the upbuilding of the GMC and Methodism more broadly, head over to plainspoken.locals.com and become one of our supporters today!

To download a copy of the Transitional Book of Doctrines & Discipline for free, go to https://globalmethodist.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Transitional-Discipline.20231016v2.pdf

Links:

“We Are All Hostages Now” by Richard Bryant - https://um-insight.net/perspectives/we-are-all-hostages-now/

Links:

Lloyd Lunceford (Church Law) Interview - https://youtu.be/hxaB8FFGsk0

Rev. Joe DiPaolo Interview - https://youtu.be/UPnVdakG6og

3-Part Series on Eastern Pennsylvania Conference - https://youtu.be/cqUFs0j57wg

Contact Information:

The Association of Independent Methodists

aim2020.com

601-362-1301

Marshall Daigre

Church Health & Multiplication, AIM

Senior Pastor of Harvest Pointe Methodist Church in Madison AL

harvestpointe.com

marshall@harvestpointe.com

Adam Godbold

Pastor-Parish Relations Chair, AIM

Pastor of Faith Methodist Church in Dallas GA

faithmethodistchurch.org

adam@faithmethodistchurch.org

If you would like to learn more about Good News, which has carried the banner of authentic Wesleyanism for decades, consider visiting their website: https://goodnewsmag.org

If you want to know what the GMC stands for and how you can anticipate it operating in the coming years, you should consider spending some time with TJ and me as we walk through these things together!

Links:

List of upcoming special called conferences - https://www.umnews.org/en/news/united-methodist-annual-conference-special-sessions-in-2023

Oklahoma Conference's Self-Reported Stats on Disaffiliating Churches - https://www.okumc.org/dadata2023

"What Did ‘Stay UMC’ Activists Really Win by Blocking Disaffiliations?" by John Lomperis - https://juicyecumenism.com/2023/10/04/what-did-stay-umc-activists-win/

To give to the GMC generally or to the Convening Conference in particular, here is the link: https://globalmethodist.org/give-online/

I previously published a shorter version of this conversation, which covered primarily what is written in the Transitional Book of Doctrines & Discipline, with very little commentary or analysis. This one is significantly longer, which a good deal more analysis from both Daniel and myself. If you prefer a shorter presentation of the content, no offense taken here. I would point you to the shorter version of this video I posted yesterday.

I previously published a shorter version of this conversation, which covered primarily what is written in the Transitional Book of Doctrines & Discipline, with very little commentary or analysis. This one is significantly longer, which a good deal more analysis from both Daniel and myself. If you prefer a shorter presentation of the content, no offense taken here. I would point you to the shorter version of this video I posted yesterday.

This is the second in a series I have begun for the sake of educating the public as to the nature of the Global Methodist Church, within which I serve as an elder. Last week, I did an overview of the doctrinal basics of the GMC with TJ, my producer. This week, I sat down with my brother, Daniel, to review the ‘Social Witness’ of the Global Methodist Church. These two pages of the Transitional Book of Doctrines & Discipline spells out the essential social stances of Global Methodism. When local churches vote to join the GMC, they vote to adopt these social principles. Daniel and I read, not only the 14 principles, but also the history that produced them and the scriptures undergirding them.

This is a significantly curtailed version of the time we spent together. The full version, which I will put out soon, was more than twice as long. The bulk of this is just reading through the document without commentary. If you want to hear us comment on everything pertaining to these, then consider watching the unabridged version tomorrow. It’s okay if you would prefer to have the bare bones. I hope you benefit! Blessings to you.

Links:

Final Special Called Conference for OKUMC Agenda - https://okumc-email.brtapp.com/files/annual_conference_files_only/2023+ac/october+2023+called+conference+agenda.pdf

List of disaffiliating and closing churches coming before the OKUMC for approval - https://www.okumc.org/dadata2023

Oklahoma State Courts Network Website for Oct. 5, 2023 hearing - https://oscn.net/news/2309201519/supreme-court-oral-arguments

Livestream of the Oral Arguments on Oct. 5, 2023 at 10:00 AM CDT - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0FiJXbI1a8

“Confrontation With A United Methodist Bishop” - https://youtu.be/pd5ck8WxxWk

“Church Of The Servant Wins Dispute Against Oklahoma Annual Conference” - https://youtu.be/s7OV_voIEKM

“Church Litigation - An Interview With Lloyd Lunceford Esq.” - https://youtu.be/hxaB8FFGsk0

“First Church OKC: Examining The Judge's Ruling” - https://youtu.be/VPRvyFv0gCs

“First Church OKC Victorious Against Oklahoma Annual Conference in Court” - https://youtu.be/nHqSq3eABeI

“First Church OKC Disaffiliation Attempts Stymied” - https://youtu.be/tv1WKxgeQKc

“Attempt to Reason on First Church OKC Votes” - https://youtu.be/noouaHF85Dw

Links:

Slideshow About Bulgarian Conference - https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1DZge4iE_0cCjSgH0_jFQSnpO1iLwUTnh/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=117124792218903575974&rtpof=true&sd=true

Press Release Announcing Separation from the UMC - https://docs.google.com/document/d/15zM_1ys6lIkDeNM0U_yceg8SsH-Wov8k/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=117124792218903575974&rtpof=true&sd=true

Minutes of Conference Separating from UMC - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tRiHn79lXAyxyk5U4g1gOMVcGQNKIWNp/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=117124792218903575974&rtpof=true&sd=true

Bio on Rev. Dr. Topalski - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HHXOKSRp94JgrnNeKPsG1KGkUC15fV7w/view?usp=sharing

Five-Year Transition Plan for Bulgarian Conference - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xT5koN1JZoin3I9XxHPRme3LFybt_FXK/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=117124792218903575974&rtpof=true&sd=true

Links:

GMC Website:

https://globalmethodist.org

GMC Transitional Book of Discipline:

https://globalmethodist.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Transitional-Discipline.2022041257.pdf

FAQ on the GMC Website w/ the Language for Affiliating with the GMC - https://globalmethodist.org/faqs/

‘The Story of Christianity’ by Justo L. González, the intro to church history book I recommend - https://a.co/d/69B7wp1

John Wesley’s Sermons: An Anthology, edited by Albert Outler & Richard Heitzenrater - https://a.co/d/gVUnmGo

Explanatory Notes on the New Testament by John Wesley (not the version I have; can’t vouch for this) - https://a.co/d/eeB8NP2

Links:

Holly’s Article, published by UM News after the fall of Roe v. Wade - “United Methodists should support Dobbs decision” - https://www.umnews.org/en/news/united-methodists-should-support-dobbs-decision

Justice for All, the organization I learned from and worked for, who still do very solid educational and outreach work. - https://www.jfaweb.org/ --

The video course from the Equal Rights Institute. - https://equalrightsinstitute.com/courses/ 

The National Embryo Donation Center - https://www.embryodonation.org/ 

The Atheist Pro-Life Organization Holly Mentioned - https://secularprolife.org/

Links

Andy’s website - https://www.andymilleriii.com

Andy’s recent Heaven study for church groups - https://www.andymilleriii.com/articles/heaven-and-other-destinations

Wesley Biblical Seminary website - https://wbs.edu/

WBS’s Statements on Scripture & Holiness - https://wbs.edu/about/distinctives/

In this conversation, Jordan and I talk about his background, what he loves about Methodism, the doctrinal heritage we have, the practical gifts the GMC has to offer our world, and what we can expect of him in the coming months, casting a vision of what the GMC has in store. Enjoy!

Links:

“Almost Christian” book that made such a positive impact on me: Almost Christian: What the Faith of Our Teenagers is Telling the American Church https://a.co/d/05RCFWR

Other books

- Delighted: What Teenagers Are Teaching the Church about Joy https://a.co/d/53zSOVv

- Practicing Passion: Youth and the Quest for a Passionate Church https://a.co/d/b8rHpax

- Godbearing Life-Art Of Soul Tending For Youth Mini https://a.co/d/awsTont

- Innovating for Love: Joining God's Expedition Through Christian Social Innovation (The Greatest Expedition) https://a.co/d/bG65DoC

In this conversation, Lonnie and I suss out where it is that he offers a voice of critique, as well as what affirmations he has, of his chosen denomination. To my surprise, there was a good deal of agreement between us, though it is clear that Lonnie and I still have some great differences. The conversation is very agreeable. I learned a good deal from him. I hope you do, too!

Links:

Lonnie’s Dropbox w/ Proposed Legislation for Next Year’s General Conference - https://app.box.com/s/dpni01me0x236mfu5nh180otjjiyz2b7/folder/215761447268

Lonnie’s UM News Op Ed - https://www.umnews.org/en/news/centrist-progressive-coalition-could-soon-unravel

If you want to contact Andy with any questions about house churches, you can reach him at: andyhogue@ymail.com

Links Andy proffered for your consideration:

"How to Explain Simple Church on a Napkin," YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-147JgJ3ZJs

House Church Central: http://www.hccentral.com/directory

House Church Central: https://housechurchconnect.com

"5 Reasons Why Not to Join a House Church," Seedbed: https://seedbed.com/reasons-you-should-not-join-a-house-church

"Martin Luther: House Church Advocate?" The Terebinth (our local blog): https://theterebinth.blogspot.com/2018/12/martin-luther-house-church-advocate.html

Links:

Scott Kisker Article on how 20th century Methodists broke Methodism - https://firebrandmag.com/articles/segregationism-and-the-corruption-of-methodist-discipline

NT Wright on Rapture - https://ntwrightpage.com/2016/07/12/farewell-to-the-rapture/

John Wesley’s beliefs around end times: https://firebrandmag.com/articles/john-wesley-and-the-end-times

Links:

The Wespath Study “2023 Clergy Well-Being Survey Highlights” - https://www.wespath.org/assets/1/7/5991.pdf

73% of Americans rank their finances as the No. 1 stress in life, according to new Capital One CreditWise survey - https://www.cnbc.com/select/73-percent-of-americans-rank-finances-as-the-number-one-stress-in-life/

More Americans are so worried about money, it's hurting their mental health - https://www.nbcnews.com/business/consumer/financial-wealth-and-mental-health-americans-worried-about-money-rcna83569

Presentation on Spain as Provisional Conference - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sssuSE76IJO-gBezmbOCT_uvakMk1803/view?usp=share_link

3-Page Summary of Ministry in Spain - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VBAcFdxhyq7anoaNCmh4yso8-n6N6uY7/view?usp=share_link

Invitation to October Event - https://drive.google.com/file/d/13pTSakazwiOhF1e-yTRvzshuXqB-ISvh/view?usp=share_link

Links:

Scan of court document w/ my editorial notes: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10WuZ34chaTuqPzpYoPPoN-DEioYB_gjC/view?usp=sharing

Links:

Conference Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068945514051

Bishop Wandabula’s Bio: https://www.unitedmethodistbishops.org/person-detail/2463622

Map of the UMC’s Episcopal Areas in Africa: https://s3.amazonaws.com/Website_Properties/who-we-are/documents/africa-central-conferences-map-revised.pdf

UMNews Article about suspension of Kenya’s funding in 2013: https://archives.gcah.org/bitstream/handle/10516/9233/article5.aspx.htm?sequence=4

Simon Mafunda’s WCA article alleging MFSA money corrupting Kenya’s conference:

https://wesleyancovenant.org/2023/08/15/methodist-federation-for-social-action-funding-liberalism-in-kenya/

UM Insight article details Bishop Wandabula blessing Kenya’s first RMN church:

https://um-insight.net/in-the-church/umc-global-nature/bishop-dedicates-reconciling-church-in-kenya/

RMN Article detailing Kenya’s 2nd RMN church: https://um-insight.net/in-the-church/umc-global-nature/bishop-dedicates-reconciling-church-in-kenya/

Article detailing the 2022 African Bishops Gathering: https://michiganumc.org/african-bishops-condemn-advocacy-groups/

September of 2022 Statement from the Africa College of Bishops: https://www.unitedmethodistbishops.org/files/statement+from+africa+colleges+of+bishops+-+sept+8.pdf

September of 2022 Answer from the Africa Initiative: https://www.umnews.org/-/media/UMC-Media/2022/09/14/18/19/umc-africa-initiative-press-release-to-global-umc?mkt_tok=MDc4LUpYUS02NDMAAAGG3O-_mUSCtMg01snyjzBD-5pO3kuIrijNIykK7U2U0INhoj0ExWiUuWOuV6k7TQjXTLzEF_VPDr-rc9mcXd9RUidia5JWFxWhMT2qp4VP9xmsZA

UM Insight Article on the Foundation of the UMAF:

https://um-insight.net/in-the-church/umc-global-nature/united-methodist-africa-forum-sets-priorities-names-leaders/

Links:

Surf City 2021 Church Stats - http://www.umdata.org/ChurchProfile.aspx?ChurchID=894820

Good News Magazine Article - “Surf City Disaffiliation or Eviction?”- https://goodnewsmag.org/surf-city-disaffiliation-or-eviction/

Los Angeles Times Article - “United Methodist Congregations Trying to Leave Amid LGBTQ+ Schism Say They’re Being Held for Ransom” - https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-07-03/united-methodist-congregations-lgbtq-schism-southern-california

Epoch Times Article - “Huntington Beach’s Oldest Church Faces Threat of Closure Amidst Property Battle” - https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/huntington-beachs-oldest-church-faces-threat-of-closure-amidst-property-battle-5446875

DS Sandra Olewine’s Episcopal Bid Website - https://westernjurisdictionumc.org/sandra-olewine/

John Lomperis’ account of Olewine’s dishonesty - “United Methodist Church Drops the Ball on Anti-Semitism” - https://juicyecumenism.com/2016/12/06/united-methodist-church-drops-ball-anti-semitism/

Rev. George Hooper Bio - https://cumchb.org/leadership/

All other stats culled from UMData.org

EMC Website: https://emchurch.org

Links:

Religion News Service Article “United Methodist pastors feel worse and worry more than a decade ago” - https://religionnews.com/2023/08/10/united-methodist-pastors-feel-worse-and-worry-more-than-a-decade-ago/

The Wespath Study “2023 Clergy Well-Being Survey Highlights” - https://www.wespath.org/assets/1/7/5991.pdf

Institute for Family Studies Article - “Why Are Liberals Less Happy Than Conservatives?” - https://ifstudies.org/blog/why-are-liberals-less-happy-than-conservatives

DeseretNews Article - “Religious leaders struggle with burnout, depression and anxiety — just like the rest of America” - https://www.deseret.com/faith/2022/5/11/23058739/religious-leaders-struggle-with-burnout-depression-and-anxiety-pastor-mental-health-worker-shortage

Barca Article - “Pastors Share Top Reasons They’ve Considered Quitting Ministry in the Past Year” - https://www.barna.com/research/pastors-quitting-ministry/

In this conversation, we cover several topics, including the essential nature of Methodism that the world needs, optimism about the future, the balance needed with respect to church growth vs. church righteousness, charismatic Christianity, scriptural literalism vs. scriptural relativism, and many other pertinent and practical concerns when doing church, both on a local level, and on a denominational level.

For those with the patience and passion for discerning in the most important things, I’m confident you will appreciate this conversation. Thanks to Dr. Watson for being available and giving in our time together. Enjoy!

Faculty Page - https://united.edu/faculty-directory/david-f-watson/

Personal Website - https://davidfwatson.me/about/

Firebrand Magazine - https://firebrandmag.com

Show Notes:

Taylor Porter Website:

https://www.taylorporter.com/our-attorneys/lloyd-j-lunceford

Lloyd Lunsford's Email:

lloyd.lunceford@taylorporter.com

Lloyd Lunsford's Book:

https://www.amazon.com/Guide-Church-Property-Law/dp/1934453080/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1691013991&refinements=p_27%3ALloyd+J.+Lunceford&s=books&sr=1-1

In this segment, I sit down with TJ and our mutual friend Robby to go through clips of Hamilton's preaching that TJ had selected. This would be categorized as a reaction video. Robby brings his own flair to the conversation, marked with spiritual insights that neither one of us would have. We hope you enjoy!

Links:

Atlantic Article:

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/07/christian-church-communitiy-participation-drop/674843/

The Great Dechurching:

https://www.amazon.com/Great-Dechurching-Leaving-Going-Bring/dp/0310147433

As a reminder, if you want to see any of the documents pertaining to the First Church OKC case, you can find EVERYTHING at https://www.firstchurchokc.com/legal-faq-court-document

If you are a voting delegate this Saturday, let me know, publicly hear or privately at plainspokenpod@gmail.com what it is that you need to know before you vote. I want to make sure everyone gets answers to their questions before the day of.

Links:

Conference FAQ - https://okumc-email.brtapp.com/files/files_library/faqs+regarding+the+litigation+brought+by+first+umc.pdf

First Church’s FAQ Page - https://www.firstchurchokc.com/legal-faq-court-document

Original Video Link:

https://vimeo.com/user1891267

Show Notes:

Watch Us Grow Article:

https://globalmethodist.org/watch-us-grow/

Interview With Jeff Pospisil:

https://youtu.be/TUidMSvODcU

Interview With Bishop Scott Jones:

https://youtu.be/eBmU7F40a-o

Links:

'NEIGHBORHOOD REPORT: SOUTHEASTERN QUEENS; Pastor's Removal Fuels Tension Among Factions at a Church' - https://www.nytimes.com/1994/12/11/nyregion/neighborhood-report-southeastern-queens-pastor-s-removal-fuels-tension-among.html

"Can These Bones Live? Thoughts on Methodist and Disaffiliation" - https://www.bwcumc.org/news-and-views/can-these-bones-live-thoughts-on-methodism-and-disaffiliation/

Show Notes:

Day Three Live Stream:

https://www.youtube.com/live/iIJ6gi-mWaI?feature=share

Joe DiPaolo Article:

https://peopleneedjesus.net/2023/06/09/methodist-meltdown-in-miniature-a-review-of-the-2023-eastern-pa-session/comment-page-1/

Bitter Medicine Playlist:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0r8SkZ2E5KrUXDr8kHbBWil7wPNs-H4O

https://www.epaumc.org/news/epa-looks-to-possibility-future-despite-loss-of-some-churches/

https://www.epaumc.org/2023-annual-conference/2023-post-ac-faqs/

In this conversation, Rev. Wheeler details how it is that he experienced the time of theological corruption and decay, as well as what lessons he learned as he finds himself outside of the conflict today. Methodists would do well to learn lessons from other traditions, as we can often be too close to our own circumstances to see them for what they are.

Articles

"ELCA Hits Bottom" by Robert Benne - https://www.firstthings.com/article/2018/10/elca-hits-bottom

"Always Declining: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Stillborn Quarter Century of Existence" - https://juicyecumenism.com/2013/08/14/always-declining-the-evangelical-lutheran-church-in-americas-stillborn-quarter-century-of-existence/

"'Seven Sisters' of Mainline Protestantism Still Bleed Members" - https://juicyecumenism.com/2019/09/25/mainline-protestantism-decline-continues/

Carla Hinton Article - https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2023/07/18/first-church-okc-disaffiliation-united-methodist-church-judge-ruling/70421069007/

North Georgia Legal Intervention - https://www.umnews.org/en/news/judge-lifts-north-georgia-disaffiliation-pause

Hardy Patton of First Methodist OKC Interview - https://youtu.be/tv1WKxgeQKc

OKC First Church’s Legal Fund - https://www.firstchurchokc.com/give

Article about Church of the Servant Legal Filing - https://www.oklahoman.com/restricted/?return=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.oklahoman.com%2Fstory%2Fnews%2Freligion%2F2022%2F10%2F12%2Fa-look-at-the-united-methodist-church-split-2022-in-oklahoma%2F69548012007%2F

Show Notes:

Part 1:

https://youtu.be/cqUFs0j57wg

Fifth Avenue Video:

https://youtu.be/Nqz2qAQVjKM

Joe DiPaolo Interview:

https://youtu.be/UPnVdakG6og

EPA Day 2 Live Stream:

https://www.youtube.com/live/MsudRDAY_fc?feature=share

Joe DiPaolo Article:

https://peopleneedjesus.net/2023/06/09/methodist-meltdown-in-miniature-a-review-of-the-2023-eastern-pa-session/comment-page-1/

Links:

Beth’s book, “People Throw Rocks at Things That Shine” - https://a.co/d/bN37nQL

If you would like to contact Rev. Caulfield with respect to her Christian film production, you can reach her at bcaulfield710@gmail.com.

In this episode, Ryan Turnipseed, a lay member of the LCMS in Ponca City, tells his story of theological bullying in response to some public truth-telling that he did. It closely resembles what many other right-leaning people in the UMC have experienced for a decade or so, including me. Ryan was kind enough to drive over from Ponca City to sit down and compare notes on how this ideology operates to remove biblically faithful people from its ranks. It cannot be challenged, even by laypeople (as you'll learn, Ryan is facing the prospect of being excommunicated).

This will be one of the more mentally-demanding interviews that I publish. Ryan isn't a surface-level thinker. He would easily be associated with the reactionary right. I spend a good deal of time and energy trying to explain his worldview to those who have been brought up in the mainline mainstream way of thinking in America. It is definitely a worthy conversation.



In this segment, John and I speak about what has transpired, how he would counsel other churches looking at the option of litigation, and how it is that we might be able to pray for his flock.

Website For The Primitive Methodist Church:

https://www.primitivemethodistchurch.org

Show Notes:

Joe DiPaolo Article:

https://peopleneedjesus.net/2023/06/09/methodist-meltdown-in-miniature-a-review-of-the-2023-eastern-pa-session/comment-page-1/

Full Thursday May 18th, 2023 Livestream:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ps2qeqlirs&t=23245s

Bishop Schol Profile:

https://www.unitedmethodistbishops.org/person-detail/2462344

This conversation is for any who are interested to learn of ministries aimed at engaging our culture exactly where Queer Theory/Critical Gender Theory are pushing. Garry has been on the front lines of this battle for some time. Take a bit to get to learn about him and his ministry, and how it is that you and your church might be able to come alongside him.

Links:

Garry’s Podcast - http://www.loveandtruthnetwork.com/podcast

Website for Love & Truth Network - http://www.loveandtruthnetwork.com

Website for Transforming Congregations - http://www.transformingcongregations.org

Links

Odell Horne’s De-Centering Whiteness in Methodism - https://www.ministrymatters.com/all/entry/11554/de-centering-whiteness-in-methodism

Odell Horne Interview - https://youtu.be/iiwdevVkhNE

Scott Jones Interview - https://youtu.be/eBmU7F40a-o

Jurisdictional Conference Resolution 1 - https://youtu.be/spkg1sC_1sA

Jurisdictional Conference Resolution 2 - https://youtu.be/rOcb9mekhwY

Jurisdictional Conference Resolution 3 - https://youtu.be/kXohKWzRhg8

An Apology to Majority-World Methodists by Odell Horne - https://firebrandmag.com/articles/an-apology-to-majority-world-methodists

Bickerton’s Laughable Video ‘Bishops pledge to continue dismantling racism’ - https://youtu.be/EcIg7JypKG4

Links

Time Article on Amy DeLong - https://content.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2080401,00.html

UMNews Article on Amy DeLong - https://www.umnews.org/en/news/details-of-penalty-for-rev-amy-delong

Good News Magazine Article on Amy DeLong - https://goodnewsmag.org/what-i-would-say-to-amy-delong/

YouTube Channel Page for Transforming Congregations - https://www.youtube.com/@UChlSkHqFMga94sbAiOYzQUA

Drew Ensz's Legal Case Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/EnszCase

ReligionNews Article about Nonbinary Wedding - https://religionnews.com/2023/04/19/umc-clergy-reportedly-face-complaint-church-trial-after-marrying-nonbinary-couple/

Just Resolution Language from Mississippi AC - https://mississippi-email.brtapp.com/viewinsite/449a8c9d8dcf3882d4cd3f32e84cd6b2?email=bonniecol@yahoo.com

Timeline

0:00 - Introduction

1:00 - History & Background: Amy DeLong

14:33 - Drew Ensz Update

23:22 - Paige Swaim-Presley & Elizabeth Davidson Update

27:00 - Analysis & Closing Thoughts

Links

Daniel Hixon’s Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@danielhixon8209

Daniel Hixon's Blog - http://www.gloria-deo.blogspot.com/

Daniel's Video - "United Methodist Church Split as I See It" - https://youtu.be/hOvU2Us6JGk

Aldersgate Mission Society (Anglican/Wesleyan Initiative) - https://aldersgatemissionsociety.org/

Shreveport FUMC Reporting - https://youtu.be/6uf9jgpX5GQ

Interview with Bishop Scott Jones - https://youtu.be/eBmU7F40a-o

Aelfred Rex Bible Story Book - https://a.co/d/8PQmTr9

Stephen Fife Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@revfife

Grow at Home: A Biginner’s Guide to Family Discipleship - https://a.co/d/crNeSYk

Jonathan Pageau’s The Symbolic World Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@JonathanPageau

The New City Catechism - http://newcitycatechism.com/

A Catechism of Christian Faith and Doctrine for the Global Methodist Church - https://my.seedbed.com/product/a-catechism-of-christian-faith-and-doctrine-for-the-global-methodist-church/

The Absolute Basics of the Christian Faith by Phil Tallon - https://my.seedbed.com/product/the-absolute-basics-of-the-christian-faith/

Timeline

0:00 - Introduction

3:25 - Alternatives to The United Methodist Church

7:30 - Prospects for Liturgical Methodist Identity

15:05 - Daniel’s Bio

20:55 - What ruined the UMC?

24:20 - Why disaffiliate now rather than later?

28:05 - Louisiana Annual Conference dysfunction

30:53 - Sensitivity to progressivism in other denominations

34:00 - How optimistic should we be about a sustained pure denominational movement?

38:05 - How believers should minister to each other in our households

57:28 - Standing against the culture

1:09:00 - Prognostications about the future

To help with their legal fund you can give at their website, once litigation is finished any excess funds will be donated to the Oklahoma chapter of the WCA to assist other churches with similar issues.

https://www.firstchurchokc.com/give

Article on Gwarimpa Abuja - https://jeffreyrickman.substack.com/p/opportunity-for-blessing-gwarimpa

My Substack - jeffreyrickman.substack.com

PlainSpoken Interview w/ Absalom - https://youtu.be/XBeDrVgfI2k

Open Doors Article on Nigeria - https://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/world-watch-list/nigeria/

Link to give to Gwarimpa Abuja (Church in Nigeria) -

https://tithe.ly/give?c=2198808

Show Notes:

Thursday June 8th Meeting (Clip 1 @ 59:00)

https://vimeo.com/834627846

Thursday June 8th PM Meeting (Clip 2 @ 00:25)

https://vimeo.com/834726381

Friday June 9th AM Meeting (Clip 3 @ 39:10):

https://vimeo.com/835885497

Website Of The Congregational Methodist Church:

http://www.cm-church.org/home

It deals with local church governance issues, daily disciplines, reclaiming the Methodist heritage, and how to discern black and white in a gray world.

Show Notes:

https://www.bwcumc.org/news-and-views/for-bwc-its-all-about-love/

https://www.bwcumc.org/events/2023-annual-conference/agenda-annual-conference-2023/

https://peopleneedjesus.files.wordpress.com/2023/05/travis-knoll-incident-and-bwc-response.pdf

The Compass Podcast:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1igP9nvyO8

Rev. John Farley:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubmawHWzKc8

Adam Hamilton Vespers:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvbvpPxb98o

UM Produced Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDmspkibuAA

Arrows Mailing List:

https://www.readarrows.com

Show Notes:

AWF Trustee Policy Update:

https://www.awfumc.org/newsdetail/awf-conference-trustees-release-updated-disaffiliation-eligibility-17449917

"Division Is Of The Devil":

https://www.al.com/news/2023/05/division-is-of-the-devil-united-methodist-bishop-says-as-193-churches-disaffiliate.html

Judicial Council Decision 1449:

https://www.resourceumc.org/en/churchwide/judicial-council/judicial-council-decision-home/judicial-decisions/decision-1449

Good News Article:

https://goodnewsmag.org/judicial-council-eliminates-another-disaffiliation-route/

Judicial Council Decision 1476:

https://www.resourceumc.org/en/churchwide/judicial-council/judicial-council-decision-home/judicial-decisions/judicial-council-decision-1476#:~:text=The%20Judicial%20Council%20will%20not,a%20church%27s%20decision%20to%20disaffiliate

Disaffiliation And The Coming Drop-Dead Line:

https://wesleyancovenant.org/2022/09/02/disaffiliation-and-the-coming-drop-dead-line/

Links:

First video on AWF - https://youtu.be/Xe9yojwTOA4

Article on FUMC Montgomery - https://1819news.com/news/item/first-united-methodist-church-montgomery-considering-leaving-umc-denomination

Article on Bishop Graves calling disaffiliation 'of the Devil' - https://www.al.com/news/2023/05/division-is-of-the-devil-united-methodist-bishop-says-as-193-churches-disaffiliate.html

Dr deSilva's Youtube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@UCNBOxRfM8VhwN228o33eTBA

Bishop Jones ordained me a few weeks ago, but I hadn't taken the time to learn much about him. There is still much that I'm interested to learn. This conversation will frustrate those who know him well and want an expert interview. However, if you're like me and just want a sense for who he is, I am certain this will be a good way for you to spend your time.

The success or failure of the GMC will depend in large part of who is in leadership. Bishop Jones is one of the most visible and vocal personalities leading at the moment. The fact that he was humble enough to visit a tiny church in a tiny town on a tiny (but growing!) podcast says a lot about his humility and his earnest desire to know and be known. He was very gracious with me, on camera and off. I am very grateful to his wife for being a part of our conversation. I hope you feel the warmth of their personalities in this time they spent on screen.

From here, they went and spent a few hours with the folks in Claremore. The fact that they can spend their days this way is really incredible. I would be so tired. They were, rather, quite lively. I learned later that they maintained their vim and vigor for the folks in Claremore. Truly remarkable people! Please keep them in your prayers as they seek to serve the church in truth.

I hope you enjoy the conversation.

One of my main gripes with the UMC was how they behaved around money. They hoarded it, they were secretive about how it was spent, where they kept it, how much there was, and they acted entitled to it. Jeff put my spirit at ease by showing his character and explaining his principles as it comes to financial leadership. This is a man who has practiced what he preaches. This is honestly a very interesting conversation about the overlap of financial ministry, Christian theology, and politics. I hope you benefit from it, and are encouraged by it, as much as I was. And make sure to support Jeff with your prayers! And follow him online!

Jeff's Youtube Page:

https://www.youtube.com/@JeffPospisil/featured

If you wish to mail PlainSpoken a written letter, here is our mailing address:

PO Box 129,

Nowata, OK 74048

The first letter is a brief congratulation on my ordination.

The second video is from a North Texas context in which those in authority have disparaged the faith of a Christian sister.

The third video is from a South Carolina pastor who is concerned with the theological doctrinal wherewithal that the average "conservative" United Methodist church has.

There are also a few updates on what I have been up to and where things are headed. It isn't a real dense episode. Thanks for joining me!

If you're interested in the stuff being produced at Arizona State University pertaining to the biblical worldview, here is a link to what they are doing: https://www.arizonachristian.edu/culturalresearchcenter/research/

This installment deals with the practice of assenting to ordain people at Annual Conference session who have no interest in fulfilling their vows. The ritual of group-lying is fatally problematic and can only result in the demoralization the UMC has seen. As people leave the UMC, they must commit to no longer assent to lies. We must allow God to heal our seared consciences so that we are no longer untroubled by flagrant dishonesty on the conference conciliar level.

Links:

"Transitional United Methodist Integrity" - John Lomperis - https://juicyecumenism.com/2022/08/17/united-methodist-integrity/

AN ORDER FOR ADMISSION OF CLERGY CANDIDATES TO MEMBERSHIP IN AN ANNUAL CONFERENCE - Discipleship Ministries - https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/book-of-worship/an-order-for-admission-of-clergy-candidates-to-membership-in-an-annual-conference

"Disobedience, Forced Unity Disrupt UMC Florida Conference" - Dr. David deSilva - https://juicyecumenism.com/2022/06/14/disobedience-forced-unity-disrupt-umc-florida-conference/

"From Skeptic to Believer" - Eric Huffman - https://goodnewsmag.org/244456/

Captain Jean Luc Picard being compelled to lie under duress - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2X-2d4COiKs

Show Notes:

Christian Post Article:

https://www.christianpost.com/news/united-methodist-congregation-says-closure-process-was-unfair.html

NPR Article:

https://www.npr.org/2023/05/17/1175452002/church-closings-religious-affiliation#:~:text=Church%20closings%20have%20created%20crisis,opportunity%2C%20for%20the%20faithful%20%3A%20NPR&text=Press-,Church%20closings%20have%20created%20crisis%2C%20and%20opportunity%2C%20for%20the%20faithful,shattered%20congregations%20in%20its%20wake.

DS Profile:

https://www.eocumc.com/mahoningvalley/ds.html

Bishop Profile:

https://www.unitedmethodistbishops.org/person-detail/2463406

This video is for folks to understand how and why it is that many desire to leave the UMC. Many in conferences outside of Oklahoma may see similar signs of paternalism and obscurantism. Or perhaps you want to speak publicly about an issue that you're afraid will get you in trouble with the bishop, and you would benefit from hearing two guys talk about what that is like.

We are trying to steer clear of the bitterness and pettiness that naturally arises from these situations. We prayed before recording that our words would only bright about truth for the benefit of all who watch it, and that it would lead to good for those leaving and for those staying within the UMC. We would like to think these concerns will be received in good faith by people of all dispositions, especially as annual conferences continue to meet and do business together. If the culture of secrecy persists, The United Methodist Church has no right to expect fidelity from its constituent members, nor are they worthy to demand the tithes of their disciples.

Links:

https://arumc.org/may-2023-annual-conference-special-session/

https://www.unitedmethodistbishops.org/person-detail/4173673

https://heartlandgmc.org

Show Notes:

UM News Article:

https://www.umnews.org/en/news/court-rules-on-exiting-clergy-and-churches

Decision 1482:

https://www.resourceumc.org/en/churchwide/judicial-council/judicial-council-decision-home/judicial-decisions/judicial-council-decision-1482#:~:text=Decision-,An%20annual%20conference%20cannot%20condition%20the%20disaffiliation%20of%20a%20local,retire%20or%20surrender%20their%20credentials.

Please let us know your thoughts on the conversation in the comments. What points do you find helpful? Where do you think we got things right? What seemed off base, strange, or false to you? Use this as an exercise to see if you might be able to speak accurately about what you believe without the invective and hate that so often accompanies these conversations. Also, we hope this helps you think about how you can pray for those with whom you disagree. We want this to turn down the temperature in the UMC. Your prayers are essential for helping that to happen.

Links from Interview:

- https://www.resourceumc.org/en/churchwide/judicial-council-decision-home/judicial-decisions/judicial-council-memorandum-1466

- https://vimeo.com/721268808

- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4706071/

How are you able to do what you do under your Bishop and District Superintendent?

&

How are you able to effectively serve your churches and do this podcast at the same time?

If you have any questions you would like to ask us you can contact us at:

PlainSpokenPod@gmail.com

Urgent request from GCORR Board regarding Bishop Carcaño's suspension - https://www.gcorr.org/news/urgent-request-from-gcorr-board-regarding-bishop-carcaos-suspension

Timeline of Carcaño's Suspension - https://www.cnumc.org/newsdetails/conference-committee-on-episcopacy-outlines-process-involving-bishop-carca-o-17192125

Statement from California-Nevada Clergy -

https://hackingchristianity.net/2023/05/california-nevada-clergy-respond-to-calls-to-lift-their-bishops-suspension.html?fbclid=IwAR2Boqa6AS3eEwcU8Z6brMaJQZxn43OVFrVA7WtLNF2gM9huz23VuQ21TL8

Article on Council of Bishops Meeting - https://www.unitedmethodistbishops.org/newsdetail/umc-bishops-to-meet-in-person-april-30-to-may-5-first-since-2019-17410006

Judicial Council Ruling #1450 - https://www.resourceumc.org/en/churchwide/judicial-council/judicial-council-decision-home/judicial-decisions/memorandum-1450

Council of Bishops Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/umcbishops

Show Notes:

FUMC Shreveport Website:

https://firstshreveport.com/

FUMC Shreveport Press Release:

https://s3.amazonaws.com/media.cloversites.com/76/76668e34-eac2-4436-8b4d-8be57de991f3/documents/FUMC_Disafiliation_Announcement_Letterhead.pdf

Lawsuit Article:

https://natchitochesparishjournal.com/2023/03/24/first-united-methodist-church-of-shreveport-intervenes-vote-may-proceed/

Bishop Williamston Profile:

https://www.unitedmethodistbishops.org/person-detail/4172924

FUMC Shreveport Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHPLUftWolyPMXxVVEw12eQ

FUMC Shreveport Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/fumcshreveport

Stay UMC Shreveport Page:

https://www.facebook.com/Stay-United-Methodist-102046336194851

UM Data FUMC Shreveport Stats:

http://umdata.org/ChurchProfile.aspx?ChurchID=716181

Show Notes:

WCA Update:

https://wesleyancovenant.org/2023/04/18/an-update-on-lawsuits-across-the-usa/

Annual Conference Update:

https://www.flumc.org/newsdetail/court-dismisses-disaffiliation-lawsuit-against-the-florida-conference-17399166#:~:text=The%20Court%20today%20issued%20an,settling%20matters%20of%20church%20doctrine.

UM News Article:

https://www.umnews.org/en/news/exiting-florida-churches-lawsuit-dismissed#:~:text=A%20Florida%20county%20judge%20has,exit%20costs%20under%20church%20law.

Show Notes:

NC Annual Conference Press Release:

https://nccumc.org/news/2023/03/wilmington-church-closure-brings-rebirth-and-opportunity/

Affidavit:

https://wesleyancovenant.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Affidavit-Fifth-Avenue-UMC.pdf

Fifth Avenue Congregation Press Release:

https://juicyecumenism.com/wp-content/uploads/20230327-Fifth-Avenue-Press-Release-Approved-for-release-to-media.pdf

UM Data Church Profile:

http://umdata.org/ChurchProfile.aspx?ChurchID=460185

Church Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/5thAveUMC

Christian Post Article:

https://www.christianpost.com/news/nc-church-trying-to-leave-umc-is-shut-down-by-denomination.html

WCA Article:

https://wesleyancovenant.org/2023/04/09/chaos-in-carolina-seizing-assets-and-closing-a-church/

It May Happen to You, Too Article:

https://juicyecumenism.com/2023/04/12/it-may-happen-to-you-too-bishop-connie-shelton-shows-danger-of-staying-united-methodist/

Show Notes:

UM Data Website:

http://umdata.org/

Letter From Bishop Carter:

https://www.flumc.org/newsdetail/update-from-bishop-carter-about-churches-withdrawing-from-lawsuit-17170418

Judicial Council Decision 1449:

https://www.resourceumc.org/en/churchwide/judicial-council/judicial-council-decision-home/judicial-decisions/decision-1449

Moving The Needle - WCA Article:

https://wesleyancovenant.org/2022/10/10/moving-the-needle/

Bishop Tom Berlin Response:

https://revtomberlin.com/response-to-gmc-pastor-letter/

Florida AC DEI & CRT:

https://www.flumc.org/newsdetail/what-christians-need-to-know-about-policies-that-exclude-dei-and-crt-17371462

Additional Article That Explains The Insurance Issue:

https://www.flumc.org/newsdetail/17270843

Show Notes:

Conservative Tolerance Article:

https://juicyecumenism.com/2023/01/17/why-united-methodist-tolerance-of-conservatives-will-be-impossible/

Interview With Robert Barnes (On Oliveto):

https://youtu.be/Av4Z9ENR54A

Bishop Trible Video:

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=5909243292462493&ref=sharing

Bishop Oliveto Video:

https://vimeo.com/799302437

Bishop Shelton Video:

https://vimeopro.com/user1637118/connie-mitchell-shelton/video/748598978

Show Notes:

Bishop Profile:

https://www.unitedmethodistbishops.org/person-detail/2464065

Agency Seeks Role Article:

https://um-insight.net/in-the-church/finance-and-administration/agency-seeks-role-in-complaint-against-bishop/

Culture Of Secrecy Article:

https://um-insight.net/perspectives/is-the-umc-s-first-latina-bishop-a-victim-of-its-culture-of-/

Conference Sue For Control Article:

https://www.umnews.org/en/news/conference-bishop-sue-for-control-of-glide

Link to Dr. David Scott's Article: https://www.umnews.org/en/news/the-many-meanings-of-connectionalism

Links consulted:

https://www.umnews.org/en/news/challenges-face-plan-to-add-5-african-bishops

https://www.umnews.org/en/news/group-plans-for-budget-cuts-regionalization

https://www.umnews.org/en/news/international-group-pursues-regionalization

https://juicyecumenism.com/2023/01/07/united-methodist-apportionments/

Show Notes:

Moving The Needle Article:

https://wesleyancovenant.org/2022/10/10/moving-the-needle/

Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference Website:

https://www.bwcumc.org

Legal Article:

https://peopleneedjesus.files.wordpress.com/2023/02/the-methodist-church-of-cape-st.-claire-et-al.-vs.-the-baltimore-washington-conference-of-the-united-methodist-church-et-al.pdf

Bishop Easterling's Response:

https://www.bwcumc.org/news-and-views/churches-sue-bwc-over-disaffiliation/

WCA Response:

https://wca-bwc.org

Show Notes:

Arkansas Church Article:

https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2023/mar/07/fayetteville-united-methodist-church-votes-to/

Group Plans of Budget Cuts Article:

https://www.umnews.org/en/news/group-plans-for-budget-cuts-regionalization

Disaffiliation Supporters Use Political Playbook Article:

https://www.umnews.org/en/news/disaffiliation-supporters-use-political-playbook

Methodist Gaps Article:

https://juicyecumenism.com/2023/02/28/methodist-gaps/

The Peculiar Difficulty of the Methodist Pastor Article:

https://firebrandmag.com/articles/the-peculiar-difficulty-of-the-methodist-pastor

Show Notes:

The UMC Should Not Be A Unitarian Confederacy Article:

https://juicyecumenism.com/2023/03/03/umc-should-not-be-unitarian-methodist-confederacy/

Black Clergy Vow To Forge Their Own Path Article:

https://religionnews.com/2018/10/09/black-clergy-critiquing-the-national-divide-announce-plan-to-forge-their-own-path/

Using Our Brains Article:

https://www.umnews.org/en/news/using-our-brains-a-proposal-for-general-conference

UMC Body Gives Grant To LGBTQ Group Article:

https://www.christianpost.com/news/umc-body-gives-grant-to-lgbt-advocacy-group-despite-funding-ban.html

Finding Fairness Article:

https://goodnewsmag.org/finding-fairness/

State Of The Church: Bishop Bickerton Video:

https://www.umc.org/en/content/reclaim-revive-renew-the-necessity-of-union-among-us

* Mainly Male Led

* Majority White

* Overwhelmingly Southern

What is the implication that this study is making? Why are these some of the specific things that the study was looking for? Pastor Jeffrey breaks down this study and if it can stand up to scrutiny.

Show Notes:

UM News Article:

https://www.umnews.org/en/news/report-sheds-light-on-disaffiliating-churches

LC Study:

https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/report-on-disaffiliating-united-methodist-churches-through-2022/

UM Data Website:

http://umdata.org

Show Notes:

On Disaffiliating Well Article:

https://juicyecumenism.com/2023/02/20/on-disaffiliating-well/

St. Andrew UMC Article:

https://um-insight.net/in-the-church/umc-future/texas-megachurch-relents-follows-umc-rules-to-exit-denominat/

UMC/Kentucky AC On Asbury Revival:

https://www.kyumc.org/newsdetail/this-is-just-the-beginning-organic-spiritual-revival-at-asbury-draws-thousands-from-across-u-s-17313612

City Of Wilmore Newsletter:

https://us7.campaign-archive.com/?u=2fab786d93abfd2021d7d5300&id=405fad0394

CBN Article On Asbury:

https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2023/february/join-the-final-asbury-revival-event-watch-our-livestream-from-asbury-on-collegiate-day-of-prayer

Asbury College Page About Revival:

https://www.asbury.edu/outpouring/

Collegiate Day of Prayer:

https://collegiatedayofprayer.org

Delegates Don't Fear Challenges Article:

https://um-insight.net/in-the-church/umc-future/delegates-don-t-fear-challenges-to-resolutions-adopted-at-ju/

PlainSpoken Video on Resolution 1:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spkg1sC_1sA&t=37s

PlainSpoken Video on Resolution 2:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOcb9mekhwY

PlainSpoken Video on Resolution 3:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXohKWzRhg8

Disobedience Didn't Start With Sexuality Article:

https://www.umnews.org/en/news/disobedience-didnt-start-with-sexuality-debate

The Speed of Change Article:

https://um-insight.net/in-the-church/local-church/the-speed-of-change/

UMCOR Earthquake Page:

https://umcmission.org/news-statements/umcor-response-to-earthquakes-in-turkey-and-syria/

UMCOR Donation Page:

https://advance.umcmission.org/p-641-umcor-international-disaster-response-and-recovery.aspx?fbclid=IwAR0rBSfwqkVMo3nDUrtw_8_N3j5IeDCO2EcrDpjDBqK8QmV1c3upa3DVhtY

This conversation covers the handling of the complaint process by the bishops responsible for oversight. Rev. Barnes is able to share some details that are at once illuminating and concerning about the state of disciplinary adherence among our denomination's leadership.

Show Notes:

2023 Hopeful Future Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sV0vvG_dcZk

Misinformation, Humility, & Charity Article:

https://firebrandmag.com/articles/misinformation-humility-and-charity-how-to-conference-in-babel

Kentucky Conference Disaffiliation Statement:

https://www.kyumc.org/newsdetail/17308114

A United Methodist Pact of Umar Article:

https://juicyecumenism.com/2023/01/13/a-united-methodist-pact-of-umar/

North Carolina Special Annual Conference Video:

https://nccumc.org/scac2022/

Show Notes:

Liberal Bishops Have Redefined United Methodist Polity Article:

https://juicyecumenism.com/2022/08/29/bishops-redefine-united-methodist-polity/

UMC Judicial Council Members:

https://admin.resourceumc.org/en/churchwide/judicial-council/who-we-are/judicial-council-members

UMC Book Of Discipline:

https://www.cokesbury.com/book-of-discipline-book-of-resolutions-free-versions

0:00 - Intro

1:30 - Revival at Asbury College/Seminary

4:20 - John Lomperis in the Crosshairs

10:35 - North Georgia WCA Churches File Against Conference

12:55 - Synopsis on National Center for Life & Liberty (NCLL)

18:08 - Lonnie Brooks on the Impending Centrist vs Progressive Battle

22:05 - Open Meetings in the UMC

28:19 - The Hope of Transparency

Links:

Lambrecht on Asbury Revival - https://twitter.com/revtom5/status/1623700773744832514

Brian Bucher's Obscenity - https://twitter.com/BryBucher/status/1623865806219055106

Bishop Trimble's Dig at Lomperis - https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=5909243292462493

Northern Georgia WCA Statement on Filing Suit - https://www.facebook.com/wescovnorthga

National Center for Life & Liberty Website - https://www.ncll.org

Christian Post Article About NCLL - https://www.christianpost.com/news/attorney-defends-churches-suing-umc-over-disaffiliation-process.html?fbclid=IwAR1Kn5Av6DRzxVgm-aTm_7BJz3ujH8Y9ZTG8Y46iOQPwpBpYUH72VG_idlE

Lonnie Brooks Commentary - https://www.umnews.org/en/news/centrist-progressive-coalition-could-soon-unravel

Paragraph 722 - https://www.umc.org/en/content/book-of-discipline-722-restrictions-on-closed-meetings

Show Notes:

WCA Disaffiliation And The Coming Drop Dead-Line:

https://wesleyancovenant.org/2022/09/02/disaffiliation-and-the-coming-drop-dead-line/

Scott Knowlton's Blog:

https://scottknowlton.wordpress.com/2022/11/07/what-is-going-on-right-under-your-nose/

Taking Stock After A Season Of Disaffiliations Article:

https://www.umnews.org/en/news/taking-stock-after-a-season-of-disaffiliations

West Virginia Annual Conference FB Page:

https://www.facebook.com/wvumc/

Decision Number 1422 Article:

https://www.resourceumc.org/en/churchwide/judicial-council/judicial-council-decision-home/judicial-decisions/decision-1422

Is The UMC Really...? (Part 8) Article:

https://um-insight.net/in-the-church/umc-future/is-the-umc-really-part-8/

Show Notes:

Presentation Corrected By The North Georgia Annual Conference:

https://www.ngumc.org/files/websites/ngumc/CFUMC+Long+Range+Planning+Study+Affiliation+Issues+(Final+Edits+0524).pdf

Original Tweet Linking To Document:

https://twitter.com/eastohiodcm/status/1615868611243159554?s=42&t=cbY-spkh-8ZCiGvbFj_V0g

Glenn UMC Wedding Website:

https://www.glennumc.org/weddings

Show Notes:

Conference Sues For Control Article:

https://www.umnews.org/en/news/confer...

Disaffiliation Pause Press Release:

https://www.ngumc.org/newsdetail/nort...

Thomas Lambrecht Article on Blocking of Disafilation:

https://goodnewsmag.org/north-georgia...

FireBrand Article on Fundamentalists & Modernists:

https://firebrandmag.com/articles/met...

The North Georgia Throwdown Article:

https://www.wcaofil.org/northern-illi...

Show Notes:

Ready to Harvest Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjydU...

3 Church Disaffiliations Blocked Article:

https://www.umnews.org/en/news/3-chur...

Bishop Gary E Mueller Statement:

https://arumc.org/2022/12/information...

12 Judges Recuse Themselves Article:

https://www.christianpost.com/news/12...

Cabot United Methodist Gift Article:

https://arumc.org/2023/01/cabot-unite....

** At around 1:21:30 Odell wants the audience to be aware that he misspoke by saying that Hitler came back with Churchill to defeat Mussolini, when what he meant to say was that Haile Selassie came back with Churchill.

CHAPTERS

0:00 - Intro

1:03 - Wesleyan Reflection

3:00 - Introduction of James & Asbury UMC Status

6:24 - Departing Conservative Bishops

14:17 - GMC vs FMC vs Nondenominational Options

22:38 - Current Functional Role of Bishops

30:30 - Mark Tooley & the Institute for Religion & Democracy

47:10 - Mindy Dennison's Good News Magazine Piece

LINKS

Three conservative UMC bishops have left the UMC in the last few months:

- Mike Lowry - https://firebrandmag.com/articles/crossing-the-rubicon-a-bishop-says-goodbye-to-the-united-methodist-church

- Scott Jones - https://www.txcumc.org/newsdetail/bishop-jones-announces-retirement-16528832

- Jones stood against other bishops - https://michiganumc.org/13783/

- Mark Webb - https://www.unyumc.org/images/uploads/Retirement_letter_to_Conference.pdf

- Bishops getting raises again - https://www.umnews.org/en/news/inflation-and-salaries

- Denominational income up from last year - https://www.umnews.org/en/news/grappling-with-mixed-news-on-giving-church-exits

- 32 active bishops in the US, plus 1 Karen Oliveto. Are any conservative, or are the rest institutionalist or liberal? President is Thomas Bickerton. Portraits of all bishops - https://www.unitedmethodistbishops.org/bishops

GMC vs FMC vs Nondenominational

- Jay Therrell’s “Holy Boldness” - https://wesleyancovenant.org/2022/08/30/holy-boldness/

Breakdown of the Degradation of the Bishopric

- John Lomperis wrote “Liberal Bishops Have Redefined United Methodist Polity” https://juicyecumenism.com/2022/08/29/bishops-redefine-united-methodist-polity/

IRD Conversation

- Exposees on seminaries

- Iliff - https://juicyecumenism.com/2022/02/14/united-methodist-iliff-paganism/

- Duke - https://juicyecumenism.com/2022/04/05/queer-god-duke-divinity/

Death Fantasy of Mark Tooley Posted Online

- It began with anger at Tooley’s article in the Wall Street Journal: “A Messy Methodist Schism”

- The Original Post from Stan Copeland, the “Pickling Parson” of Lover’s Lane UMC in Dallas, TX

- Mark Tooley published a commentary on the mindset behind the post “Death by Bologna Sandwich: https://www.christianpost.com/voices/death-by-bologna-sandwich.html and https://juicyecumenism.com/2022/08/26/death-by-bologna-sandwich/

- Copeland removed the original post when it got attention

- Tooley followed up with an article in The Gospel Coalition, in which he corrected the faulty numbers on conservative denomination split-offs: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/methodists-path/

Mindy Dennison’s “Sinking Sand: Why I’m Leaving United Methodism” - https://app.donorview.com/Communication/View?prm=FXGWJE8IKbpJdlwOgBRdzv_wb4aoSY5hM0ECQaDWLTPzXSwmkb7DB49tKGzbZn5SMvcsXbZpMc67IrmvsQ2tHM3Bvc00rqgzynjuYs6oKrRjMio5mVw2BKP8w_baRCYh3qy7PN79TxJoKtmt0WEJx5WvpdkFJ-TTdZqaJcvzwUwZStLd9Eb1TMo6k9MUZIxaeirrgQ_XmA-qMNdhkL4ZqNpMd8w6bnjLnwEFndhuD341

- What do United Methodists really believe? Article - https://www.umnews.org/en/news/what-do-united-methodists-really-believe

- 2019 General Conference Report of Cara Nicklas - https://peopleneedjesus.net/2019/03/04/cara-nicklas-a-lay-delegate-perspective-on-gc2019/

LINKS

WCA Advocates Withholding Apportionments: https://wesleyancovenant.org/2022/08/...

WCA Advocates Ending the Moratorium on Pressing Charges for Disciplinary Offenses: https://wesleyancovenant.org/2022/08/...

Judicial Council Effectively Bans Use of Paragraph 2548.2: https://www.resourceumc.org/en/church...

Conservative/Traditionalist/Orthodox Leaders Advocate Expedited Disaffiliation for Local Churches: https://juicyecumenism.com/2022/07/28...

CHAPTERS

0:00 - Intro

1:36 - Wesleyan Reflection

6:11 - WCA Ultimatums

7:48 - Judicial Council

10:00 - OKUMC AC Disaffiliations

11:33 - UMC Conservative Exodus

15:15 - WCA Ultimatums w/ Rudy Freese

29:18 - Judicial Council w/ Rudy Freese

45:11 - OKUMC AC Disaffiliations w/ Rudy

48:58 - UMC Conservative Exodus

53:06 - Closing Prayer w/ Rudy