This is from a resolution that was presented at Jurisdictional Conferences of The United Methodist Church:
“WHEREAS the existing global structure of The United Methodist Church has historically prohibited each region from effectively tailoring its ministry to its specific local context”
Did you catch that little phrase? “tailoring its ministry”
Let me put it simply, the UMC in the U.S. wants to teach that all things LGTBQIA+ are holy and ordained by God. Other countries have yet to become as enlightened as they have, American exceptionalism and all, and can’t be allowed to hold them back. So, the liberal UMC churches in America want to change their association with the churches around the world in order to do what they want.
How Much Tailoring Can Be Done?
It’s all about context! When we read the Bible we have to remember to look at the context. Many Scriptures can, and have, been used out of context to prove poor theology. There is also your location context which is important. I had a great time preaching in shorts when I was at summer camp, but wearing shorts on a Sunday morning would be too distracting and take away from the message.
There is another interesting aspect to context, geography. Cultures are different, we all understand that, so their worship is going to look a little different. If you really think about it, or maybe you have experienced it, you would expect worship to look different in a different country and culture. I think this is one of the beautiful aspects of Christianity, there is beautiful diversity.
However, what does not change by culture is the message. We all use the Bible and the Bible says the same thing. God’s truths are God’s truths no matter where you are. Maybe your context is responsive readings and hymns. Maybe your context is drums and tambourines. What doesn’t change depending on the context is God’s truth.
Those Pesky Details
The UMC in the U.S. wants to tailor “its ministry to its specific local context”. The important question is, what does that mean?
It is clear what is going on in America, there is a continual progression towards sexual perversion. Several years ago the Supreme Court ruled in favor of homosexual marriage. Now, the President has signed a bill ensuring homosexual marriage is legal, since they got scared after the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
Did you notice how quickly we slid down the slippery slope? Homosexuality is considered commonplace by our culture. The big push now is transgenderism. Also, the ages have gotten younger. They are teaching elementary age kids about being “queer”, that is an all encompassing term for LGBTQIA+ orthopraxis. Plus, they have already begun breaking down barriers for pedophiles, calling them “minor attracted persons.” Their perversion knows no bounds.
Let me not mix too many issues. Currently, the battle in the UMC is over homosexuality. Yes, I know there are actually deeper issues like the divinity of Jesus, the resurrection, and accountability. However, it’s the homosexuality debate that was the last straw. So, the UMC has not currently gone down the transgenderism trail, but some are already pushing for it, and it won’t be long.
Would It Actually Work?
Here’s a question, would the UMC in America really be okay with conservative churches around the world teaching against homosexuality? No. They are fooling themselves if they think otherwise.
Maybe they would be okay with it for a few years, until General Conference met again. They may even let it pass for a few more years while crying for equality and all that business. Here’s the thing, if they are already calling conservatives “abusers” then what do they think of people in other countries who hold a conservative theology?
I personally don’t think conservatives would last that long in a fully progressive UMC. Some churches in some countries are holding on to see what happens, or because the UMC is bullying them and not allowing them to make a decision for Disaffiliation. The progressives know, or at least hope, it is only a matter of time before they can bully the churches that don’t agree with them, where ever they may be.
Conclusion
Ministry absolutely looks different in different contexts. The United Methodist Church Book of Discipline already allows for this. What people are asking for is a different doctrine. Doctrines don’t change.
It is true that our culture is changing and becoming more accepting of sexual perversion. Some have said we have to fall in line, at least a little bit, so culture will listen. This is dumb. If someone is only offering half the gospel then it is not the gospel. Furthermore, why would culture listen when you sound just like them? It’s simply another voice in the cacophony of sin.
What our culture needs is the unapologetic truth of God. They need to hear Jesus full of grace and truth. I’m still working on getting that formula right in every circumstance, which is why we severely need the Holy Spirit. So stand strong, know the Bible is always the right message in every context, and trust in God.
WORD UP 