May Denominational Update

The Joshua Committee is continuing to track developments at the national level of the United Methodist Church; however, there has been a pause by the Committee in directly engaging the congregation because for the last several months the leadership of our church has been focused on replacing our Senior Pastor and other pressing matters. With the Rev. Paul Lawler being named Senior Pastor of Christ Church, the Executive Committee has determined that Rev. Lawler should lead the discussion as to whether Christ Church should withdraw from the UMC and join the Global Methodist Church (GMC). Upon Rev. Lawler assuming his new role with Christ Church in early July, the discussion and dissemination of information relating to withdrawing from the UMC will continue and take on a new emphasis. In the meantime, the Joshua Committee provides the following updates on recent events:

1. Wesleyan Covenant Association (WCA). The WCA Global Assembly met in Indianapolis on May 6th & 7th. Christ Church, through the local WCA Chapter, was represented by Dr. Maxie Dunnam and Don Bourland. They were joined by Rev. Lawler, who represented the WCA Chapter from Alabama. With the launch of the GMC (see below) the mission of the WCA has been redirected from assisting in the formation of a new traditionalist Methodist denomination, to working with local UMC congregations and clergy, many of whom hope to transition from the UMC to the GMC. See the WCA link on the Christ Church website for additional information and messages delivered at the Global Assembly.

2. Global Methodist Church. In light of the postponement of the General Conference of the UMC, the GMC was formally launched on May 1. This means that UMC congregations who have disaffiliated or otherwise withdrawn from the UMC, can proceed to immediately become a member congregation of the GMC. Over fifty (50) churches in our Annual Conference have filed for “Disaffiliation” (withdrawal) from the UMC and their applications for final approval of the process will be presented at the meeting of the Annual Conference next month. Many other congregations across the country and overseas are pursuing the same process. See the GMC link on the Christ Church website for additional information and background on the GMC.

3. Christ United Methodist Church. While Christ Church has not made a determination as to whether the church will withdraw from the UMC, the Executive Committee is seeking clarification of the process and the specific implications of withdrawal, including taking the following actions:

   1. Church leadership will continue to meet with Bishop McAllily and our District Superintendent, Rev. Eason -Williams, to discuss the future of Christ Church.

   2. Subject to a change in circumstances, the Executive Committee has scheduled a congregational meeting and vote on withdrawing from the UMC and joining the GMC on Sunday, October 2, 2022.

   3. There will continue to be platforms and opportunities within Christ Church for members to receive information and ask questions relating to withdrawal from the UMC and joining the GMC.

   4. Prior to July, if a Sunday School class or other group within the church would like to have a speaker address the group on this topic, please contact the Senior Pastor’s interim Assistant, Pearl Holland, at the church office. If anyone has a specific question, it may be submitted to the Joshua Committee through the Christ Church website.