Introducing the Joshua Committee
Christ Church Family,
As you know, the UMC is not “united” or one church. There have been ongoing disputes for decades over essentials such as the divinity and Lordship of Jesus Christ, the authority and reliability of the Scriptures, and our understanding of sin and redemption. Each United Methodist church will inevitably need to make a choice regarding its denominational affiliation.
Christ Church has been constant throughout its history in its theology, values, ministries, fellowship, and culture in serving the Kingdom of God. To maintain that culture and continue to serve Jesus Christ in the manner that our clergy and members have come to expect, Christ Church may find it necessary to discontinue its affiliation with the UMC.
We anticipate the 2022 General Conference will approve the Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace Through Separation (the “Protocol”), offering an amicable and orderly procedure of dividing our conflicted denomination. The Protocol has won the support of theological traditionalists, centrists and progressives across the United Methodist connection. To assist in the transition, the Executive Committee formed The Joshua Committee to address matters relating to denominational issues within the United Methodist Church, including the General Conference.
As we referenced in our last congregational meeting in September, a new traditionalist Methodist denomination—the Global Methodist Church (“GMC”)—has been in the making for over two years and will launch upon passage of the Protocol at the General Conference.
In addition to theology, doctrine, and the interpretation and authority of scripture, there are many other issues that have led to the pending separation of the UMC and to which the GMC holds a contrary position. This includes matters such as:
“Trust clause” aka ownership of church property
Amount of apportionments
Organizational structure and overhead cost (specifically at the national level)
Lack of accountability of clergy and Bishops for willful disobedience of the provisions of the Book of Discipline
Social and cultural issues, including the biblical definition of marriage and the rights of the unborn
The Joshua Committee will be a conduit for open, objective, and clear communication within our congregation on denominational issues during this critical period. We encourage questions and input from all members of Christ Church as we labor through this process and we want to make ourselves available to anyone and everyone who wishes to engage in dialogue on this issue.
So that questions and concerns can be heard, multiple forums and platforms will be used to engage our members. Members are also encouraged to contact any member of the committee throughout this process. We solicit the prayers of all Christ Church members as we collectively seek wisdom and discernment from our Heavenly Father to accomplish His will.
The Joshua Committee
Don Bourland, Chair and Special Counsel to the
Executive Committee for Denominational Affairs
Bill Bradley, Legal Counsel for CUMC
Jim Dorman, Vice-Chair, Executive Committee
Phil Mischke, Member of Executive Committee
Jay Phebus, Chief Financial Officer
Joshua Committee Report: Sunday, February 13
We invite the entire congregation to join us at 12:30 in the Sanctuary, immediately following the 11 AM service, for the Joshua Committee’s first report about the current standing of The Protocol. The meeting will be brief, with 15 minutes dedicated to the report and another 15 minutes after for the congregation to voice any questions or concerns. We hope to see everyone there!