Listen: Why Traditionalist are Staying UMC

It is clear that traditionalist will be staying with UMC in accordance to Wesleyan spirt.   Listen to these traditionalist pastors speak of their reasons for staying with United Methodist Church.   

Rev. Laxson
(a conservative staying with the UMC) 

"that is why I am committed to being united methodist… in the spirit of Wesley

And in the great history of who we are, we have continued to work together, 

to strive together to make a difference - both in the local community and in the world"

Rev Harris 

(a conservative staying with the UMC)

"ultimately it's the God I serve that ought to lead me in whatever direction that i'm going."  

If you are traditionalist, please share why you are choosing to StayUMC in the comment sections. 

Traditionalist Continue to Serve in UMC

Pastors: "I'm probably as conservative as anybody here theologically and i've been on a lot of conservative groups.  We continue to serve in that way."

The Discipline has not changed

As of now the discipline is the discipline;  it has been since 2019. so it hasn't changed.  As traditional clergy talk to other clergy who are conservative like-minded they clearly understand the discipline has not changed and do not fear changes because we depend on the Holy Spirit working thru the United Methodist network.

Traditionalist Honor their Commitment to Connectionalism

We are led to see the good in others to see our neighbors and all United Methodist as Christ see us all. 

We can see that there is a lot of good within our local churches.

If you see all United Methodists neighbors as bad what's it going to be like when you get to your next denomination?

We Lead by Grace, not by fear of what might happen

If led by fear, can we really be in the world?  The idea that prevenient grace goes before and that's such an important part of who we are as Wesleyans. 

"if you don't know God and where God is leading you; you won't know how to lead others" from 'Pursuing God's will Together' by Ruth Haley Barton  

The Truth about Schisms

The truth is that schism/separation among Methodist is not novel and has led to smaller outlier groups who hold tight to one or another belief.   These groups usually continue to divide and change over and over again.

Now is a time to stand United

In a polarized world, United Methodist send a strong message that while we are in the world we are not of the world's polarization.    We choose unity across our diverse views.  Our diversity is a blessing to all of us and to the world.  We model what it means to love across our diversity and put the work for Jesus above all else.  

We Live our Faith thru our Timeless Traditions

So many local church honor and hold tight to our United Methodist traditions.   In our practice of the traditional Methodist liturgy we preserve the life of the church, the Wesleyan spirit.    Sharing the traditional elements that bind United Methodist: hymnals, apostles creed, gloriapoxy, doxology, Lords prayer)

Independence doesn't seem right

Long time United Methodist (especially traditionalist) just don't understand the rush for independence.   We already act and have freedom to be independent under the UMC, we just don't see the need.   Just because others have different viewpoints?   

Dr. Joe Harris / Dr. Sam Powers

we take we want to make sure that we're informed voters and not just pro/con from each side.

i became united methodist because this was such a diverse denomination 

• coming together and trying to manage as best we can
• how we serve our lord jesus christ in the many places that we serve,
• the mission and all the things that we do around the world,
• what we do here in the united states,
• what we do in and around local neighborhood,

 and i said to myself i'm not willing to give that up yet 

Dr. Kip Laxson, senior pastor at Ashbury UMC 

Consider the notes from Wesley's own journal.  is not in the spirit of Wesley"

• (8:11) "It is like we are saying that if you don’t agree with me, think like me, believe like me then I can’t be in fellowship with you. "  
  
  
• (9:30) The methodist alone do not insist on holding this or that opinion, but they think and they let think
  
  
• (10:08) I do not know any religious society either ancient or modern wherein such liberty of conscience is not allowed or has not been allowed since the age of the apostles; here is our our glorifying, and this glorifying is us
  
  
• (10:40) I do not mean  - “be of my opinion, you need not; I do not expect or desire it.  Keep yours and mine mine, I do not desire you to dispute these points or hear one word concerning them - all opinions on one side or the other.  Only give me thy hand”. - we can still join hands and make a difference in the world