- Considering Charlotte – Local Church Authority, Schizophrenic Judicial Decisions, & a New Vision
In this session, they talk about recent Judicial Council decisions that reverse previous decisions and go against promises made. They also talk about the new mission/vision statement put together by the bishops and how much it resembles the Global Methodist… Read more: Considering Charlotte – Local Church Authority, Schizophrenic Judicial Decisions, & a New Vision - “Deadnaming” and “misgendering” are now legally considered discrimination in Colorado thanks to new law
Under Colorado law, the state is now authorized to prosecute people who “deadnamed” or “misgender.” - Time-Tested Keys for Methodist Turnaroundby Chris Ritter A generation after the death of John Wesley, Methodism experienced its first significant decline. Meticulous in recording their numbers, preachers at the Methodist Conference of 1820 in Liverpool were alarmed to note a net loss of 4,688… Read more: Time-Tested Keys for Methodist Turnaround
- Bill to make pornography a federal crime introduced by GOP senator.
A Republican senator aligned with President Donald Trump has introduced a new bill aiming to criminalize pornography, warning against what he sees as its harmful impact on American society. Senator Mike Lee of Utah, along with Illinois Rep. Mary Miller,… Read more: Bill to make pornography a federal crime introduced by GOP senator. - Infant Baptismal Regeneration? Making Sense of Wesleyan Sacramentalism with James MahoneyJames Mahoney published two articles on baptismal regeneration in Firebrand Magazine over the last month. <> They got me thinking on how it is that we commonly understand regeneration, justification, and baptism. I asked James to speak with me and… Read more: Infant Baptismal Regeneration? Making Sense of Wesleyan Sacramentalism with James Mahoney
- The Numbers Are in — and It’s Horrible News for the Gender Mafia
The tide is turning and common sense is beginning to prevail once again, according to a new poll showing how Americans feel about President Donald Trump’s policies related to trans-identified people. An Associated Press-NORC poll published on Saturday revealed that most Americans… Read more: The Numbers Are in — and It’s Horrible News for the Gender Mafia - Pro-abortion group says “our lives are not disposable” in thank-you note to AOC
When I saw this just … typed out there I could not believe my eyes. Reproductive Freedom for All, a pro-abort group, posted this tweet thanking AOC for standing up for Planned Parenthood. - When Sheep BiteThe Unexpected Pain of Pastoral Betrayal ~ Barry Davis No one warns you in seminary that the deepest wounds in ministry might come not from the world, but from within the flock. You expected spiritual warfare, cultural hostility, and even… Read more: When Sheep Bite
- Trinity United Methodist Church in Albany to close after nearly 200 years. “They had ‘been seeing the writing on the wall.’”
ALBANY — Bob Hendrick, 86, was baptized at Trinity United Methodist Church. On June 22, he’ll attend his last Sunday service at his familiar house of worship. Church members voted May 4 at a Special Charge Conference to discontinue Trinity… Read more: Trinity United Methodist Church in Albany to close after nearly 200 years. “They had ‘been seeing the writing on the wall.’” - John Wesley’s Theology: A Great Question (and Better Answer) about Band Meetings
I want to share one of my favorite memories from teaching this semester. I had the privilege of teaching The Theology of John Wesley, which is one of the core classes at Asbury Theological Seminary this spring. Every student, regardless… Read more: John Wesley’s Theology: A Great Question (and Better Answer) about Band Meetings - What is Your Primary Identity?
Polycarp, the famous 1st century bishop of Smyrna is known for his martyrdom. He was part of that great legacy of Christians who were the direct “disciples of the Disciples.” In his case, he was the disciple of the Apostle… Read more: What is Your Primary Identity? - Alabama Supreme Court Rulings Highlight Deep Divisions as Methodist Churches Split Over LGBTQ+ Inclusion
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Alabama’s Methodist churches remain sharply divided after the state Supreme Court issued key rulings on property disputes, underscoring the depth of the schism triggered by the United Methodist Church’s decision to fully include LGBTQ+ people in ministry… Read more: Alabama Supreme Court Rulings Highlight Deep Divisions as Methodist Churches Split Over LGBTQ+ Inclusion - I never want to hear another woman say, ‘I’m just a stay-at-home mom’
“Just” a Mother? It’s been said that “Motherhood is the toughest job you’ll ever love.” I might add “…and occasionally lament” while crying for fear that you might be failing. And yet the truth remains that motherhood — in spite… Read more: I never want to hear another woman say, ‘I’m just a stay-at-home mom’ - Seven Next Steps for the Global Methodist Church
Most of are familiar with the ancient Egyptian myth of the Phoenix who dies in the ashes, but rises again with renewed life. As Christians, this myth became reality in the person of Jesus Christ who died and rose bodily… Read more: Seven Next Steps for the Global Methodist Church - U.S. Membership Report (2020)
Exact definitions of “congregations” and “adherents” vary by religious body. Congregations may be parishes, churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, or another site where a religious body has regularly scheduled worship services. Adherents generally are members, children who are not members, and… Read more: U.S. Membership Report (2020) - The Danger of Safety
“Christianity doesn’t promise safety, but it does promise security,” i.e., that God will be with us, Bradford said, and Scripture clearly states he will cause our good to prevail in the end. But we are warned in the Bible of… Read more: The Danger of Safety - A Dynamic Faith: The Story of Early Methodism, Part III
Opposition to Methodism came swiftly and early. Anti-Methodist sentiment in Oxford and resistance to the early zealotry of the preachers has already been mentioned. But much of the opposition came from bishops concerned about a seemingly untethered movement within the… Read more: A Dynamic Faith: The Story of Early Methodism, Part III - Guest Post: Reflection on Modern Accountable Discipleship Groups by Tim Smith
Is it possible in modern America to have a system of accountability on par with the early Methodists—a system that used mandatory attendance? A system that would excommunicate? Is it possible to have a system wherein a leader compiles notes… Read more: Guest Post: Reflection on Modern Accountable Discipleship Groups by Tim Smith - Appeals Court Rules Against Religious Liberty in School’s Battle Against Trans Athletes
The 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals has just delivered a swift kick to religious liberty while waving the rainbow flag of so-called inclusion. In what world is it acceptable for a small Christian school to be dragged through the legal… Read more: Appeals Court Rules Against Religious Liberty in School’s Battle Against Trans Athletes - A Catholic View of Methodism – A Conversation with Justus HunterIn this segment, we talk about the worthiness of the Methodist/Wesleyan heritage, theological and practical considerations as people continue to try to reclaim the treasures of our past. I’m particularly interested in reflections on the last ten minutes or so… Read more: A Catholic View of Methodism – A Conversation with Justus Hunter
- The Changing Wesley & The Unchanging God: Regeneration and Repentance in the Wesleyan Way
When I was in college, I would often debate theology on internet forums. Usually, my debate opponents were Calvinists or proponents of unconditional eternal security (“once saved, always saved”). Although one of the central distinctives of Wesleyan Christianity is the… Read more: The Changing Wesley & The Unchanging God: Regeneration and Repentance in the Wesleyan Way - Habemus Papem: Wesleyans and the New Pope
Around noon on Thursday, as I walked along L Street in downtown Washington, my phone exploded with the news of white smoke in Vatican City. We all knew that it was coming. And in fact, the conclave that elected Pope… Read more: Habemus Papem: Wesleyans and the New Pope - GMC Links now on Facebook
From PeopleNeedJesus.net : A diversely source compendium of news and links related to the growth of the Global Methodist Church. Links do not = an endorsement. - The future of the Church isn’t dying — it’s rising. Look at Gen Z and millennial males
Behind the noise of a divided culture, something powerful is happening. Behind the noise, a revival is stirring. Headlines shout that faith is fading. Churches are closing. Trust in institutions is crumbling. Many predict a future without God. Yet beneath… Read more: The future of the Church isn’t dying — it’s rising. Look at Gen Z and millennial males - The Nicene Creed Today – A Conversation with Michael CarpenterMichael has published a new book on the potential gifts for today’s believers that we can have from the Nicene Creed on its 1700th anniversary. In this conversation, we talk about his book, who it is for, and the gifts… Read more: The Nicene Creed Today – A Conversation with Michael Carpenter