To gain an overview of what’s going on in the UMC and why churches are splitting, we encourage you to start here by watching these sermons from former UMC pastors. These were the sermons given to their UMC congregations at the beginning of their discernment periods back in January 2023. Lyman Methodist and Mount Horeb Methodist both voted to leave the denomination and have each joined the Global Methodist Church.

Discernment Sermons

Erik Grayson – Lyman Methodist January 8, 2023 (Begins at 34:23)

Michael Turner – Advent UMC January 15, 2023

Jeff Kersey – Mt Horeb Methodist January 8, 2023

Jody Flowers – Chapin Christian Community Church (formerly UMC) February 26, 2023 

Overview

Rob Renfroe does an excellent job of giving a history of the UMC, explaining the issues currently going on in the denomination, and what the future looks like in his video series. Rob Renfroe is with the Global Methodist Church. His videos are very informative, but we are in no way attempting to endorse or suggest the GMC at this time.

Rob Renfroe video series: 

Video 1 – The United Methodist Church is Divided and Dividing 

Video 2 – Our Differences Regarding the Bible 

Video 3 – Our Differences Regarding Jesus 

Video 4 – Our Differences Regarding Sexuality 

Video 5 – Why Its Time for Traditionalists to Leave 

Video 6 – Where Should We Go?

Other helpful links

Wesleyan Covenant Association

The Institute on Religion and Democracy Blog

The Good News Magazine

What do United Methodists Believe About the Bible? – David Watson