Holston WCA
Scriptural, Orthodox, Positive, Faithful
Toward Mutual Care, Pt. 3
By Chuck Griffin
Holston WCA Chair
Part Three of Three
Previously, I’ve talked about the likely split to come and the value of mutual care for one another regardless of theological differences. I also suggested some steps we can take now to prepare.
As the Holston WCA, we also have to prepare for the reality that progressives and centrists in our conference might decline to move toward mutual care. In the near future, you’ll be hearing about these Holston WCA efforts:
- A web-based list of churches that have declared themselves Traditional, regardless of whether they have affiliated with the WCA. Churches interested in being on such a list can contact the Holston WCA. If your church has not joined the WCA, we do ask that your church’s highest administrative body vote to be on such a list before contacting us.
- A conference-wide network of home-based small groups emphasizing traditional Bible study methods. This will be particularly useful for Traditional Methodists who find themselves in a local church that is sharply divided.
- A “Laity Lead Laity” program, where Traditional lay leaders can offer each other local church best practices as we move toward General Conference 2020.
I also should address one issue that keeps arising since annual conference. People want to know if their churches should use the exit provision created at 2019 General Conference. In short, it’s probably too early for such a move and likely far too expensive for most local churches. Remember, if we establish a negotiated division of the United Methodist Church at 2020 General Conference, there may be little immediate expense for local churches—pension and other liabilities could be divided equitably between the new denominations. By the end of September, we should have a better idea of what will be proposed at 2020 General Conference.
Blessings on all of you! Be sure you have registered for e-mail updates. Simply go to the bottom of any Holston WCA web page and look for the registration box.
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