PlainSpoken

Chris Ritter blogs at PeopleNeedJesus.net. He is the pastor of First Methodist Church in Geneseo, Illinois, a congregation that has been recognized for its high number of professions of faith. In addition to authoring "Seven Things John Wesley Expected Us to Do for Kids" (Abingdon Press, 2016), Chris has published several chapters and published articles on topics pertinent to Methodism, evangelism, and effective local church ministry. He was delegate to the 2016 and 2019 General Conferences of The United Methodist Church and was involved in helping develop two plans put forward by The Commission on a Way Forward. An ordained elder in the Global Methodist Church, Chris holds a doctorate in evangelism from the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University and a Master of Divinity from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. He has been fortunate to travel and witness the vibrancy of the church outside the United States. I wanted to speak to Chris because of his proximity to the conversations that are generating this new (or older) understanding of episcopacy that will become a part of the culture of the Global Methodist Church. He also has a great birdseye view of Methodism more broadly. His is an informed perspective. I'm glad he took the time to visit with me. Links: Christopher's Website - peopleneedjesus.net Christopher's Book - https://a.co/d/2A1jFDt Christopher's article detailing new developments w/ GMC episcopacy - https://peopleneedjesus.net/2024/04/10/just-dropped-big-recommendations-on-the-proposed-shape-of-the-global-methodist-church/ The "UM Fallout Compendium," which Ritter hosts and is a source for a lot of my reporting - https://peopleneedjesus.net/2024/02/24/um-fallout-a-compendium/ Episcopacy recommendations from the GMC - https://globalmethodist.org/gm-churchs-transitional-leadership-council-offers-proposals-on-the-nature-of-the-episcopacy/

In our 12th and final episode before the beginning of General Conference, this crew tries to ascertain the truth of where things stand. Simon was able to join us and give a report on the Africa Initiative's gathering and statements with respect to their polar opposition to Mainstream UMC, the visa process and how many delegates are left behind, and possible cooperative efforts once the African delegations are all in the US. We then spent the last 30 minutes or so talking through what the bishop's gathering right now is looking like, and some last minute options for changing the "harmful language" around sexual behavior or identity, depending on who is talking. Our crew doesn't all think the same about such things. It was an interesting and worthy time. Those interested to know the different options for what can happen in the coming weeks will be glad to spend the time with us. We hope this is of benefit to the denomination.

A few months ago, I sat down with my friends TJ and Robby and reviewed some of the teachings of Adam Hamilton. It was a good way for friends to seek the mind of Christ and apply his scriptures to today's church. I decided to get the band back together and see what biblical and practical wisdom my brothers would have. We go over some of the video, try to reconstruct a timeline, try to wrestle with the scriptures. Overall, it's just some woefully unprepared guys trying to understand Charismatic NAR folks. I think you'll enjoy it. I enjoyed my time with my brothers in Christ. I know there have been developments since we discussed this, and my grasp of the timeline is a little off, but the conversation is worthy because of its theological commentary and the interpersonal exchange. Enjoy!

The Africa Initiative released a statement dealing with their consensus positions with respect to the primary issues before the UM General Conference next week. There has been a good deal of confusion about how United Methodists in Africa are perceiving their treatment by UM leadership. Recent statements from the UM Africa Forum and Africa Voices of Unity have made it clear that they have not been treated well. The Africa Initiative is a final nail in this coffin. This calls into the question the legitimacy of next week's meeting, as well as any decisions reached. If the assembled body is happy making decisions without the input of the full breadth of African voices, then this makes a loud statement as to the character of such a body.

After a conference Zoom meeting to present the Dakotas delegation and the issues they will be dealing with, there were follow-up questions that were addressed on a conference Q&A document. Whoever wrote the response was candid in a way that the institution of the UMC would almost certainly not approve. This sort of breaking rank is a breath of fresh air when institutional forces are working so hard to control the narrative. The frankness of this document is really quite rare from within the UMC umbrella. Take a few moments to assess these issues without the institutional bias. Especially if you aren't quite informed yet on the issues at play, this is a good way to get a brief introduction to the topics at hand. Links: Dakotas Conference Webinar w/ Links - https://www.dakotasumc.org/news/the-business-of-general-conference-dakotas-delegations-webinar-summary Conference Q&A Document - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pdNO88jgkDyHax7HAW4X6WJd_WMIR0yVlJZkcxtZnfQ/edit

As final preparations are made for the 2020/2024 General Conference of The United Methodist Church to begin, unfortunate realities continue to be revealed. In this episode, we read over a newly-published release from the UM Africa Forum, a group that was ostensibly put together to support institutionalist goals. The state of affairs has gotten so dire that even they have now accused the UMC of psychologically manipulating them. It turns out that Lonnie, Odell, and Joe are all publishing articles for the consideration of the people of the UMC at this time. Consider the links below. These final days and weeks are disheveled and hard to navigate, especially when one hasn't necessarily kept track with all of the developments along the way. We hope our analysis at this present moment is helpful for making sense out of what is being seen. Links: Lloyd Nyarota's rebuke of Mark Holland & Mainstream UMC for their overt colonialism - https://um-insight.net/in-the-church/umc-future/harambee-it-is-not-yet-uhuru-for-african-united-methodists-a/ Lonnie's article talking about the unraveling of the centrist-progressive alliance in the UMC - https://www.umnews.org/en/news/centrist-progressive-coalition-could-soon-unravel Odell's article on the role of Africa in the UMC and how it is that western entities posture themselves sinfully towards them - https://firebrandmag.com/articles/the-scramble-for-africa

Alongside the GMC's Transitional Book of Doctrines & Discipline is a document called Judicial Practice & Procedure, which is referred to as the "JPP." This document carries the force of church law. It will be edited and approved at this upcoming Convening Conference. The JPP will govern how judicial proceedings are conducted. It is an important document, so TJ and I are making our way through it. This is the second episode attempting to make our way through. Links: The Judicial Practice & Procedure Rules of the GMC - https://globalmethodist.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Judicial-Practice-and-Procedure-Rules-English.pdf Join our Locals community and support the work of PlainSpoken! - plainspoken.locals.com

As the General Conference session draws nearer, we realize we have covered the primary topics needed to know what is going on. For now, we wanted to do our best to speak to what different voices are doing to influence what the plenary session of the Conference will be doing. We talk about the disagreements between Rob Renfroe and Good News with Mainstream UMC and Mark Holland, as well as the SCCCM and their representatives. Is it true that nonAmerican churches can already disaffiliate from the UMC without a new disciplinary provision? Is Holland's objection to a denomination-wide provision legitimate? And what is to be said with the large number of African delegates who will be unable to attend? We cover a lot of ground in this session, so consider spending some time with us. If you know of folks who just want to understand what is going on in this complicated picture, consider sharing it with a friend. Let us know if you think we are missing something. Links: To download a copy of Lonnie's Matrix of Petitions, go to https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1KTnzUbOO6NORahwa_nrdxKV1ftNxUQpQ/edit?usp=share_link&ouid=117124792218903575974&rtpof=true&sd=true Mark Holland's response to accusations of racism - https://mainstreamumc.com/blog/recap-threats-and-white-supremacy/ WCA article alleging "separate but equal" segregation of Mainstream UMC - https://wesleyancovenant.org/2024/04/02/give-us-two-and-a-half-minutes-thats-all-2min-30-seconds/ Rob Renfroe's UMNS Commentary - https://www.umnews.org/en/news/traditionalist-caucus-president-speaks-to-criticism Rebuttal from Christine Schnieder - https://www.umnews.org/en/news/central-conferences-already-have-exit-paths

This episode really centers around the concept of salvation. Jesus came to save us. What does that mean for us? What does it have to do with the Holy Spirit? It is a relatively simple concept, but the scriptures clearly add much needed texture. Consider joining my daughter and me for a time of worthy consideration.

Alongside the GMC's Transitional Book of Doctrines & Discipline is a document called Judicial Practice & Procedure, which is referred to as the "JPP." This document carries the force of church law. It will be edited and approved at this upcoming Convening Conference. The JPP will govern how judicial proceedings are conducted. It is an important document, so TJ and I begin tacking it in this episode. Links: The Judicial Practice & Procedure Rules of the GMC - https://globalmethodist.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Judicial-Practice-and-Procedure-Rules-English.pdf Join our Locals community and support the work of PlainSpoken! - plainspoken.locals.com

Rev. Dr. David Watson wrote an article that piqued my interest recently on how claims that we are building God's Kingdom are badly placed and theologically problematic. This phrase, however, is very commonly proclaimed throughout evangelical churches. I knew I needed to speak with him. The conversation ranged from all kinds of topics, from Christian Nationalism, to Charlie Kirk, to Donal Trump, to Greg Locke, Modernism, Social Justice, The United Methodist Church, and, you know, the Day of the Lord. Just light stuff like that, you know? I hope you enjoy! Links: Dr. Watson's Substack - https://davidfwatson3.substack.com

On my most recent live stream, I read the article that notified everyone of Keith Boyette's intention to retire this September after the Global Methodist Church's Convening General Conference. I also did a cursory review of the the job description for the person found to take his place (sorta). Keith was gracious to accept an invitation to speak with me about the job he has done, the legacy he hopes will sustain, and his plans for the near future. This will give many folks a better understanding of how and why it is that the GMC has been structured the way that it has, what values have been balanced in the formation of this new covenant body, and what we might anticipate in the coming months as we prepare for the coming conference. Also, we spend some time figuring out how to pray for Keith. It is my hope that you will do so.

This question deals with the nature of Christ in that he was active during the creation of all things. We go through the scriptures as usual to learn more about how that came to be. Enjoy this shorter episode!

Dan Latta, joining me from his wife’s artistic studio (hence the flowery stuff in the background), has been leading a small group of faithful who left their United Methodist local church behind. The Lord has providentially cared for them as they have sought to build a new fellowship together. Rev. Matt Sichel connected Dan and me, hoping that this segment might speak to those who are perhaps considering departing from The United Methodist Church. If you are happily placed within the UMC, then this segment is not for you. But if you or your church have been interested in exploring questions around what life looks like outside of the UM framework, then you might really enjoy this. In this segment, Dan tells the story of the fellowship he is serving. He details how they covered the task of securing a location and a leader. We talk about some basic logistics and theology around these concerns. We both prayed that this would be of benefit to many communities of faith. May it be a blessing to you.

This is the final section of the Transitional Book of Doctrines and Discipline. It covers how property is going to work in the GMC. I was actually a little distressed to find that I have not administered my own GM local churches correctly. It turns out there are a few expectations that very few seem to be aware of or concerned about. It might be worth taking some time to make sure your own church is in compliance. While I'm no legal expert, it seems to me that some of this stuff could have very practical and important implications for local churches Link to Transitional Book of Doctrines & Discipline - https://globalmethodist.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Transitional-Discipline.20231130.pdf If you would like to make a gift directly to the church that sponsors this, here is the link: https://tithe.ly/give?c=2198808 If you would like to become a supporter on Locals, where we offer unique content and host exclusive live streams, go to plainspoken.locals.com.

My weekly live stream for those who enjoy talking about revitalizing the Christian faith

A GCFA report showing massive denominational reserves for The United Methodist Church calls into question the somewhat moderate reduction of the general budget being recommended by the GCFA at next month's General Conference. While it is the biggest reduction in the history of the denomination, it is also following the biggest exodus of churches the denomination has ever seen. Is this reduction sufficient to alleviate the burden on those churches left behind? There is some decent theology of money here. We compare and contrast the culture of stewardship between the UMC and what we hope the GMC will be. Matthew speaks from experience. He worked professionally in finance before pivoting into ministry. As a minister, he worked for GCFA for a few years. Today, he is the Treasurer for the MidSouth Annual Conference of the GMC. He also serves on the GMC's Transitional Finance Committee. His mind is worth consulting. He told me many things that surprised me. For instance, I was very surprised to learn how reserves in the UMC are generally invested. There is a lot more that I don't want to write up here. You'll just have to watch it. Enjoy! Links: "What's New For GC 2024: Part 1" by Taylor Watson Burton Edwards - https://www.umc.org/en/content/ask-the-umc-whats-new-gc2024-part-1-budget "Updated Reserves Analysis" 2018-2022 by GCFA - https://www.gcfa.org/_files/ugd/485b51_49a1e07af59d4b2e97b62c6f7bcf3b22.pdf "Boards Push Forward Despite Budget Cuts" by Jim Patterson - https://www.umnews.org/en/news/boards-push-forward-despite-budget-cuts

Many heresies have developed over the years around the person of Christ. Specifically, is he a created being, lesser than the Father? Without a doubt, the answer is ‘no.’ In this segment, we go through many scriptures equating the Son with the Father, and we talk about the mystery of the God-man, who was the image of the invisible God. Take some time to think through this truth with us. If you would like to purchase your own copy of the Catechism, go here: https://my.seedbed.com/product/a-catechism-of-christian-faith-and-doctrine-for-the-global-methodist-church/ If you would like to make a gift directly to the church that sponsors this, here is the link: https://tithe.ly/give?c=2198808 If you would like to become a supporter on Locals, where we offer unique content and host exclusive live streams, go to plainspoken.locals.com.

John Ed Mathison is a respected leader in Methodism. He was the pastor of Frazer United Methodist Church in Montgomery, AL for more than two decades. He passionately worked to make the church an engine of reaching as many people as possible, and he was met with great success. In retirement, he has continued to joyfully serve in ministry with the churches of the Alabama-West Florida Annual Conference as pulpit supply, as a friend and counselor, as a coach and mentor. When disaffiliation season began, he helped many disaffiliating churches fill the pulpit, including that of what was Auburn UMC before a great number of them left and started their own community. When the conference leadership asked him in writing to quit helping those congregations that had left, John Ed knew that he needed to end his affiliation with The United Methodist Church. After three generations tied to the denomination over the course of more than a century, John Ed left the UMC. Rather, in his article, he says the UMC left him. This is a conversation with this man who continues to pour his life out for the bride of Christ. It is intended to be a blessing to many others who are thinking of similarly ending their relationship with the UMC, and who want to count the cost with someone who is paying the price. Consider supporting John Ed's ministry at his leadership ministry. You can find him at www.johnedmathison.org, where he is regularly producing content for the good of the church, whether or not one is called a Methodist. Links: "A Defining Day," the article referenced in this piece - https://johnedmathison.org/a-defining-day/

This week we end part 8, the judicial administration, of the GMC Transitional Book of Doctrine & Discipline. The majority of the discussion concerned the Connectional Council on Appeals, the highest judicial body of the Global Methodist Church and how it operates. Link to Transitional Book of Doctrines & Discipline - https://globalmethodist.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Transitional-Discipline.20231130.pdf Link to Judicial Practice and Procedure Rules of the Global Methodist Church (JPP) - https://globalmethodist.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Judicial-Practice-and-Procedure-Rules-English.pdf If you would like to make a gift directly to the church that sponsors this, here is the link: https://tithe.ly/give?c=2198808 If you would like to become a supporter on Locals, where we offer unique content and host exclusive live streams, go to plainspoken.locals.com.

Jamie Bambrick is the creator of the famous “The Christian Super Bowl Ad They SHOULD Have Made,” which was circulated in response to the wrongheaded “Jesus Gets Us” campaign. He is an Irish Anglican associate pastor at a vital church outside of Belfast. In this conversation, Jamie and I speak about the larger cultural forces that impact our ministries despite thousands of miles between us. We find ourselves at a point in history at which some quality reflection can be done on how it is that the church needs to perhaps stand against the tides of a culture awash in ungodly forces. There is a good deal of history and theology interspersed here in our words. Those concerned with how to do ministry in this present age might do well to attend upon Jamie’s contributions here. For those who want to follow Jamie, you can find him here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jamie.bambrick Twitter/X: @j_bambrick

Talking about things that interest me in Methodist world

I was sent a copy of a document submitted to Sara Hotchkiss, the Business Manager of the UMC General Conference. Africa Initiative leadership, on behalf of the many delegates they have consulted, made a formal request on March 4 to meet several needs in order for African participation to be possible. It seems to have fallen on deaf ears, as Hotchkiss has refused to respond. What is obviously at stake is the legitimacy of the assembled body. If the African delegation, which is already abysmally underrepresented, is reduced by 25%, any sane person is right to ask if any decisions made can be honored. In seeking victory on liberalizing the positions of the church, it would seem the General Conference staff are cutting off their nose to spite their face...

After six questions dealing with the nature of God the Father, we now approach the second person of the Trinity: the Son. Christ is at the center of our salvation. This segment lines out only the starting foundation upon which we will build in the coming weeks. The authors of the catechism laid out several New Testament texts for us to review and connect when considering the person and work of Christ. What does it mean to call him "Lord"? How is Christ unique? How are we like him? These questions and many more are addressed in this segment. If you would like to purchase your own copy of the Catechism, go here: https://my.seedbed.com/product/a-catechism-of-christian-faith-and-doctrine-for-the-global-methodist-church/ If you would like to make a gift directly to the church that sponsors this, here is the link: https://tithe.ly/give?c=2198808 If you would like to become a supporter on Locals, where we offer unique content and host exclusive live streams, go to plainspoken.locals.com.

Rev. Forbes Matonga recently published an op-ed in UM News saying that if Regionalization does not require a reworking of the episcopacy, then none of it counts for very much. The way that bishops interact with the denomination, as well as the general boards and agencies, seems to have greater power than most appreciate. As delegates assemble next month in Charlotte, Regionalization will be at the top of the agenda. However, is it, as Matonga claims, a "smoke screen"? In this segment, the crew picks up where Matonga left off. If you haven't seen it already, I published our time with Rev. Matonga on the morning of Tuesday, March 12. You might consider watching that before this, as it lays a good foundation. This segment picks up by rehearsing the history of bishops in Methodism, then we examined a number of angles around how bishops are currently utilized in the UMC, and why that could continue to be an Achilles heel in the polity of the denomination going forward.