PlainSpoken

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.

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

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.

On Friday, the usual folks gathered to record our 'Considering Charlotte' series. As we were to talk about the episcopacy of the UMC, I invited Rev. Forbes Matonga. Forbes had just published an op-ed through UM News, stating that without reforming the episcopacy, the Regionalization of the UMC was a smoke screen. It was my original intent that our time with him would fit into the larger topic, but it really became its own thing. The group agreed that I should publish it separately, as it went much further on several other topics. Rev. Matonga has been a leading voice in the African UMC for several years. He has had the patience for the process while maintaining his theological clarity. One would be wise to consider his words in dialogue with other voices speaking to these things. Link to Forbes Matonga's UM News article: "African regionalization support hardly unanimous" - https://www.umnews.org/en/news/african-regionalization-support-hardly-unanimous

Last week video was circulated on Twitter of Mark Nakagawa, who had retired as a District Superintendent from the California Pacific Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church last year. He recently made headlines when he wrote a swastika on a neighbor's property. This segment deals with why he might have done this, what ideology would undergird such behavior, and what, if anything, that has to do with mainline denominationalism. This has some summary history of neoMarxism involved that may shed some light. It also addresses contemporary antisemitism in America. This stuff is probably all connected. If you would like to become a supporter of my work, you should go to plainspoken.locals.com. Thanks!

This episode builds on top of the foundation already covered. Namely, the nature of God the Father. All of these first episode have intersected with Article I of the Confession of Faith of the EUB. It is becoming clear how the authors wove a doctrinal web for us to construct a theological foundation upon. This series is seeking to establish a solid doctrinal foundation for Global Methodists and all Christians more broadly. Take some time to learn from this unique dynamic of a father instructing his daughter in the faith. 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.

Episode 21, Paragraphs 809 - 118. This week deals with trials and appeals within the judicial system of the Global Methodist Church. What happens when charges are brought against someone within the church? 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.

The three key words for this session are “Creator, Sovereign, Preserver.” What do each of them mean? How do they impact our relationship with the Lord? How do the realities of God’s nature impact the ways in which we go about our lives together? As always, I urge you to consider the ways in which you can use this material to benefit your local church, especially the children in your orbit. Folks need to be equipped with good, biblical doctrine. Susanna and I are doing whatever we can to give this next generation of Methodists the vocabulary they need to reclaim your faith. Use 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.

Links: Robert’s Regular Blog & Bible Study - https://www.mattchristiansenmedia.com/bible-study William Layne Craig’s “Defenders” Series - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIpO3BUiq2IH1ocE76paUM_OxUZTL3XYh&si=OmrVaS16H6UKNm2S "Doctrine of Election: Doctrine of Salvation” Podcast Series - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIpO3BUiq2IHt7bJnTIuln-uDzSxaOGGu&si=B7TCPlsk_Cr6E6JB William Layne Craig’s “Doctrine of Man” Series - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIpO3BUiq2IFJ7TORDSoj3VLiTv5oMbVj&si=FbO-3R3uj1ZhmUspA Write-Up on the Kalam Cosmological Argument - https://www.reasonablefaith.org/writings/popular-writings/existence-nature-of-god/the-kalam-cosmological-argument?gad_source=1 Presentation of the Ontological Argument by Gavin Ortlund - https://youtu.be/11bcuapYEsA?si=gT-o3dIyZmpJldWh Presentation of the Fine Tuning Argument by Luke Barnes - https://youtu.be/lKxCVZVBgoI?si=S41UQ4lf68--27e2

This episode picks up where we left off previously. We began by addressing questions presented by viewers and commenters. We talked about the likelihood that petitions from those who have since left will be discarded, among other topics. The largest area of concern for this episode was the utility of the favored regionalization plan when it does not plan to eliminate the previously-racialist jurisdictional system. To download your own copy of the Advance Daily Christian Advocate, go to https://www.resourceumc.org/en/content/general-conference-2020-advance-daily-christian-advocate. 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

Rev. Housholder has an MDiv. Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. He was a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Bonn. As a multi-vocational pastor at The Well at Surf City, he has 40 years of ministry experience. David is a biblical linguist specializing in Semitic studies. He also happens to be a STEM Representative for the Senior Leadership Team at Concordia University-Irvine. David is the author of four books. He is an ordained pastor in the Foursquare Church and a founding pastor of the Well a Surf City. HE has been married 42 years to Wendy and is father of Lars. He lives in California, so of course he is a surfing Instructor. He climbed Mt Whitney this past August. A message from Dave: "Write, call, and email. Your voice makes a difference! We encourage everyone who listens to PLAIN SPOKEN to contact them asking them simply to let the congregations leave who choose to leave. Dottie Escobido, Bishop: 626.568.7313. bishop@calpacumc.org US MAIL: P.O. Box 6006, Pasadena, CA 91102-6006 Sandra Olewine, District Superintendent: 619.239.9980 southdistrict@calpacumc.org US MAIL 26001 Muirlands Blvd, Mission Viejo, CA 92691 Links: Surf City Church's Website - https://surfcity.church Video of Christmas at Surf City Church a couple months ago - https://youtu.be/Z7EOK77Wk1g?si=_Eszb6bRxRLGdXIR

This segment begins Part 8, which deals with the judicial branch of the denomination. Virtually all parties are agreed that there needs to be a means for the denomination to defend itself against bad actors on the inside. What does that look like? Will the denomination be able to correct bishops? Laity? What is the process for bringing up clergy on charges? Are those accused protected very well, or is it a guilty until proven innocent framework? This area, in particular, caused a lot of dysfunction in the UMC. In our conversation, I highlight a number of issues presented by our past that will hopefully be remedied in this new covenant body. 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.

I have recently been covering the formation of the Revised Social Principles in The United Methodist Church. I have also done a segment covering the Social Witness of the Global Methodist Church. Both documents were crafted in part by Chappell Temple. C. Chappell Temple is a husband, father, grandfather, pastor, and teacher, who has been appointed to serve as the lead pastor of Christ United Methodist Church in Sugar Land, Texas, a southwestern suburb of Houston. He holds degrees from SMU, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and Rice University, and is an adjunct faculty member in the Houston program of Perkins School of Theology, teaching United Methodist history, doctrine, and polity. He has started teaching for Baylor at Truett in the last couple of years, teaching Methodist topics and Pastoral Care. He is now a Presiding Elder in the Trinity Conference of the GMC. He is a great fan of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkein, G.K. Chesterton, C.K. Barrett, J.I. Packer, N.T. Wright, and other British thinkers who, like him, don’t believe in using their actual first names. He blogs at chappelltemple.com.

Regionalization is perhaps the biggest push this year's General Conference is receiving from institutional bodies. As this episode demonstrates, it is the latest iteration of a legislative effort that has failed at the last couple General Conferences. The basic idea is to create a new level of administration for the denomination that will allow for continental regions to become more isolated from the influence of other continental regions, simultaneously gaining rights to further adjust their norms to suit their context. It will require a very invasive amendment to the denomination's constitution, which will require, not just a 2/3 majority vote at General Conference, but also a 2/3 vote of all annual conference delegates the following year. There is a lot on the line with this issue. This is only the first episode in which we will talk about it, with two more to follow. This episode covers a good deal of the history and the framework out of which this push has come. The topic isn't boring. It is rather necessary to understanding the precipice upon which the UMC currently sits. To download your own copy of the Advance Daily Christian Advocate, go to https://www.resourceumc.org/en/content/general-conference-2020-advance-daily-christian-advocate. 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

Listening to Kenneth Feinberg reflect on the disavowal of his mediation efforts caused me to really question if I had seen things wrongly all along. Mr. Feinberg seems at peace about it all. Maybe I should be. For reasons I explain in this segment, it still seems blatantly wrong, especially when the consequences are so huge. Spent a few minutes with me as I explain some basic Christian ethics that many can't see because they are too close.