PlainSpoken

Chance Robinson published an article in Firebrand a few weeks ago, outlining his personal history in the Freemasons and his theological clarity that secret societies are at odds with the Christian faith. In this conversation, Chance tells more of his story, and we try to flesh out why exactly secret fraternal organizations are such a threat to the Christian faith. We end in a conversation about idolatry more broadly. I hope you benefit from our discussion! Links: Chance's Article in Firebrand - "Allegiance as Christian Witness" - https://firebrandmag.com/articles/allegiance-as-christian-witness-a-testimony-of-leaving-freemasonry

In this segment, TJ and I report on the petitions we filed and some of the feedback we got. We also get some more details about how the legislative committees are going to work in the months leading up to General Conference. We finally read a good deal of that guiding document for the Convening Conference session, which gives a lot more information about the nuts and bolts of how things will work before and during (and after) the conference session. We were surprised at how transparent and responsive everything is designed to be. This is going to be a large culture shift from the UMC. We are pleased and excited. We hope everyone else will be, too!

UMNews picked up an article published by the Holston Annual Conference, which was essentially an interview with conservative clergy, the Rev. Dr. Randy Frye, who is a self-proclaimed conservative (though he hates labels) who will be staying in The United Methodist Church. In the article, he talks about how the legislation at the most recent General Conference only brings the issue of gay marriage "back to neutral," and how the denomination is still making room for conservatives like us. I had a hard time understanding how a conservative could say these things. It turns out his thoughts are a little more nuanced than the article was able to represent. I still find myself in a pretty different place than him, but I appreciate his efforts to remain faithful where he is. My hope is publishing this is that it helps conservatives within the UMC to think through how it is that they want to participate in that covenant body, if at all. Rev. Frye presents an example of how one might navigate these issues faithfully from within, if one so chooses. Links: 'Conservative Pastor Says He Will Live Into New Reality' by Annette Spence - https://www.holston.org/article/randy-frye-post-gc-18362101 Website for First Broad Street UMC - https://www.fbsumc.org/

Mark Holland published a piece that was over the line for a lot of folks, and he was pressed to make an apology for "harm" that it did. Lonnie Brooks has already aired a concern for progressive 'triumphalism' that was seen before, during, and is now being seen after the UMC's General Conference. Odell similarly has the concern that this progressive takeover bodes badly for black and brown people, as these issues have now been racially coded. My role was a bit different with this one. I felt like arguing with both of them. I was a bit more adversarial with my guests than usual. I figured it was time to make a strong case for a more fundamentalist sexual ethic. I also argued that these things are not racially coded, but are actually fundamentally a class issue. We had a good robust exchange. I think a lot of you will enjoy it.

The Convening Conference for the Global Methodist Church approaches quickly. TJ, Ruth, and I crafted nine documents that we plan to submit for the consideration of the assembled body in September. This segment explains our agenda and how it is that you can join us in advancing the conversation about who we want to be together. If you would like to consider our petitions, then please go to the link below to review and support what initiatives of ours that you like: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfh9VhGo7nB9zav4WGBUQ-lI_31Zn5Jey27OXaccLKem4Qkag/viewform?usp=share_link

A lot has happened in the weeks following the General Conference of the United Methodist Church held in Charlotte, NC. So much took place that still has to be reckoned with. Our United Methodist laity and clergy attached to this group have a lot of information to share. Each has his own area of insight. This session was a barrage of analysis and insight.

Rev. Dr. Scott Field has long worked toward Methodist reform and renewal. He served as a pastor in the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church for 41 years. Scott served on the Board of Directors of Good News for 15 years and, along with an outstanding team, led the Reform and Renewal Coalition efforts at four UMC General Conferences. He, along with his wife Lynda, were the local arrangement organizers for the inaugural gathering of the Wesleyan Covenant Association in Chicago in 2016 with 1800 in attendance. Scott also took the lead to form the Northern Illinois Regional Chapter of the Wesleyan Covenant Association and worked voluntarily there for the last seven (7) years. His days were spent working within northern Illinois to inform, connect, advise, and resource Methodists in the disaffiliation process for separation from the United Methodist denomination. Scott retired from the UMC in 2019. Scott has been a part of the Leadership Council of the Great Lakes Provisional Annual Conference, and also serves on the Great Lakes Board of Ministry both of the Global Methodist Church. Links: The Wesleyan Covenant Association - https://wesleyancovenant.org/

The Convening Conference for the Global Methodist Church is approaching. It will do many things similarly to how the UMC does their conferences. However, there will be many differences. The only way to navigate this September is to understand the design that they have made explicit in their "THE CONVENING GENERAL CONFERENCE COMMUNITY: PLAN OF ORGANIZATION AND COVENANT FOR OUR LIFE TOGETHER" document. So TJ and walk through this document in this segment and try to get clear on the timeline for what is to transpire. Those of you who are interested in tracking these developments in September would be wise to spend time getting oriented with us. GMC Website: www.globalmethodist.org General Conference Website: https://www.sotheworldwillknow.org/ The Convening General Conference Community Document: https://assets-global.website-files.com/65ecb1a33dc79361d6f90b07/6619cdf0ca169e0b60fa4a89_Plan%20of%20Organization%20%2B%20Covenant%20202403.pdf

Rev. Tom Lambrecht has been a foremost source of knowledge for many who have tried to discern what is actually going on in the UMC for many years. While many institutionalist and liberal voices have gaslit conservative concerns for decades, Tom has been a consistent voice of reason and concern. His tenor is not at all smug as his concerns were realized in the last couple weeks. In this conversation, Rev. Lambrecht helps me to sift through the different things being said about changes in sexual morality, options for disaffiliation, and degrees of progressive takeover. He gave me a lot of clarity. I hope you receive the same benefit! The audio is a little rough at first, but it levels out, so bear with it! Links: Good News Magazine - https://goodnewsmag.org/ Tom's Blog - https://tomlambrecht.goodnewsmag.org/

Andrew V. Sullivan is a PhD candidate in History, doing his dissertation on Wesleyanism, currently completing his program at Liberty University. A sixth-generation Texan, he aims to serve the Global Methodist Church in the academy, helping to train up a new generation of faithful Methodist clergy to spread scriptural holiness across the land. He is of exceptional knowledge in Methodist history and theology. In this segment, he explains how Socinianism and Pelagianism are both threats to modern Methodism, and what language currently reflects a potential openness to these schools of thought. I am to speak with Andrew at least a couple more times, so go ahead and get to know him! Links: Sullivan's Article on Evangelical Arminians - https://evangelicalarminians.org/andrew-sullivan-harmony-of-the-arminian-faith-a-proposal-to-the-global-methodist-church-full-thesis/ Richard Watson, Methodism's first systematic theology textbook: https://www.amazon.com/Theological-Institutes-Two-Lexham-Classics/dp/1683591208/ref=sr_1_1?crid=CEWFPP6MHGAD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TtyqeRP1rUcs3LYl5A475LdAlmRGH1vow_-I40fdAa7hp6v0W9h6CMKCXL-blHIOwVQm7bC23tYkSRgUu859W5crAohUDVJ8j8qqPrQYmYjDD895jSiHFyglOUJD2aBQIl5mjkYuf30HbUPW5vMwhbB7lAtphZNhOJcaKfDvGDcbaN2ACABmBXz3f87HLH9KiMajudeX5bEFLPVLLP8DJaIpqrD0lmrNf9hkt3YQqYM.BDwwC6M8i-FY63Fh0X1L_rGpLZKwp92DEgGzSlMaho0&dib_tag=se&keywords=richard+watson+theological+institutes&qid=1713807737&sprefix=richard+watson%2Caps%2C127&sr=8-1. Thomas N. Ralston, Methodist Episcopal Church South - https://archive.org/details/elementsofdivini0000rals/mode/2up Thomas O. Summers, Methodist Episcopal Church South - https://archive.org/details/systematictheolo02summ/page/n5/mode/2up Adam Clarke, Wesleyan Methodist Connection of Great Britain - https://bibleportal.com/commentary/adam-clarke

Mark Tooley has been the President of the Institute for Religion and Democracy for some time. The IRD is a think tank and activist coordination entity that has been operational in Methodism for some time. Mark has been a thought leader and source of information for faithful Methodists for many decades, educating and supporting evangelical Methodism consistently. In this conversation, Mark and I talk Wesleyan political theory and try to share an understanding of how contemporary institutions work. Mark explains his political framework of choice, Whiggery, alongside other models of more reactionary conservatism (which I generally adopt). It is a robust discourse, in which a final hope for the Global Methodist Church is offered. I hope this conversation is a blessing to you in the way that it was to me. Links: The Institute for Religion & Democracy - www.theird.org Mark Tooley's "Juicy Ecumenism" publication website - https://juicyecumenism.com/ Tooley's most recent book, "The Peace That Almost Was" - https://www.amazon.com/The-Peace-That-Almost-Was/dp/0718022238 The IRD's John Wesley Institute - https://nextmethodism.org/

When the General Conference met in Charlotte, NC, Rob Renfroe was there in a different capacity than ever: He knew that the long term agenda of evangelicals would lose, so he gave no resistance. His only purpose in attending was to support those remaining evangelicals who would otherwise be trapped, advocating for a way for them to exit. For that, he was maligned and insulted, even by a person or two speaking on the floor of plenary. I wanted to take some time to hear from Rob himself to ask about things that went on behind the scenes at General Conference, and to ask him about his plans for the future now that this chapter has closed. Consider spending time with Rob and me as we digest what transpired together. If you want to show appreciation for this broadcast, you can give to my church at https://tithe.ly/give?c=2198808. If you want to join my Locals community, you can go to plainspoken.locals.com. You can also support my work at plainspoken.substack.com and at jeffreyrickman.substack.com.

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!