If you have questions about the conversations taking place within the United Methodist Church regarding some churches’ decisions to disaffiliate, please see “You May Have Heard,” the most recent resource from the North Carolina Conference. Click HERE to access the document.
If, after reviewing this new resource and other resources, you still have questions, please feel free to reach out to a pastor on staff here at St. James. We’d be glad to talk with you.
While some churches and pastors are choosing to leave the denomination, it is important to note that there have been absolutely no changes to the United Methodist Church’s polity or mission. Bishop Leonard Fairley has reminded us that our mission has not and will not change — to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. It is not necessary for any votes to be taken. There has been discussion with SPRC and the Administrative Council regarding the issues of disaffiliation. Neither has interest in pursuing disaffiliation. It is our intention to remain within The United Methodist Church and continue the mission of St. James. That’s exactly what we, as the pastors of St. James United Methodist Church, intend to uphold.
Please pray with the Bishop:
As I look toward the future, I pray that each of you will join in the pivot toward God’s redemptive and reconciling work in Jesus Christ. I pray that each of you will join in the pivot toward the deeper work of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Join in the pivot toward God’s future with hope. Pivot toward what the Lord requires: “He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8.
In Christ,
The Pastors of St. James UMC