“Traditionalist” United Methodist Churches that have not been able to separate from the United Methodist Church (UMC)—for whatever reason whether it be timing, incorrect information or such—emphasize a return to orthodox Christian theology, high biblical authority, and personal holiness. We want to articulate a “theological reset” that rejects the progressive shifts, perceived lack of accountability, and social stances regarding sexuality found in the modern progressive UMC.
- Biblical Inerrancy/Authority: We affirm the Bible as the primary and infallible authority in matters of faith and practice, often contrasting this with what they see as a low view of Scripture in the modern UMC.
- Historic Creeds: Strong adherence to the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed.
- Focus on Essential Doctrines: Emphasis on the divinity of Jesus Christ, the virgin birth, and the physical resurrection, often asserting that these core doctrines are neglected in progressive Methodism.
- Traditional Marriage: The most defining, public-facing, and central doctrine is the definition of marriage as a covenant between one man and one woman.
- Sexual Ethics: We hold that sexual relations are intended only within the covenant of heterosexual marriage, rejecting the ordination of non-celibate LGBTQ+ clergy and the blessing of same-sex unions.
- Wesleyan Theology: We hold to the core Methodist doctrines of John Wesley: prevenient grace (grace that goes before), justifying grace (forgiveness), and sanctifying grace (making one holy).
- Need for Conversion: Strong emphasis on the necessity of being “born again” and a personal transformation into the image of Christ, rather than focusing primarily on social justice, which we believe has become the primary focus of the progressive UMC.
- Personal Holiness: A focus on living a life that avoids sin and actively pursues holiness, often advocating for small-group accountability (class meetings).
- Discipleship and Evangelism: We define our mission as “making disciples of Jesus Christ who worship passionately, love extravagantly, and witness boldly,” often contrasting this with the progressive UMC’s emphasis on “social transformation”.
- Accountability: We emphasize accountability for pastors and church leaders to abide by the church’s doctrines, a direct response to the defiance of church law seen in the progressive UMC.
- “Methodical” Faith: A return to the roots of Methodism, emphasizing methodical, active pursuit of faith, rather than a more relaxed approach to doctrine.
- UMC: Often uses language like “open hearts, open minds, open doors,” “social justice,” and “inclusion”.
- “Traditionalist” UMC: Uses language like “biblical,” “historic Methodist,” “Scriptural holiness,” “orthodox,” and “traditional marriage”.
(the content above was edited and rewritten from Google AI to use in our thinking process to be able to more plainly state our stance.)
It has always been difficult to explain that if you disagree with the perceived social norms of today’s world (or anything for that matter), that you don’t LOVE and that you HATE those that you don’t agree with and that live and believe a certain way contrary to our own.
A Life Pleasing to God 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 (ESV)
4 Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, 5 not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; 6 that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. 7 For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. 8 Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you. 9 Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, 10 for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, 11 and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, 12 so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.
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“He must increase, but I must decrease”
John 3:30
