FAQ

1. Is St. Mark’s UMC considering disaffiliation? 

NO.  We are staying a United Methodist Congregation. At St. Mark’s UMC we have had no thoughts or conversations about disaffiliation. We chose to love everyone regardless of whether they are moderates, traditional, OR progressive Christians. We are capable and willing to be compatible with others who see things differently than we do. The main thing is the main thing…keeping our focus on Jesus and showing his love.

2. What’s going on with the United Methodist Church?

In the last few years, the Methodist denomination has faced a growing unease because of matters regarding human sexuality. There are some churches who have formally sought disaffiliation from the United Methodist Church because of these issues.

The UMC has been arguing over the belief around human sexuality for about 50 years.  With changes in our culture, the issue has become more of a topic of conversation. Covid caused the postponement of the General Conference where proposals were set to come before the governing body to change our stance.  With the delay and the concern for changing views in our society, conservative leaders in the UMC on May 1, 2022, formed a new denomination called the Global Methodist Church (GMC).

3. What about the UMC? Has anything changed? 

The Book of Discipline, our governing policy has not changed regarding human sexuality. Changes regarding these views can only come from the General Conference. The General Conference is the decision-making body for the Denomination. The General Conference has delegates from every Annual Conference across the globe.  

This meeting is set for the summer of 2024.

The UMC is a Big TENT Church.  Being a big tent church means being a welcoming home to Christians no matter their sexual or theological orientation.  We are made up of people who interpret scripture differently and enjoy different worship style, but we hold these common core beliefs: 

  1. The Apostles Creed. (Articles of Religion and Confession of Faith) are not in question. 
  2. Grace (prevenient, justifying, and sanctifying) … We have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. God extends love to us anyway.
  3. A high view of scripture. 
  4. The Quadrilateral helps us interpret scripture:  Tradition, reason, and experience.
  5. We are Holy Spirit-led.
  6. Personal Holiness and Social holiness go together. Acts of service go with Personal piety.

4.What is our hope for the UMC?

Our hope is once the United Methodist Church is through this time of disaffiliation from some of our fellow churches, there will a renewed commitment to our mission of being the hands and feet of Christ who are committed to making disciples of Jesus for the transformation of our communities and the world. My personal hope is one of ‘discernment’ for our congregation at St. Mark’s UMC. We will learn through this time of strife how to listen and take action to show our love to others. Discernment for us is not about who we choose to exclude, or even wondering about distancing ourselves from those who don’t see things the same way we do. 

If you have any other questions, feel free to contact us by email at stmarkskc.umc@gmail.com.