SC Traditional
Methodist
Lay Leadership Group

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  John1:1

Frequently Asked Questions

See below for questions and answers you may have about theology, human sexuality, the interpretation of scripture and the future of our church.

When did the United Methodist Church form and what is the current state of the UMC?

The United Methodist Church was formed in 1968. When the UMC was formed, there were 11 million members in the United States. Today, there are only 6,268,310 in the United States and 13 million worldwide. While U.S. membership has steadily declined over the past half century, membership in Africa and Asia is growing. 

What happens if our church votes to disaffiliate from the UMC?

There are several options for disaffiliation from the UMC, two of which are addressed in the UMC Book of Discipline. If we disaffiliate, we can choose to join other traditional denominations such as the Global Methodist Church, the Free Methodist Church, or choose to be an independent church.

Why can't we all stay together as the United Methodist Church and respect each other's theological differences?

Disagreements on the authority of the Bible, interpretation of the Bible, and the interpretation of scripture illustrate how deep the divide in the UMC has become. Both sides (traditionalists and non-traditionalist) believe their understanding of the Bible is correct.

As our fellow Methodists from Trinity on the Hill in Georgia said, “separating into two expressions of faith is both a beginning and an end for both traditionalists and non-traditionalist – an end to conflict and uncertainty, and the beginning of vibrant denominations that can focus time and resources on missions and ministries instead of focusing on the conflicts that divide us.”

If non-traditionalists don't agree with the United Methodist Church Book of Discipline, why do they get to keep the name "United Methodist Church?" 

It is counterintuitive that the traditionalists are “leaving” the United Methodist Church when they believe in the current Book of Discipline. Traditionalists feel they aren’t leaving, but rather the church is leaving them. Methodism is our expression of Christian faith, but we are no longer “united.” The goal was never about winning or taking over the UMC.

The traditionalists’ goal has always been to create a vibrant evangelical Wesleyan church that is fully focused on mission and ministry, and not a church mired in a bureaucracy, dysfunction, and divisiveness. Trusting God’s grace and committing to doing his will leads to a faithful and fruitful future.

What happens to pension obligations handled by Wespath if local churches or annual conferences separate from the UMC before the next General Conference? 

Click on the link below for Wespath’s responses to these questions. 

Wespath's Frequently Asked Questions

What is the General Framework for the Disaffiliation Process per ¶ 2553?

Click on the link below to view the documentation outlining the General Framework for the Disaffiliation Process per Paragraph 2553.

General Framework for the Disaffiliation Process per Paragraph 2553