I have been Methodist for my entire life. I haven't left the Methodist Church, the UMC left me.

It amazes me that they are actually surprised by this!

After being a UM for 27 years I left the UMC in 1978 and we are happy. The three UMC we attended have all shut their doors. No one ever got saved but the pot lucks were good. We are now non denominational and hear the word of God every week.

UMC Clergy waking up to the fact, when they split the church, the money would be walking out the door. That going forward they will be a real-estate company, selling off properties in order to pay the bills. And someone, some when, will be the last one, with the job of turning off the lights.

This has been the most difficult situation I’ve ever lived through as a Christian. I became a member of the UMC upon marriage. I was raised as a Southern Baptist. We raised our children in the UM church. Upon volunteering so much our church created a position for me as a Children’s Minister, a first for our church. After 24 years I’ve seen and heard things that I never would have believed could ever happen within the sanctified walls of a church. I’ve shared pews with people whom I’ve loved like family only to realize that we were so far apart on our beliefs and interpretations of the scriptures that I’ve questioned how we ever ended up in the same church to begin with. I, like so many, am broken, disheartened and (frankly) disgusted at the acts of pure satanism and the words of justification which followed those actions that I’m ashamed to have ever been affiliated with them. Our churches, families and country have lost their moral compass and are in dire need of not just prayer but an exodus from anything remotely resembling those who “proudly” call themselves Christians within the context of United Methodism.

I’m not Methodist, but when emphasis on “wokeness”replaces the God inspired scripture and the truths (hard truths required when we take to heart the death and resurrection of Jesus) contained therein, God will hold the church to account. And this goes for ANY church who chooses this path.

I'm there & walking away. Who needs this conflict? I go to another church.

I was a Methodist for 62 years. I walked away and never looked back. I attend a non denominational church

Decades ago the Seminary profs started the decline by demeaning Scripture. The Bishops up until this very day continued "adding to and taking away" by imposing their liberal sinful opinions and feelings. They are the root cause of the problems.

The Bible distinction between clergy and laity has been grossly exaggerated. Put yourself on a pedestal and your people will take away the ladder.

It’s not far left, it’s pagan

We left our church, our “council” voted to not let us have a voice or a vote. I cannot understand what they think they are accomplishing, other than destroying the church. Hope it was worth it!!!!

When I voiced my concerns I was told. "Perhaps God is telling you to find a new church?" OK.

It's just ridiculous how clueless these ministers are, as well as the bishops. I walked away and have never been happier...

I was raised Lutheran, then switched to an Evangelical non-denom church in my 20's. But now Evangelical churches are more like a rock concert or nightclub in thier "worship". So now I'm investigating Eastern Orthodoxy. Talk about a culture shock! But so far, I'm loving it.

After 22 yrs I went to a GMC and am Happy, Happy...

Life long Methodist from a Multi generational Methodist family. Core members of our local church and the leftward drift has fragmented us into different denominations. Even the GMC is starting off on a bad foot. Uncomfortable, but important truth, female Clergy are the root cause of the woke rot. Every denomination that has embraced female clergy has suffered the same fate. Major left ward drift, fragmentation, and higher than average congregational loss. The GMC needs to be clear that they put faith over feelings and honor the scriptures.

Jeff, thank you for your work in continuing to cover these developments. As a Baptist pastor it is alarming to see the same influences and voices in our churches who want to follow along the path that UMC and others have taken. May the Lord bless you and the GMC pastors as you work to restore the authority of Scripture in your congregations.

I didn’t go back after COVID. Hubs saw the handwriting on the wall long before I. We’re both 3rd (or more) generation Methodists and are appalled by the evil that has overcome the UMC.

Go WOKE, go BROKE! Wake up UM!!

Your title should read UMC dismayed that people are following God’s word.

As a neutral observer, I’ve noticed over the years that any church, of any denomination, that starts placing women in leadership roles eventually and inevitably goes leftward and secularist. I don’t think this is because women are inherently unqualified to lead (although I do believe feminine leadership in general lends itself less to taking hard stands on principle that might be perceived as unfair or discriminatory), but because once that accommodation is made to suit the culture, such accommodations become easier and easier.

Why is the UM clergy dismayed by people walking away. It shouldn't be a surprise. The society and world we live in, that should be expected.

I am in the west Ohio conference UMC. Back in the 90's our liberal bishop had a day apart with new ordinances. During q & a I asked what responsibility she would accept fur the steep decline in membership. She said none. She then said we are going to do what's right even if it costs us every member we have. The chickens have come home to roost. Very sad. I'm a lifelong brokenhearted Methodist..thanks. Frank.

I have walked away after 40+ years in the UMC. Directly because of what they did/said and how they did it at the conference. There has been no conversation about this at our church before or after the conference. I feel like I have been kicked out of my denomination.

My husband was a UM all his life, but when we got married it was very difficult for me to be a part of a church that was so liberal. The straw that broke the camel's back was a new minister just out of seminary that stated FROM THE PULPIT every Scripture he didn’t believe in. This was in 1988, and, along with their belief in abortion, caused me to leave. My husband reluctantly left also. He was told when the minister visited him that "9 million people can't be wrong." Well, they were, and still are!!

How very interesting!! Although the minister of the church I attend isn't moving, I wrote him a letter last week, detailing several points that reinforce my need to walk away. Basically, I invited him to purge my name from the roll after explaining that I could no longer support the UMC because it has changed - I have not. I'm still wondering what the future looks like, and whether the remaining members will need to pledge allegiance to the new UMC - I cannot. Last Sunday, a survey was taken - consisting of about 5 questions of varying degree as to whether we thought what was done in General Conference was right, and whether we would take action because of it. I don't know how the results will be used or it they will be made public. I don't know if this was handed down from the bishops or unique to my former church. One of my main points is that the UMC is onboard with LGBTQ+ philosophies, even though the "B" in that acronym relates to people who, by their own admission, will never be faithful to one partner or spouse or whatever. I asked if we would eventually also celebrate adultery or the marriage of fathers to daughters, mothers to sons, or people to animals. Imagine "Adultery Pride Month". It's not that far from where the UMC is now!

Clergy “looking down” on the laity is simply astonishing. Who do they serve? Why are they there?

I agree that some bishops are sometimes completely clueless to the damage they've done. 2 personal examples. 1. I was on Church planting committee, (Congregational Development) in Cal-Pac. We had a church plant that was growing until the Bishop decided to get arrested while protesting, at the nuclear power plant where many of the influential members of the church plant worked. The church plant was shut down a few months later as all the money and leadership walked away. 2. After the December 2, 2015 terrorist attack happened in San Bernardino, I was serving the closest mainline church to the site of the attack. The next day, I put together a candlelight vigil and worship service that the press showed up for. I invited 7 other UMC pastors and the bishop to come and take part, with 5 of us preaching mini-sermons and the bishop closing the messages. The theme was moving from darkness and grief to being beacons of light. Everyone did great preaching 3-5 minute messages tied to the them in that order. Then the bishop got up and preached a 20 minute sermon on... Gun Control... Two Islamic terrorist had killed 14, wounded 22 at a county administration Christmas party, tried to blow up the building, and she preached on needing more gun control. That night, someone tried to light our church on fire, and we lost a portion of our chapel roof.

The UMC left the Bible. It decided it knows better than God. That they had people who are loyal to God and his Word rather than the whims of the moment surprises them. They are angry at the people for following the Bible rather than "leaders". Oh, and it's not about "tradition"- it's about God and His Word.

A very large local UM church in my region has recently removed all references to UM from their marquee, literature, and website. The points you make are the reason why.

Left our UMC after 60 years of membership. Had held several leadership positions, was the tech person and taught Sunday school for over 40 years. But new pastor and the direction the UMC was heading we were lead to leave in January 2023. Now attending a larger church and am very happy. Joined a Sunday school class the first week at new church. This was key to making new friends.

My sister was part of the UMC. After being there more than 20 years the church hired an active Gay youth pastor. She stayed for a few more years. She was heartbroken at what they have become. Of course she is gone now.

As the far left denies God, you cannot be Christian and far left.

20 years ago a Methodist bishop told me his sole purpose was to love evil, and that loving good was pointless. It’s taken this long for the masses to begin to understand who rules the Methodist church and who it serves.

Change of Pastors is a good time to make a break. I did it myself 35 years ago.

Been watching people walk away from the Methodists, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, etc. for over 60 years. It has been a snowball rolling down the hill phenomenon. On the other hand, the real Church, the Body of Believers (those having faith in Christ) is growing all over the world. That Church is not using the institutional church as its model. It is functioning 24/7 with fellowship, worship, study, missions, etc. You might even find it function at the counter of your favorite fastfood restaurant, or at the bedside in a hospital, or virtually anywhere. We don't need the denominations, they are clutter. We need the Holy Spirit engaging us, and in this God is grasping millions around the world.

Leadership in NO WAY”finds” itself in the predicament. It is ENTIRELY of their own making.

When your “church” conforms to the world, it offers no salvation. Much like the parable of the vine and branches… the UMC abided more in the world than The Word, and is now experiencing pruning.

A couple years ago, we moved to a different region of the country and attended a UMC church that a relative attended until things settled down from the move. I learned a few things about the church in that time as I interacted with the congregation and staff. 1. The pastor perceived the church as very inclusive and a place where ANYBODY would be accepted and feel like they belong. 2. Meanwhile the congregation gave one or both of these as the overwhelming reason they attended this church. a) To be with people who were just like them. Specifically, they cited their life stage (most were 20 or 30-somethings) and political beliefs (which were specifically far left) b) To be at a church that is so outspoken in support of leftist ideals and causes. 3. The congregation was totally in the dark about the number of people and churches leaving UMC.

Chickens are coming home to roost.

When I was laity I definitely felt the ire and disdain. As I moved into clergy, I determined that I would never do that. It sickens me how clergy will "other" laity. They are the backbone of the church, and they are partners in ministry (not volunteers).

I left the UMC and took my wallet with me

I walked away from our local UMC along with my mother and sister. This was my mothers church for 70 years. The lay preacher seemed as though she looked down on the congregation.

The actions of the UMC are having consequences for other Christian organizations, as well. I'm a speaker in the Gideons International who no longer feels that I can deliver a message to UMC churches because they have strayed so far from Biblical truth. I know that I'm not the only one who feels this way.

I see my UM friend walking on a local pathway almost daily. He is distraught. His church didn't leave when they had a chance now the future looks bleak. Their female pastor has committed not to perform same-sex marriages. I gently told him about TEC in the '80s and '90s and how EVERYTHING changed.

I seen this heading south many years ago. Remember the TV commercial, something like "Open hearts, open minds, open doors". No mention of Jesus, God, Christ, Bible...

My church membership was with a Methodist Church from early 1980s until 2006 and had to depart because United Methodism proudly marched away from The Word presented in Bible!

The whole convention was a stacked deck

Well articulate truth. Warnings were ignored, families divided, now empty churches will be sold off, dreams of elderly members smashed to pieces, all for worship of Ideology.

Well said. Please keep up the good work - you are my chief and most trusted source for what is going on. Before ministry I was a counterintelligence agent and did over 3500 interviews and interrogations and received a lot of training in body language adn statement analysis. Based on my training and experience I believe that you are honest and sincere and I trust what you have to say. Unfortunately, the leaders of the UMC I encountered in ministry demonstrated far too many indicators of deception (according to my training,) for my comfort. It was interesting that you mentioned the Episcopal Church. We tried the Episcopal Church after leaving the Methodist, briefly. When my wife and I both left ministry, one of the deciding factors was taking care of my mom who could no longer care for herself - the UMC refused to move me to a church in her home town so I could help care for her - but before we both went to seminary at Saint Paul in KC my wife was Catholic (raised Methodist and went to Catholic as adult - her Mom was UMC her dad was Catholic). But when we needed a church home we started attending the Episcopal Church (after all Wesley was Anglican and it reminded her of her Catholic disciplines.) Then the Episcopal Church started going down the same path we had seen the UMC starting to move down. We were very disappointed. We even started attending a very evangelical church our friends attended - they hated the word "sacrament" and had other idiosyncrasies that caused us problems but we had friends there so we went. I made friends with many in the choir and the choir director and thought about joining the choir. Then the church fired their choir director because she was a woman and they wanted only men leading worship (they thought it was more "Biblical" - I have explained my views on that Pauline exegesis in another post - but I was not pleased. Then at the same time the Pastor gave sermons about giving money for a new educational wing and he used some really flakey exegesis to manipulate emotions and both that and the choir director situation - at the same time my son was asking questions in their Sunday school and told to "just obey" and accept their view - they couldn't even misquote scripture to defend their positions - very disappointing for a church that insisted the believed everything to be literally true. They just wanted obedience. We were excited when the GMC first formed but I am very very concerned that they have brought the seeds of the same sickness with them when they moved. Some of your detractors have convinced me my caution is justified - although your interviews with the Bishops last year were very encouraging. They were wonderful interviews. Again, you are the most trustworthy source I have found and I trust you to always be honest and attempt fairness. It is a high bar but I have watched for a long time and you have always met it. You are a good and faithful servant IMHO. I wanted to say that because some of my posts may have sounded overly critical - if they were it is because I have developed high expectations of you. Your analysis in this episode was spot on again and again.

I'm a Baptist, but it breaks my heart to see the UMC destroy itself like this. I heard what happened at the 2024 conference and was disgusted that a church would blatantly turn against what God had put in His Word. I hope the alienated members can find a home either with a GMC or perhaps at a church like mine.

Years ago I read an article that claimed that only 22% of UMC clergy believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God. When you don't profess a belief in what is supposed to be the source of your church doctrine and core beliefs, then your actions start demonstrating that lack of belief, why are you surprised at people who do believe when they turn their backs on you?

Not just walking away but hurting their faith. What did Wesley say about doing no harm?

Was a Methodist (husband was elder) and now we are delighted to be in an Anglican (ACNA) parish where my spouse is our priest.

The title of this video should be; UM parishioners dismayed at the UM church leaving the biblical truths.

It's hard for me to understand how a supposedly well educated pastor doesn't understand what's happening. Perhaps it's more a willful blindness than a real lack of understanding. "I don't want it to be this way, so it must be something else."

I was very disappointed in the elitist (and woke) attitudes of far to many in the UMC clergy. The people in the pews are good and faithful but they have, for decades, had too many pastors that viewed them as simplistic and unedjimicated...I have spoken of some of my instructors, DS's and others I clashed with. These comments taking the resignations "personally" are a case in point. "Why would they do that to the new pastor?" Excuse me. Wasn't everyone told to "just wait until General Conference and don't do anything rash." ? Did they stop to think that after annual and General conferences that a lot of new pastors would be in place thanks to their "fruitbasket upset" way of doing things? When they tried to move me to a church that wouldn't pay my bills at the same time my wife could no longer minister due to complications with pregnancy (that and many other factors annoyed me.) Every family in my parish wrote a letter to the DS - I didn't find this out until later when the head of the PPR came and said he thought they would change their mind after the letter writing campaign - to tell about how I had made a difference in their family during a crisis or in their Biblical understanding adn faith walk. I honestly believe that the showing of support my parishioners gave only convinced the hierarchy that I was a problem. For some reason there were some people/pastors/DS's that made up lies about me. I brought a friend a Doctor Pepper liter because a retreat center only had Pepsi adn neither of us liked Pepsi. I was joking with him and brought it to him in my coat. "Hey man, I got us the good stuff." and opened my coat and gave him one of the Dr. Peppers. - The next day I was formally accused of bringing in alcohol to the retreat center and they tried to refer me to alcohol counseling. The truth was irrelevant. Of course I dienied it - guilty people always say their innocent. What passed for an investigation - especially given my investigative background - was pathetic and ranked up their with the trial of Jesus. At least the church was consistent. If it was only be the UMC did this railroading with I would consider it a "me" problem but I know at least 5 pastors I counseled personally who went through the same thing. They were ALL evengelical or "overly" biblical in their outlook. I never sought out these pastors, they came to me because (according to them,) I spoke from my heart, was not afraid to speak "truth to power," and I had a heart for God. (I am more and more coming to the belief that this makes me unsuitable to serve in any church - because, as Hegel once said, religions are created by man not God. He went on to say that they were man's best attempt to be true to the image of the Living God they had encountered but he preferred to cut out the middle man. I vieew that as dangerous because we are all prone to error. That's one reason I watch you. For your measured and carerul analysis. I guess I was naive and thought all people sought truth and were ready to discuss their views based on scripture but they were too often not. (you would think I would have known better after reading about the wandering for 30 years in the desert but I don't.) Again and again I counseled Pastors who were fed up and leaving, most treated for depression - not because ministry is hard, although it is - but because of the idiological pressure to conform placed on them by the hierarchy. They thought they could be themselves with their congregations but they had to be someone else to make the hierarchy of the UMC happy. They all came to me because I have a diverse cognitive development that makes me tend to not realize when I am stepping on sacred (or heretical cows,) or otherwise speaking politically incorrectly. One thing that made me a good investigator, and I believe pastor, was my ability to see things others could not. Sorry for making this so much about my experiences. I just wanted to say you had more good analysis but the lack of "personal awareness" of the UMC clergy and hierarchy has been staggering for me. Isn't methodism about doing that fearless self analysis each night before retiring?

Same thing happened when I was Episcopal. Converted to Eastern Orthodoxy.

Does this fit what the UMC has done? “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit.” ‭‭Jude‬ ‭1‬:‭18‬-‭19‬ ‭ESV‬

The sheep are being separated from the goats. Those who take the mark of the beast will be the final separation before Christ returns.

Fundamental Biblical morality is not up for a vote, even by clergy!

I grew up the UMC in the 80s & 90s. The church that I remember was dedicated to rigorous examination of scripture and to serving the community in the name of Christ. Now it seems they are more interested in following the worst aspects of popular culture (i.e. the values of the World) rather than following the teachings of Christ. When Methodist preachers started getting up to preach robed in a flag that celebrates the sin of Pride as well as pederasty, I knew I could no longer associate with them. This is sad, and I hate to see a community of faith unravel like this, but honest Christians have to decide if they will follow Christ, or a church organization that not only tolerates, but indeed celebrates sin.

Any church that will not CONFRONT sin, will eventually end up CONFORMING to sin. And you can take that to the bank.

Pastors and churches which still believe and preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified, risen again and coming back to rule and reign are not usually among the declining. What is often ignored is that the culture has changed: church membership and attendance as a form of “virtue signaling” no longer functions. On the whole, that’s probably a good thing - less dishonesty in the organized church.

Jeffrey is spot on, but I still feel for many of the pastors in the UMC system, many of whom are in a horrible situation. The system failed them too.

I left in 2020 after a 20 year journey…you hit the nail on the head…it’s the seminaries which teach a modernist, secular, materialist, and humanist philosophy…they do not have a supernatural faith…I invite you all to cross the Tiber and come home to the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I was baptized as an infant in a Methodist church in Philadelphia. As an adult, I just didn't hear the Gospel nor Biblical Truth anymore... In 1992, I was baptized in a Baptist church in Denison. I pains my soul to see what liberal theology has done to once strong denominations...

It is not just Methodism. It seems, these days, that many expressions of faith have abandoned their flocks to pander to the flavor of the month, social jusctice, rainbow, and other crowds. Come and pray with us, but do not expect us to celebrate you.

The pastors don't realize that information trickles down. The laity are just finding out what happened at umc general conference. Why they "waited" for the new pastor is a myopic position by those clergy who can't understand this iceberg tip of ppl leaving

I was a volunteer organist in a UMC church for a year. A new totally woke pastor combined with the "talking points" she was instructed to use to persuade the policy changes weren't "all that drastic". Enough lies for me. Use your recorded contemporary garage band music.

I am of a different denomination; but watching the same thing evolve in my own church, the church I was baptized in truly no longer exists, they are ordaining a female pastor (the pastors wife) October 30... and I will resign from the church that day. The women are pushing "acceptance" of abominations... sorry no. And for tithes and offerings... I now give directly to people in need, a couple publications I still support, but I will not be helping to announce the "New Pastor" with a $68,000 sign like they plan...

We walked out when we saw the writing on the wall a few years ago AND found a BIBLE based MO Synod Lutheran church that holds God's truths regarding human sexuality.

As a child I grew up with my dad attending the Methodist church and my mom the catholic church. Four kids and the three oldest started catholic schools. So us kids mostly attended the Catholic Church. In my early 20s I started attending the UMC churches after not really going to either for several years. Fast forward to my getting married and we raised our kids in the UMC. I to feel the church left us, not the other way around. I have stopped all of my financial donations to the UMC and will never go back. Struggling to find a church now… probably going back to the Catholic Church

Interestingly enough, I will likely leave the UMC because my pastor is ignoring the General Conference action and running the church as an evangelical organization.

Most churches do the same thing every Sunday, this becomes a ritual ( an act performed over and over in a religious service). There’s no life in this, and God cannot move amongst His people.

Raised methodist was on the church board. I left as the church moved more left. Still a believer but no longer have a church home.

All those beautiful buildings in almost every small town. Costly to maintain even with a large congregation.

I told my wife that after the convention, I am so glad we (our church) got out. I do feel for those in churches that couldn't afford to get out. We have added several new members, many coming from UMC churches.

I grew up in the United Methodist church. They sponsored my Boy Scout Troop, which was one of the best experiences of my life and for which I am very grateful. Except for that, though, the church never did anything to make me feel like they cared about me. I stopped attending when I was 13 years old. Not one person from the church called me or expressed any concern for me. I started attending again when I was 15 and stopped when I was 16. Again, total silence. Not a letter, phone call, nothing. I wasn't worth 5 minutes of the Pastor or Youth Director's time. My mother was a lay person and served her church faithfully her whole life. The last 8 years of her life, she was homebound and could not attend. Not once did anyone from her church stop by and visit her. Not one visit in 8 years. My aunt had the same experience. Her house was literally within walking distance of the United Methodist church that she had served as a lay person for over 60 years. But when she was elderly and homebound, and no longer able to be used by them, they pretended she didn't exist. Spare me the crocodile tears. The United Methodist church is reaping what it sowed.

The large white UMC church near me was sold, demolished and is being replaced by a retirement community. It’s a shame

What are all the sins that are an abomination to God. How many does any church focus on. How many sinners enter every church, and how many believe their sins will be forgiven, but not thise other people. Lastly, how many sins are unforgivable.

I saw a video from a Methodist church in Palm Springs where congregants and the Pastor took turns saying, "We say Gay". Not Christ died for your sins or a myriad of other things.

Maybe Christians are looking at a more traditional church experience with the lords supper every week like the early church

The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod dealt with this in the 1974 with the Seminex walkout. The ones attempting to bring this philosophy into the Synod were told no. Leaders were removed from positions, and it was stopped. The LCMS hilds strictly to the Augsburg Confession, Creeds of the early church, and the principles: By Grace Alone, By Faith Alone, By Scripture Alone. We will gladly welcome you.

What were they thinking ? What did they expect ?

All should. “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.” (2Tim 2:19)

our local UM church had a vote to stay in the United Methodist congregation and half their membership has stopped attending. It is soooo sad to see the once full parking lot on Sundays now mostly empty.

I went to a UMC Sunday service nearly 40 years ago. The course for what we see now was already laid in. I almost walked out. But I decided this was another church that I would never join. As a follower of Jesus Christ, I could not in good conscience align with this group.

I grew up in the United Methodist Church back in the 60's. By the mid-70's id seen enough hypocrisy to turn away from them. Funny thing is, I NEVER heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ, only mealy-mouthed sermons describing a god who can't be found in the Bible unless you delete his judgments and holiness. It took a trial so bad the only comfort I found was in reading the Bible for myself and asking God to prove he was who it says he is. HE DID!!! I've been Jesus' ever since 😊

Yes, it is happening. There really wasn't much time between the end of General Conference and the assignment of new clergy for real discussion to happen. So it will happen with incoming pastors.

Not as dismayed as Christians faithful to the God of the Bible, & that one & only Jesus are to see all the UMC blasphemy!!!!!

Perhaps this is the Bud light moment for the United Methodist.

The reformed Baptist church in my town has several new members that would say they are Methodist. They just enjoy the preacher preaching the Bible more than they care about denomination. That’s what I was told in conversation at the 2nd Sunday potluck. Nothing brings us together like unabashed Gospel and fried chicken.

My understanding is that the United Methodist Church used to be a Christian church. Right?

UMC Clergy is utterly tone deaf. They go to Seminary and they do not learn scripture. It is pathetic and disgusting.

They voted to violate Scripture. What did they expect?

Nobody and you’re not. A succinctly true statement.

I am in my late 40s, and was raised in the United Church of Christ. Watching this video about the UM denomination and, from my experience in the UCC, there is part of me that thinks, 'OMG......this is sooooooo 1985.....' And it is not meant as a criticism, really, just that the UCC may well be a lot further along a path of disintegration and demographic decline. Going back to when the UCC was formed in the late 1950s, if the UCC membership numbers had simply kept up with overall national population growth, the current membership would be more like 4 million instead of 800,000.

The United Methodist Church -- When finding your identity in Christ just isn't good enough.