Audio Recording: March 5 Congregational Meeting

 

Remaining a United Methodist Congregation

On March 5, an informational meeting was called in order to hear a presentation about what would entail remaining a United Methodist congregation. The presenter was our district superintendent, the Rev. John Hice.

You may read the written notes of the March 5 meeting.

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Please read the content below before listening to the recording.

Due to unforseen technical problems, we were unable to video record the meeting. At the bottom of the page is an audio recording made with a phone, which means the quality is not as good as it usually is. This recording was edited so that the output volume (what you hear) is as high as possible without making it too difficult to understand what is being said.

The recording begins shortly after the first question was asked from the audience. Below is the summary of Rev. John Hice’s opening statements not included in the recording (summary provided by Rev. Hice).

1. The Methodist Movement since John Wesley has been intentionally non-confessional. In the words of Wesley, “As to essentials we hold firm; as to opinions we think and let-think.” Rather than constructing an exhaustive doctrine or catechism with very specific questions with rigid answers which all members in good standing are expected to embrace, we have encouraged discussion, study, new discoveries and insights, and debate for many theological, scriptural, and ministry issues. This, we have believed, challenges us to grow in our faith and sharpen our thinking as we engage in the quest to be ever-more Christlike – “go on to perfection.” The United Methodist Church of the future is likely to continue in this non-confessional approach.
2. United Methodists tend to be moderates We have members and leaders and teachers that range across the conservative to progressive continuum, most of us (80%, at the last measured study I have encountered) tend to hover near the center where we might be right or left of center, but be compatible with those who think differently. Only about 10% of those at the extreme ends are not tolerant with those who disagree with them.

Note: At the 45:16 minute mark, Rev. Hice is giving his answer to the question, “If a church decided to disaffiliate after [December 31, 2023], any idea what the rules are?” (the volume of the question was too low to include in this recording)