Understanding Where We Are and How We Got Here

We would like to share this informative video of a Chapin United Methodist Church congregational meeting held on March 20th of this year. The meeting was about the potential split of the United Methodist Church and was facilitated by Reverend Jody Flowers, Senior Pastor of Chapin UMC in Chapin, S.C.

We are sharing this video because we understand there is much confusion surrounding the challenges facing the United Methodist Church. Reverend Flowers does an excellent job breaking down the these issues to create a better understanding of our past and how we arrived at where we are today.

The presentation was divided into three main parts, and we have provided the links to each section. To view the entire video, which is approximately one hour in length, click here.

To view by section, click on the links below:

1. Introduction and brief history of the UMC. (Length: 7:46)
2. Where are we? The current state of the UMC and the challenges that we face as a denomination. (Length: 5:39)
3. How did we get to where we are? This section highlights the theological changes that are occurring in the UMC, educates about the issues around adherence to the UMC Book of Discipline, and addresses the LGBTQ issue as it impacts the UMC. There is also Rev. Flower’s explanation as to why it has become necessary for the traditional churches to leave the UMC if they want to remain a theologically traditional church. (Length: 16:49)
4. Where do we want to be? This is an overview of the direction of Chapin UMC and information about the process to leave the UMC. (Length: 11:59)

Note: In the “Where do we want to be?” section, Rev. Flowers talked about the meeting of the Judicial Council. The purpose of the meeting was to determine if Annual Conferences would be allowed to exit the UMC unilaterally. The decision was made on May 10th by the Judicial Council that entire Annual Conferences will NOT be allowed to leave the denomination.

5. Closing comments and prayer. Rev. Flowers encourages everyone to be in prayer and to trust in God as we work through the process. (Length: 4:35)

We are grateful that Rev. Flowers has allowed us to share the video with you.

FYI: Chapin UMC is the eighth largest church in regard to giving/apportionments in the SC Annual Conference. As a point of reference, Buncombe Street UMC is the second largest in giving/apportionments in the SC Annual Conference.