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Hello, Asbury!
Your pastors and Asbury UMC lay delegates gathered with other delegates at the Annual Conference of the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church in Huntsville from Wednesday through Saturday of last week.
The thematic foci of the 2023 Annual Conference of the North Alabama Conference were unity, recalibration, and a commitment to discipleship and evangelism. Orthodox Christian beliefs like The Apostles’ Creed were reaffirmed. Taking the story of Jesus Christ, his grace, and his Kingdom message to the streets were highlighted in Bible study and in preaching by guest speakers over and over again.
You possibly have already heard about the discussion and voting on the sole resolution brought before the voting members of this year’s Annual Conference. It was approved by 61% of the voting members on Friday afternoon.
Let’s look at the actual resolution — starting with the “be it resolved” section first since this is where the non-binding directives are located.
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“The voting members of the North Alabama Annual Conference support the removal of all language pertaining to homosexuality from the Book of Discipline by the next General Conference…” Only General Conference can do something like this and they do not meet until April/May 2024. This statement is, in a sense, a request to the delegates of the General Conference to make such a decision.
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“We affirm a continuing commitment to honor the conscience and convictions of our individual churches and clergy, along the theological spectrum, in the appointment process, and…” This resolution supports and pledges to defend the freedom of churches and pastors to exist where they want to on the theological spectrum related to human sexuality. Even though the resolution urges the removal of all language they do not want to impose same-sex weddings on local churches and do not want a church to be forced to receive a pastoral appointment that would conflict with their theological convictions.
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“We will ‘make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace’ (Ephesians 4:3), for the glory of God.” The resolution clearly hopes to maintain unity even in disagreement.
- The fourth and final “be it resolved” requests that copies of the resolution in full be sent to various groups and agencies within the United Methodist Church.
When looking back at the “whereas” section at the start of the resolution, here is what we see:
A. Reminders about unity being underscored in Scripture.
B. Reminders that our core doctrine has not changed and will not change.
C. Reminders that we as an Annual Conference have been through a very difficult time.
D. Reminders that some churches can reach others that other churches cannot reach (and vice versa).
E. A hope that Christ can unify people who sharply disagree on human sexuality.
So, what does this mean?
The future that this resolution envisions is that the General Conference should create a way forward where each and every church and pastor is allowed to make their own decision on human sexuality in the local church. It does not support imposing theological changes upon churches and pastors.
Remember, however, a resolution is simply that - a resolution. It has no real power to change anything. Instead, it serves to give voice to the hopes and aspirations of those who voted to approve the resolution at this year’s Annual Conference.
In order to continue the conversation at Asbury UMC with these recent events in mind, I believe it's time to hold a church-wide summit. My current plan is to offer two events on Wednesday, July 12. One will be in the daytime and the other will take replace the first session of our Summer Institute. Members will be able to write questions for me (Rev. Mike Holly) to answer. More information about these summits will be available very soon.
On this coming Sunday, July 2, Pastor Michael Bowman and I (and our families) will have been with you for one year. Both of us are grateful to be a part of Asbury UMC and we are so very honored and blessed to be in ministry with you and with Pastors Robert and Maggie. I hope that you will continue to pray for the four of us, for our church family and leadership, as well as for our sister churches in the Conference at such a time as this.
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