|
Asbury Family,
A few weeks ago, we let you know General Conference had been postponed to 2024 and today, we want to share more information about Asbury United Methodist Church's plans for discerning our future as a body of Christ.
As many are aware, the United Methodist Church has been in conflict for many years regarding human sexuality and the understanding of scripture. Specifically, the full inclusion of LGBTQ+ persons. This has been the prominent issue, though not the only one, that has pushed our denomination towards separation. The UMC is a denomination of more than 12 million people spread across the globe, creating one of the most diverse denominations both theologically and geographically.
In November 2021, the Church Council of Asbury United Methodist Church approved the creation of a twelve-person Discernment Team to help guide the congregation through a time of exploration and information gathering to determine who we are as a church body and who we hope to be in relation to the United Methodist Church. Today, we are excited to introduce the Discernment Team to you and provide more information around their charge and processes moving forward. The Discernment Team is made up of representatives from the four committees required by the Book of Discipline (Church Council, Trustees, Finance, and Staff-Parish Relations) as well as our clergy, and four at-large members.
The Discernment Team is not a decision making body and has no ability to “decide” anything on behalf of the congregation. Their work will be provided to the Church Council and Asbury membership to prayerfully offer guidance on where Asbury’s membership stands on human sexuality and other issues.
The Discernment Team has developed a website that provides more information about the team, answers questions you may have, and will serve as a hub of information for the congregation as we begin this process together. We encourage you to spend a few minutes looking through the page and check back regularly as we add more information, resources, and ways you can engage in the process. In addition, we will be providing updates and more information as we move forward about opportunities to participate in the process.
| 
