Jason, tears filled my eyes as I read your well-articulated understanding of what so many pastors are experiencing right now! I am a retired UMC pastor (2021) in the Cal Nevada conference. growing up Catholic, I found myself disillusioned with the church and at 17 left the church. I spent the next seven years dabbling in New Age and eventually found my way back to a Relationship with Jesus, but not necessarily to the church. it took several years after I accepted Christ as my savior that I would walk through the doors of a church and join a community of believers. I was still teaching at the time and never imagined that I would be challenged with the choice of saying yes to God and to a call to ministry in the United Methodist Church or denying that call and continue teaching in the career that I so deeply loved. after struggling for three years and some excellent guidance from the pastor of the church I was attending, I did say yes, attended Fuller theological seminary, went through the arduous process with the district committee on ordain ministry, and then ultimately the board of ordain ministry, and was finally ordained in 2003.
Watching the ultimate breakdown of the denomination to which I was called, and the pain it has inflicted on so many of my colleagues, it sickens me to hear about and watch the lack of compassion and sensitivity I have seen from the “leadership” in our denomination.
I’m so sorry that you have been caught in the middle and have been put in what appears to be a lose/lose situation.
I truly believe that God will richly bless your faithfulness to your people as their shepherd!
there certainly is no easy choice or answer to the situation In which you have found yourself. But I cling to the passage in Romans, 8:28-“ And we KNOW that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and our called according to his purpose for them.”
I will pray for you, Jason as you continue to discern the direction to which God has called you proverbs four verse 25 says “fix your eyes on what lies before you.” I pray that knowing God goes before the “before you,” brings the perseverence and tenacity to keep you on the path to which you have been called!🙏
I love the Romans passage - definitely one that has sustained me! Thanks so much for your prayers! And thanks for sharing - it's amazing how although all of our stories are unique, there are commonalities in God's calling that we all experience. I definitely need that perseverance for which you pray. As do we all, I'm certain!
Jason I feel your pain and have contact with other pastors in a similar situation to yours. It has been hard for me to go through this process as a lay person and I can only imagine how hard it is for a dedicated pastor. I think there will be reconciliation of a sort in the end of all this reorganization. I know very little about the hierarchy of the church, but I think there is a crack in the doorway so that reentry and a continuing path is possible. Change is inevitable and often not without pain. I wish this was all black or white, but as usual, it is not. Hopefully your perfect answer will come to you with an undeniable result. But if not, know that God fixes things even when we get them wrong. God makes things right.
Rev. Smith, I appreciate your devotion and sensitivity to your calling, but it seems like you are increasingly realizing that your calling is to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His church, not to a specific denomination. I applaud your efforts and desire to serve in extension ministry and minimize the destructive tendencies of the UMC hierarchy and institutionalists, but as you are experiencing, their actions do not mirror their words. My Methodist heritage goes back at least as far as the 1790's, to a Methodist pastor in North Carolina. I myself have been a member of only one Methodist church, even though I have been active in other Methodist churches in other places during other phases of my life. My local congregation has been a part of four Methodist denominations, founded under the MECS, then The Methodist Church, then the UMC, and now we remain firmly committed to our Methodist heritage and beliefs as a part of the GMC. I, and we, did not leave the United Methodist Church, rather, over a period of decades, slowly and then more rapidly, the institution left us behind in its eagerness to embrace the world and its ways to the detriment of the faith and the faithful. May God bless you and your family in the choices you make and in your continued ministry.
Thank you so much for these words! Yes, I am realizing a lot, but I refuse to equate the actions of a few with the will of the many. There are so many wonderful people in the UMC, and I still love many of them dearly. I still have hope for it, but even if that hope proves futile, I feel called to shine light on the actions of the few that I believe are destroying this denomination. Thanks again for your encouragement and prayers.
Our pastor also struggled with leaving the UMC. God has blessed our church. Praying that you continue to listen and follow God's call. Faithfulness in listening to God and following Him will bring you joy and peace.
Thanks, Norma! I have been and will continue to be praying for God to show me the path. I already know some wonderful clergy in our area who are now with the GMC!
Pastor Jason, We hope you know you have our support either way you chose. Your support for this church has changed so many lives for the better, thank you, you have been a blessing.
Jason, your words have touched me deeply. I can’t imagine what you, and others in your position, have had to endure throughout the disaffiliating process. I greatly admire your courage and commitment to both UMC and to our Piney Grove families. Thank you so much for your depth of love and support! May God continue to lead and guide you in all aspects of your life.
If I have done anything positive, it's definitely Christ within me, and for that I praise God! I continue to learn so much from my Piney Grove family, as God calls me into being better than I certainly am on my own! Thank you so much for your continued prayers and support, Wendy Jo!!
Jason, tears filled my eyes as I read your well-articulated understanding of what so many pastors are experiencing right now! I am a retired UMC pastor (2021) in the Cal Nevada conference. growing up Catholic, I found myself disillusioned with the church and at 17 left the church. I spent the next seven years dabbling in New Age and eventually found my way back to a Relationship with Jesus, but not necessarily to the church. it took several years after I accepted Christ as my savior that I would walk through the doors of a church and join a community of believers. I was still teaching at the time and never imagined that I would be challenged with the choice of saying yes to God and to a call to ministry in the United Methodist Church or denying that call and continue teaching in the career that I so deeply loved. after struggling for three years and some excellent guidance from the pastor of the church I was attending, I did say yes, attended Fuller theological seminary, went through the arduous process with the district committee on ordain ministry, and then ultimately the board of ordain ministry, and was finally ordained in 2003.
Watching the ultimate breakdown of the denomination to which I was called, and the pain it has inflicted on so many of my colleagues, it sickens me to hear about and watch the lack of compassion and sensitivity I have seen from the “leadership” in our denomination.
I’m so sorry that you have been caught in the middle and have been put in what appears to be a lose/lose situation.
I truly believe that God will richly bless your faithfulness to your people as their shepherd!
there certainly is no easy choice or answer to the situation In which you have found yourself. But I cling to the passage in Romans, 8:28-“ And we KNOW that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and our called according to his purpose for them.”
I will pray for you, Jason as you continue to discern the direction to which God has called you proverbs four verse 25 says “fix your eyes on what lies before you.” I pray that knowing God goes before the “before you,” brings the perseverence and tenacity to keep you on the path to which you have been called!🙏
I love the Romans passage - definitely one that has sustained me! Thanks so much for your prayers! And thanks for sharing - it's amazing how although all of our stories are unique, there are commonalities in God's calling that we all experience. I definitely need that perseverance for which you pray. As do we all, I'm certain!
Thank you for your support. Either way you would had chose i would have supported you. You have always been there for us. God Bless you Pastor Jason
I have no doubt! I am so grateful for your and all of Piney Grove's support!
Very Well Written !!! Just Brilliant !! We’ll be continuing with you in prayer and See What happens . I Appreciate You and your Service to God .
Thank you so much, Sylvia! And appreciate all your prayers!
Jason I feel your pain and have contact with other pastors in a similar situation to yours. It has been hard for me to go through this process as a lay person and I can only imagine how hard it is for a dedicated pastor. I think there will be reconciliation of a sort in the end of all this reorganization. I know very little about the hierarchy of the church, but I think there is a crack in the doorway so that reentry and a continuing path is possible. Change is inevitable and often not without pain. I wish this was all black or white, but as usual, it is not. Hopefully your perfect answer will come to you with an undeniable result. But if not, know that God fixes things even when we get them wrong. God makes things right.
Thank you so much Lynn! You and Bill are so amazing, and I am grateful for your words, encouragement and prayers!
Rev. Smith, I appreciate your devotion and sensitivity to your calling, but it seems like you are increasingly realizing that your calling is to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His church, not to a specific denomination. I applaud your efforts and desire to serve in extension ministry and minimize the destructive tendencies of the UMC hierarchy and institutionalists, but as you are experiencing, their actions do not mirror their words. My Methodist heritage goes back at least as far as the 1790's, to a Methodist pastor in North Carolina. I myself have been a member of only one Methodist church, even though I have been active in other Methodist churches in other places during other phases of my life. My local congregation has been a part of four Methodist denominations, founded under the MECS, then The Methodist Church, then the UMC, and now we remain firmly committed to our Methodist heritage and beliefs as a part of the GMC. I, and we, did not leave the United Methodist Church, rather, over a period of decades, slowly and then more rapidly, the institution left us behind in its eagerness to embrace the world and its ways to the detriment of the faith and the faithful. May God bless you and your family in the choices you make and in your continued ministry.
Thank you so much for these words! Yes, I am realizing a lot, but I refuse to equate the actions of a few with the will of the many. There are so many wonderful people in the UMC, and I still love many of them dearly. I still have hope for it, but even if that hope proves futile, I feel called to shine light on the actions of the few that I believe are destroying this denomination. Thanks again for your encouragement and prayers.
Our pastor also struggled with leaving the UMC. God has blessed our church. Praying that you continue to listen and follow God's call. Faithfulness in listening to God and following Him will bring you joy and peace.
Thank you, Betty! I couldn't agree more - trying to continue to listen!
Jason,
Please prayerfully consider pursing ordination in the Global Methodist Church. Could it be where God is calling you?
Thanks, Norma! I have been and will continue to be praying for God to show me the path. I already know some wonderful clergy in our area who are now with the GMC!
Jason, you are in my prayers. I admire you for following God's directions in this. You are a blessing to Piney Grove!
Thanks so much, Dale! I cherish your and Tim's friendship!
Pastor Jason, We hope you know you have our support either way you chose. Your support for this church has changed so many lives for the better, thank you, you have been a blessing.
I am exceedingly more blessed by you all! Thank you Joel & Patti Jo for your prayers and enduring support which undoubtedly sustains me!
Jason, your words have touched me deeply. I can’t imagine what you, and others in your position, have had to endure throughout the disaffiliating process. I greatly admire your courage and commitment to both UMC and to our Piney Grove families. Thank you so much for your depth of love and support! May God continue to lead and guide you in all aspects of your life.
If I have done anything positive, it's definitely Christ within me, and for that I praise God! I continue to learn so much from my Piney Grove family, as God calls me into being better than I certainly am on my own! Thank you so much for your continued prayers and support, Wendy Jo!!