6 Comments
User's avatar
Cheryl S. Brillhart's avatar

Jason, I continue to hold you up in prayer. As I read your latest paper I pictured the pharacies of Jesus’ time. The UMC is really turning their back on Biblical teachings and I don’t understand it!! What else do you base your faith on? God has a definite plan for you, Jason, and it seems that He is guiding you to that path. Stay true to what you know to be the right way - the pharmacies of Jesus’ day and the ones I labeled as such from present day never carried love, kindness, or the holiness of our Lord in their hearts!

Put on the armour of God and stand firm!

We love you!

Cheryl & Rick

Expand full comment
Sylvia Reeves's avatar

It’s all so sad and all so unfair . I encourage you to keep Going where God leads you . Have Faith and Trust in God Above All and He Will lead You in Paths of Righteousness Always .

Expand full comment
Jason E. B. Smith's avatar

Thank you so much, Sylvia! Your continued prayers and support mean the world to me!!

Expand full comment
Rebekah Arnold's avatar

Jason, I am very interested in your perspective. I have deep Methodist roots, but about 20 years ago, I left the UMC because of what I saw as an increasing slide toward liberalism. My husband, the son of a UMC pastor, eventually became disillusioned as well. I have continued to follow the events of the UMC. I care about Biblical Truth - in my view, the UMC has left that behind.

Your perspective is intriguing, from one who recently entered the denomination, and from a law background. Your experience and observation skills have quickly revealed trouble in the camp. I'm so sorry for the difficulties you're having in simply pursuing your calling. Perhaps part of your purpose in this is to articulate your experience so that others can more fully grasp the situation.

I'm thankful for your faithfulness to your small church body! I know they appreciate you and support you through the resolution of your process with the UMC. Above all, may the Lord grant you perseverance, peace and confirmation of your place.

Expand full comment
Jason E. B. Smith's avatar

Thank you so much for these words! I receive very little support from anyone within the denomination, save for a few friends there. So the support I receive from those who have fled the denomination from seeing some of the same things I have is really encouraging. I believe there are many more left who do not support the egregious actions of leadership, but unfortunately, they are too afraid to speak up. Perhaps one day, more will feel empowered to either flee or speak out against what I can only describe as evil actions.

Expand full comment
Rebekah Arnold's avatar

Taking a stand does take courage, but the foundation of Scripture is a mighty and sure place to stand. May the Word pierce many hearts!

Expand full comment