“For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.” – 2 Timothy 3:4
One of the most prominent and largest Protestant denominations in America and across the globe is the United Methodist Church (UMC). The large Christian denomination over the last few years, unfortunately, has been inundated and immersed in an internal battle.
The raging war inside the UMC is fueled by a disagreement on LGBT issues. The argument centers around whether or not the denomination should become more progressive and embrace LGBT ideologies, or whether the denomination should hold to the historic Christian teaching on human sexuality that is defined in the Bible and detailed in the denomination’s Book of Discipline.
Over the last few years, the UMC has not been defending the Biblical truth about human sexuality and has openly accepting of LGBT lifestyles. This has led to thousands of congregations breaking away from the denomination and now affiliating with the newly organized Global Methodist Church (GMC) which is a theologically conservative UMC alternative.
To say the split in the UMC has been sizeable is an understatement. Just in 2023 alone, so far, there have been 3,553 churches officially split from the UMC. Since 2019, there have been 5,556 churches officially leave the denomination.
Thankfully, faithful churches in the UMC are taking a stand for Biblical truth even if it means having to leave the denomination. We must remember that when the church caves to the culture’s doctrine, it only diminishes our witness and weakens our reach for Christ. No matter what it cost us professionally, personally, or denominationally we must stand strong for Christ and His Word.
LET US PRAY…
Father, empower Your people to stand strong for You and Your truth that is found in the Scriptures no matter the cost. Lord, please unify Your Body, the church, and strengthen us to remain faithful to sound doctrine. Father, please bless the congregations that have taken a stand for Your truth in this exodus happening in the UMC. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
