PlainSpoken

In our 12th and final episode before the beginning of General Conference, this crew tries to ascertain the truth of where things stand. Simon was able to join us and give a report on the Africa Initiative's gathering and statements with respect to their polar opposition to Mainstream UMC, the visa process and how many delegates are left behind, and possible cooperative efforts once the African delegations are all in the US.We then spent the last 30 minutes or so talking through what the bishop's gathering right now is looking like, and some last minute options for changing the "harmful language" around sexual behavior or identity, depending on who is talking. Our crew doesn't all think the same about such things.It was an interesting and worthy time. Those interested to know the different options for what can happen in the coming weeks will be glad to spend the time with us. We hope this is of benefit to the denomination. Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

A few months ago, I sat down with my friends TJ and Robby and reviewed some of the teachings of Adam Hamilton. It was a good way for friends to seek the mind of Christ and apply his scriptures to today's church.I decided to get the band back together and see what biblical and practical wisdom my brothers would have. We go over some of the video, try to reconstruct a timeline, try to wrestle with the scriptures. Overall, it's just some woefully unprepared guys trying to understand Charismatic NAR folks. I think you'll enjoy it. I enjoyed my time with my brothers in Christ.I know there have been developments since we discussed this, and my grasp of the timeline is a little off, but the conversation is worthy because of its theological commentary and the interpersonal exchange. Enjoy! Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

Richard Ackerman AKA Redeemed Zoomer started the Operation Reconquista movement in earnest almost a year ago. Since then, he has amassed quite a following of young people aiming to "retake the mainline." In this conversation, we talk about the various strategies available to Christians of many traditions to fight those forces that would see the church dismembered and coopted. Ackerman is of the mind that the dominant mode of conservative warfare, retreat, is not working. Rather, he advocates for more organization, more commitment and staying power, than our adversaries.As an elder of the Global Methodist Church, I chose my strategy. However, it is possible that there is still a role to play for conservatives within the UMC. We also talk about the PCUSA and the imminent threats to conservatives in that body. Many would dismiss Ackerman as overly idealistic, but the man seems to have history on his side. Is our historical moment as exceptional as it feels, or are we just like every other generation of saints that came before?Lots of good questions answered, and some asked, in this segment. I hope you enjoy.Links:Operation Reconquista Site - https://www.operationreconquista.com/Young Methodists for Tradition - https://www.youngmethodistsfortradition.org/Article on Taylor Eubanks Lying to Punish Conservative Anglican Clergy - https://livingchurch.org/2024/04/16/weaponizing-title-iv-for-ideological-purposes/ Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

The Africa Initiative released a statement dealing with their consensus positions with respect to the primary issues before the UM General Conference next week. There has been a good deal of confusion about how United Methodists in Africa are perceiving their treatment by UM leadership. Recent statements from the UM Africa Forum and Africa Voices of Unity have made it clear that they have not been treated well. The Africa Initiative is a final nail in this coffin. This calls into the question the legitimacy of next week's meeting, as well as any decisions reached. If the assembled body is happy making decisions without the input of the full breadth of African voices, then this makes a loud statement as to the character of such a body. Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

After a conference Zoom meeting to present the Dakotas delegation and the issues they will be dealing with, there were follow-up questions that were addressed on a conference Q&A document. Whoever wrote the response was candid in a way that the institution of the UMC would almost certainly not approve. This sort of breaking rank is a breath of fresh air when institutional forces are working so hard to control the narrative.The frankness of this document is really quite rare from within the UMC umbrella. Take a few moments to assess these issues without the institutional bias. Especially if you aren't quite informed yet on the issues at play, this is a good way to get a brief introduction to the topics at hand.Links:Dakotas Conference Webinar w/ Links - https://www.dakotasumc.org/news/the-business-of-general-conference-dakotas-delegations-webinar-summaryConference Q&A Document - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pdNO88jgkDyHax7HAW4X6WJd_WMIR0yVlJZkcxtZnfQ/edit Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

As final preparations are made for the 2020/2024 General Conference of The United Methodist Church to begin, unfortunate realities continue to be revealed. In this episode, we read over a newly-published release from the UM Africa Forum, a group that was ostensibly put together to support institutionalist goals. The state of affairs has gotten so dire that even they have now accused the UMC of psychologically manipulating them.It turns out that Lonnie, Odell, and Joe are all publishing articles for the consideration of the people of the UMC at this time. Consider the links below. These final days and weeks are disheveled and hard to navigate, especially when one hasn't necessarily kept track with all of the developments along the way. We hope our analysis at this present moment is helpful for making sense out of what is being seen.Links:Lloyd Nyarota's rebuke of Mark Holland & Mainstream UMC for their overt colonialism - https://um-insight.net/in-the-church/umc-future/harambee-it-is-not-yet-uhuru-for-african-united-methodists-a/Lonnie's article talking about the unraveling of the centrist-progressive alliance in the UMC - https://www.umnews.org/en/news/centrist-progressive-coalition-could-soon-unravelOdell's article on the role of Africa in the UMC and how it is that western entities posture themselves sinfully towards them - https://firebrandmag.com/articles/the-scramble-for-africa Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

Alongside the GMC's Transitional Book of Doctrines & Discipline is a document called Judicial Practice & Procedure, which is referred to as the "JPP." This document carries the force of church law. It will be edited and approved at this upcoming Convening Conference. The JPP will govern how judicial proceedings are conducted. It is an important document, so TJ and I are making our way through it. This is the second episode attempting to make our way through. Links: The Judicial Practice & Procedure Rules of the GMC - https://globalmethodist.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Judicial-Practice-and-Procedure-Rules-English.pdf Join our Locals community and support the work of PlainSpoken! - plainspoken.locals.com Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

As the General Conference session draws nearer, we realize we have covered the primary topics needed to know what is going on. For now, we wanted to do our best to speak to what different voices are doing to influence what the plenary session of the Conference will be doing. We talk about the disagreements between Rob Renfroe and Good News with Mainstream UMC and Mark Holland, as well as the SCCCM and their representatives. Is it true that nonAmerican churches can already disaffiliate from the UMC without a new disciplinary provision? Is Holland's objection to a denomination-wide provision legitimate? And what is to be said with the large number of African delegates who will be unable to attend?We cover a lot of ground in this session, so consider spending some time with us. If you know of folks who just want to understand what is going on in this complicated picture, consider sharing it with a friend. Let us know if you think we are missing something.Links:To download a copy of Lonnie's Matrix of Petitions, go to https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1KTnzUbOO6NORahwa_nrdxKV1ftNxUQpQ/edit?usp=share_link&ouid=117124792218903575974&rtpof=true&sd=trueMark Holland's response to accusations of racism - https://mainstreamumc.com/blog/recap-threats-and-white-supremacy/WCA article alleging "separate but equal" segregation of Mainstream UMC - https://wesleyancovenant.org/2024/04/02/give-us-two-and-a-half-minutes-thats-all-2min-30-seconds/Rob Renfroe's UMNS Commentary - https://www.umnews.org/en/news/traditionalist-caucus-president-speaks-to-criticismRebuttal from Christine Schnieder - https://www.umnews.org/en/news/central-conferences-already-have-exit-paths Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

This episode really centers around the concept of salvation. Jesus came to save us. What does that mean for us? What does it have to do with the Holy Spirit? It is a relatively simple concept, but the scriptures clearly add much needed texture. Consider joining my daughter and me for a time of worthy consideration. Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

Alongside the GMC's Transitional Book of Doctrines & Discipline is a document called Judicial Practice & Procedure, which is referred to as the "JPP." This document carries the force of church law. It will be edited and approved at this upcoming Convening Conference. The JPP will govern how judicial proceedings are conducted. It is an important document, so TJ and I begin tacking it in this episode.Links:The Judicial Practice & Procedure Rules of the GMC - https://globalmethodist.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Judicial-Practice-and-Procedure-Rules-English.pdfJoin our Locals community and support the work of PlainSpoken! - plainspoken.locals.com Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe