PlainSpoken

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

Rev. Dr. David Watson wrote an article that piqued my interest recently on how claims that we are building God's Kingdom are badly placed and theologically problematic. This phrase, however, is very commonly proclaimed throughout evangelical churches. I knew I needed to speak with him. The conversation ranged from all kinds of topics, from Christian Nationalism, to Charlie Kirk, to Donal Trump, to Greg Locke, Modernism, Social Justice, The United Methodist Church, and, you know, the Day of the Lord. Just light stuff like that, you know? I hope you enjoy! Links: Dr. Watson's Substack - https://davidfwatson3.substack.com Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

On my most recent live stream, I read the article that notified everyone of Keith Boyette's intention to retire this September after the Global Methodist Church's Convening General Conference. I also did a cursory review of the the job description for the person found to take his place (sorta). Keith was gracious to accept an invitation to speak with me about the job he has done, the legacy he hopes will sustain, and his plans for the near future. This will give many folks a better understanding of how and why it is that the GMC has been structured the way that it has, what values have been balanced in the formation of this new covenant body, and what we might anticipate in the coming months as we prepare for the coming conference. Also, we spend some time figuring out how to pray for Keith. It is my hope that you will do so. Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

This question deals with the nature of Christ in that he was active during the creation of all things. We go through the scriptures as usual to learn more about how that came to be. Enjoy this shorter episode! Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

Dan Latta, joining me from his wife’s artistic studio (hence the flowery stuff in the background), has been leading a small group of faithful who left their United Methodist local church behind. The Lord has providentially cared for them as they have sought to build a new fellowship together. Rev. Matt Sichel connected Dan and me, hoping that this segment might speak to those who are perhaps considering departing from The United Methodist Church. If you are happily placed within the UMC, then this segment is not for you. But if you or your church have been interested in exploring questions around what life looks like outside of the UM framework, then you might really enjoy this.In this segment, Dan tells the story of the fellowship he is serving. He details how they covered the task of securing a location and a leader. We talk about some basic logistics and theology around these concerns. We both prayed that this would be of benefit to many communities of faith. May it be a blessing to you. Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

Recent budgetary reporting from the General Council on Finance and Administration is sobering. The quadrennial budget is being slashed almost in half. Meanwhile, a report on reserves offers some hope about potential additional resources in the short term that could potentially offset some of the burden for those churches that have stayed in the fold.This segment deals with the general topic, how a budget is created, who participates in the discussions, how things proceed at General Conference, and how each of the different power brokers and constituencies navigate these dynamics. We hope this is of benefit to everyone as they continue praying for April's General Conference! Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe