PlainSpoken

We pick up halfway through Section 6, now detailing how annual conferences are supposed to be composed, how they should function, and even the different mandatory committees they require. The section ends with explicit directions as to how General Conference delegates are to be calculated. Amidst all this minutiae, we still manage to have a conversation on modern race theory, which builds on top of the foundation we have already laid. These provisions have huge implications for the state of global race relations. The Global Methodist Church has a decision to make. If it waffles, it could do a good deal of harm.Link to Transitional Book of Doctrines & Discipline - https://globalmethodist.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Transitional-Discipline.20231130.pdfIf you would like to make a gift directly to the church that sponsors this, here is the link: https://tithe.ly/give?c=2198808If you would like to become a supporter on Locals, where we offer unique content and host exclusive live streams, go to plainspoken.locals.com. Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

Maria Dixon, MDiv, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Communication at the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. Chief Diversity Officer & Senior Advisor to the President of SMU. She is an academic, consultant, and theologian that believes that strategic communication is at the heart of every successful endeavor. A self-described “vocational mutt”, she holds a BS/Marketing from the University of Alabama; Masters of Divinity and Masters of Theology from Candler School of Theology/Emory University; and a PhD in Organizational Communication from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Passionate about helping organizations and non-profit leaders answer the question: “How can we communicate in a way that creates results, community, and transformation?” She has been a frequent speaker and consultant to organizations and leaders across the country. Her clients have included: Southwest Airlines, The Dance Theatre of Harlem, The Ugandan American Partnership Organization, The Open Door Pre-School, The Lydia Patterson Institute, and the General Commission on Communication of the United Methodist Church. A huge fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide, Maria is married to Rev. Jeff Hall and they are the proud parents of their 8 year old American Staffordshire Pit Bull Terrier, Mr. Thatcher Stewart Wesley Hall. They are also foster parents, having formally adopted three children out of the foster care system. Links: Maria's Blog on Patheos - https://www.patheos.com/blogs/mariadixonhall/author/mariadixon/Maria's Presentation on Cultural Intelligence - Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

Mark Holland of the Mainstream UMC caucus group sent out an email on February 5 detailing multiple points of failure by Gary Graves and his General Conference staff to coordinate April's General Conference session. In this segment, I speak to why it matters that Africans be included in order for this conference to have any legitimacy, and why it is that average United Methodists should care. I started ringing this alarm in September of last year and was written off. Watch to learn more about how bad this seems to be for the denomination. Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

A Catechism of Christian Faith and Doctrine for The Global Methodist Church is not an official doctrinal standard of the denomination, but it was created by those familiar with all of those sources. It is a synthesis of two millennia of the finest Christian thought, meant to be memorized and rehearsed within the family of God.So that is what Susanna and I did for these 30 minutes of reflection upon who God is and the implications this has for us, individually and collectively within the church. We are laying the groundwork for what will surely become a more nuanced tapestry of biblical faith. We invite you to join us on our journey!If you would like to purchase your own copy of the Catechism, go here: https://my.seedbed.com/product/a-catechism-of-christian-faith-and-doctrine-for-the-global-methodist-church/If you would like to make a gift directly to the church that sponsors this, here is the link: https://tithe.ly/give?c=2198808If you would like to become a supporter on Locals, where we offer unique content and host exclusive live streams, go to plainspoken.locals.com. Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

This episode covers the first half of Part 6, dealing with the General Conference and Regional Conferences, mostly. I start with an overview of the Methodist term 'conferencing' and how it is supposed to overlap with our organizational structure. Then we go down the line of how some of the particulars of conferencing are designed to take place in the Global Methodist Church. Enjoy! Link to Transitional Book of Doctrines & Discipline - https://globalmethodist.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Transitional-Discipline.20231130.pdf If you would like to make a gift directly to the church that sponsors this, here is the link: https://tithe.ly/give?c=2198808 If you would like to become a supporter on Locals, where we offer unique content and host exclusive live streams, go to plainspoken.locals.com. Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

This episode addresses the Revised Social Principles presented to the General Conference by the General Board of Church and Society. We examine how the document was crafted, the process by why it was authored and who authored it. We also look at some of the content that is a departure from the previous/current Social Principles, as well as the stated will of the General Conference. Finally, panelists speak to the likelihood that this will be given much time in plenary session, given that there are arguably more pressing issues for the assembly to address. To download your own copy of the Advance Daily Christian Advocate, go to https://www.resourceumc.org/en/content/general-conference-2020-advance-daily-christian-advocate.To download your own copy of the Revised Social Principles, go to https://www.umcjustice.org/documents/124 Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

The first question of the Global Methodist Church's Catechism is "Do you believe in God?" While a very basic question, the answer rendered, alongside multiple scriptural citations, gives a lot of food for thought. Yes, of course we believe in God, but in which God do we believe? What are his distinctive characteristics? Take some time to learn alongside my daughter, Susanna.Link to Global Methodist Catechism - https://globalmethodist.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Catechism-V2.pdf Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

Rev. Matt Reynolds is the President and Founder of Spirit and Truth. It is a ministry that longs to see the church fully alive! It exists to help equip a global movement of local churches to become empowered by the Spirit, rooted in the truth, and mobilized for the mission. In this conversation, he and I speak of a mutual hope for a reclaiming of original Methodist doctrine, culture, and practice. We also speak of practical realities in doing church in our present cultural moment, as well as submitting to Christ's lordship in our homes. I hope you enjoy learning from Matt!Links: Matt’s Firebrand Article - https://firebrandmag.com/articles/doctrine-spirit-and-discipline-a-holistic-vision-for-church-renewal Spirit & Truth Ministry Website - https://www.spiritandtruth.life Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

This section covers a lot more details pertaining to how it is that bishops are supposed to serve. Presidents Pro Tempore aren't addressed here as much as they should be for reasons that become obvious. We spend some time figuring out the differences between a bishop and a bishop emeritus. This is a pretty standard episode in which we come to understand a good deal more about how things have already come to be the way that they currently are. Link to Transitional Book of Doctrines & Discipline - https://globalmethodist.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Transitional-Discipline.20231130.pdf If you would like to make a gift directly to the church that sponsors this, here is the link: https://tithe.ly/give?c=2198808 If you would like to become a supporter on Locals, where we offer unique content and host exclusive live streams, go to plainspoken.locals.com. Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

This episode deals with myriad proposals coming before the General Conference that have to do with the topic of human sexuality, which is, of course, the primary issue that has divided many American denominations for some time. The panel is not all of one mind about what the right position to take on these issues is, but they are able to talk through the realities involved as the assembly prepares for a vote. In this, we speak to the dynamics of different constituencies coming together, the likelihoods of a change of the denomination's theology, and many other pertinent topics. Whether you are seasoned in these topics or you are new to it all, this episode will engage you.To download your own copy of the Advance Daily Christian Advocate, go to https://www.resourceumc.org/en/content/general-conference-2020-advance-daily-christian-advocate. Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe