A Question

[polkaman]

Some local things going on here that I'm stewing about.

First I'll reference #241 in the book of discipline.

First, is this addressing the clergy or "any member" ?

Second....would a "nondenominational" church or group
Be considered another denomination ??

And let's for fun, go one more step... Say you have
A Methodist member, that has started their own ministry,
That has its own building, ask for donations (like most
Church's) says its non-,denominational, the inside
Has an area, with seating...a cross in front of the room,
And s lecture stand. People gather there, and listen to
Said person "lead"
The word Methodist is not said, and it is clear there is no connection
To methodist church.

So, would this be considered a violation ?

I guess the next question is, can on be a member of both a
Methodist church, and also a non-,denominational church ??

 

[polkaman]

Well if this is the attitude of the Methodist
Church, no wonder it is in decline, and
Are fighting each other.

I'm not sure I want to be a member

 

[circuitrider]

Well if this is the attitude of the Methodist
Church, no wonder it is in decline, and
Are fighting each other.

I'm not sure I want to be a member

Don't assume the above person is a Methodist. They may not be.

Clergy are not members of the local church, they are members of the Annual conference. If a clergy person starts some non-Methodist church they would lose their membership in the UMC as the Bishop appoints pastors to where they pastor. You can't go start your own.

If a lay member goes and joins non-Methodist church they are also no longer a United Methodist. The UMC does not have dual membership.

The exception is that you can be an Associate member of a UMC church and a member of another church of another denomination but you have to request that and Associate members have some restrictions on what they can do in the church.

But you can only be a full member of one church.

BTW, I'm a UMC pastor (Elder in full Connection)

 

[polkaman]

I wish to thank you for your reply circuit
Rider
I guess I am one if the people on
The fence. I attended both a non-denominational Christian, and Methodist.
Almost every Sunday I attend both,
Try to donate about the same amount
To each, and help out with projects
And needs at both. I try to be a ""good
Member" to both, but a member in
Neither.
Both have things I like, both have things
I don't ...it would be wonderful if they
Could "merge"... What one is weak in
The other is strong in.
I been approached by both on membership,
The Christian has no problem, the Methodist
As you said would have to be associated.
It was never defined..I know full members
Get free use of building....so associated
Pay half price ????
I'm already on a couple working committees
And have been asked to ""watch over""
A program...but I'm not on church board.
I can spend church money on needed
Supplies and repairs, but I turn in the
Ticket. The reason I do some of
That...nobody stepped forward to
Help or do it .
The pastor knows if he is in a bind,
He can call, and if I'm not in the middle
Of something, I'll be there.
That kind of sticks in my mind, where
Are the ""members""

Thank you

 

[circuitrider]

Any merger or connection between a non-methodist congregation and a UM church would have to be negotiated between the conference the church is in and the other church. Such a decision could not be made by the pastor or by the local church. The property is not actually owned by the local church but held in trust for the UMC.