Since I was 12 years old, I have been a United Methodist. For the past 40 years I have been a United Methodist pastor. When I began the ministry – at this church as Dr. Robb’s first associate in 1982 -- I never thought I would be anything other than a United Methodist. So, it’s not easy for me to think about disaffiliating from the United Methodist Church and joining something new. But I have to think about this because I am convinced that the UMC has left me. More importantly, I believe the UMC is many, many ways has left Wesley. And even more importantly than that, the UMC in many, many ways has left the Bible.
This is not just my belief. It’s held by many United Methodist pastors, bishops and churches who also believe that the Bible is God’s word, Jesus is the only begotten Son of God and the Savior of the world, and we should not reinvent the Christian faith just so it will be more palatable to our culture.

Literally thousands of churches around the country have already begun the process of leaving the United Methodist Church. Why? Because the United Methodist Church as we have known it is going away. Our own bishop has said that the UMC will soon become more liberal in its beliefs and its practices, the only question is how far and how fast it will go. When he says the UMC will become more liberal, he’s not talking about politics – he’s talking about our Christian beliefs – the truths that are taught in the Bible about who God is, what Jesus has done for us and how we should live.

My hope for our church is that we will decide to be who we have always been. A church that is centered on Jesus. A church that believes the Bible was inspired by God and is still authoritative for our lives. A church that loves our Wesleyan heritage and is true to our Methodist roots. A church that believes in the power of the Holy Spirit to transform our lives. A church that loves and welcomes all. And a church that wins people to Jesus Christ, disciples them in faith and helps those in need.