Recently, the United Methodist Church has been in the media spotlight over the departure of clergy. Most such publicity has focused on those who have chosen to perform same-sex weddings despite the denominations official position prohibiting such. While such acts are likely to continue to attract attention and may ultimately help lead to reform, the denomination’s position on who clergy may marry is not the only reason clergy are leaving the denomination.
Jack Kale, pastor of the Central Waterside Church (Pensacola Beach, FL), left the denomination because of its itinerant system. Rather than accepting a move to another parish, Kale opted to leave the denomination and continue to minister in his present community. In addition to his dislike for the itinerant system that empowers bishops to move clergy even if the pastor and congregation would prefer to continue their relationship, Kale was
- troubled by the difficult and prohibitive path required of those who seek to engage in the domination’s church planting process,
- disappointed that many see apportionments rather than changed lives as the denomination’s currency, and
- concerned that denominational structure is so large it is unable to innovate or adapt in the ways that are needed.
So What?
I believe Kale is right that mainline denominations must continue to reform, and that future reform should be more radical than that of the recent past. While Kale’s honesty is refreshing, I am increasingly encouraged by those who choose to remain in their denominations, and to work for the changes they believe are important.
- What are some changes you feel are needed within your denomination? How are you and/or how is your local congregation working to help make these a reality?
- Have you ever left a denomination over a single issue or would you consider doing so? If so, what issue would rise to this level of significance for you?