Disclaimer: Any materials published throughout the Discernment Process are subject to change by the Executive Committee. We will continue to modify/add to these documents
as we continue in the discernment process.
Additionally, if you would like a printed copy of any of these materials please contact the Church Office and we would be happy to provide you with what you need.
as we continue in the discernment process.
Additionally, if you would like a printed copy of any of these materials please contact the Church Office and we would be happy to provide you with what you need.
Update: December 13th, 2022
McGuire United Methodist Church has finished the discernment phase of our process. We have gathered in Informational Sessions and in Town Hall Discussions. Following the Town Hall Meetings, the Executive Committee of McGuire sent out a survey to the professing membership of the church to gain more information so that we might have even more clarity about the next steps.
After much prayer and discernment, the Executive Committee is recommending to the Church Council that we submit a request to the District Superintendent to call a Special Church Conference for the intended purpose of a vote on disaffiliation.
Below is a summary of the responses:
McGuire United Methodist Church has finished the discernment phase of our process. We have gathered in Informational Sessions and in Town Hall Discussions. Following the Town Hall Meetings, the Executive Committee of McGuire sent out a survey to the professing membership of the church to gain more information so that we might have even more clarity about the next steps.
After much prayer and discernment, the Executive Committee is recommending to the Church Council that we submit a request to the District Superintendent to call a Special Church Conference for the intended purpose of a vote on disaffiliation.
Below is a summary of the responses:
Here are the potential next steps for McGuire:
1. The Church Council would need to vote on whether or not to request a vote.
2. The Church Council would inform the District Superintendent of the results of their vote.
3. If the Church Council votes to request a Special Church Conference, the District Superintendent will be informed and a date for a vote will be scheduled after the first of the year.
1. The Church Council would need to vote on whether or not to request a vote.
2. The Church Council would inform the District Superintendent of the results of their vote.
3. If the Church Council votes to request a Special Church Conference, the District Superintendent will be informed and a date for a vote will be scheduled after the first of the year.
Discernment Process
McGuire United Methodist Church has entered into an official discernment process to help gain clarity about our future as a United Methodist congregation. Please see the above information published from the Executive Committee to stay informed throughout the discernment process.
The Guiding Hope and Expectations of Our Discernment Process:
The guiding hope for our discernment process is that we come out on the other side with a God-inspired clarity about our future. We firmly believe God has a special purpose for our church – God needs McGuire United Methodist Church to be the best it can be so that more people will come to know the life-saving message of Jesus. Whatever we do, whatever we say, wherever we go in this process, may we do, say, and go in the name and power of Jesus Christ who has already gone before us. May we accomplish this work with integrity, trust, and an unwavering hope in Jesus Christ.
We also want to provide you with the expectations for each person who chooses to be a part of this discernment process.
Ultimately, know this - you are loved by God, and have a place to be within this church. We will be discussing matters that we know members of our church have different beliefs and opinions regarding. In discussing them together, it is vitally important to remember that we are all imperfect people who are equally loved by a perfect God, who is calling us towards perfection. As Philippians 2:5 says, "Your attitude should be the same as Christ Jesus."
Members of the Executive Committee:
Larry Head, Chairperson
Dr. Gary Stringer
Richard West
Gail West
Malcolm Bass
Billy McKie
The Guiding Hope and Expectations of Our Discernment Process:
The guiding hope for our discernment process is that we come out on the other side with a God-inspired clarity about our future. We firmly believe God has a special purpose for our church – God needs McGuire United Methodist Church to be the best it can be so that more people will come to know the life-saving message of Jesus. Whatever we do, whatever we say, wherever we go in this process, may we do, say, and go in the name and power of Jesus Christ who has already gone before us. May we accomplish this work with integrity, trust, and an unwavering hope in Jesus Christ.
We also want to provide you with the expectations for each person who chooses to be a part of this discernment process.
- We will be the people who Christ has called us to be. Therefore, we will covenant together not to engage in the speaking, sharing, or disseminating any information--in any form--that speaks in a disparaging way of another. This includes speaking disparagingly of any denomination or any other person and their perspective. We will strive to engage with one another with integrity, trust, and hope.
- We will all commit, especially pastors, staff and leadership, to avoid “parking lot”, secretive, or extra-process conversations that degrade, devalue, denigrate or disparage any person, perspective or denomination.
- We will commit in the days, weeks, and months moving forward to go forth by the calling given to each one of us by Christ, to be the best of the church. On Sunday mornings at 10:30am this process will pause. We will not discuss disaffiliation – we will do what God has created us to do – worship. This discussion will happen at the proper time and place, but not during worship. And in spite of it all, we will continue to serve and give to this community and the world together, as one family of faith. There is no result of any meeting that will change that expectation of any of us. The harvest is abundant, and the laborers are few.
Ultimately, know this - you are loved by God, and have a place to be within this church. We will be discussing matters that we know members of our church have different beliefs and opinions regarding. In discussing them together, it is vitally important to remember that we are all imperfect people who are equally loved by a perfect God, who is calling us towards perfection. As Philippians 2:5 says, "Your attitude should be the same as Christ Jesus."
Members of the Executive Committee:
Larry Head, Chairperson
Dr. Gary Stringer
Richard West
Gail West
Malcolm Bass
Billy McKie