The United Methodist Church, since its inception, has been debating questions regarding social issues and the Church. In response to cultural and political debate, several General Conferences have added language to the Book of Discipline regarding various issues. The conflict regarding human sexuality has been a long-standing discussion which came to a climactic moment at General Conference 2016 in Portland, Oregon; but, the discussion was once again left at an impasse. At that time, the Council of Bishops formed a committee known as the “Commission on the Way Forward;” and, in February 2019, a called General Conference was held to review proposals and determine how we might move beyond this complicated theological issue.
A plan was made to continue working toward a way forward during the regularly scheduled General Conference in 2020. However, that conference was postponed due to the global pandemic and has been pushed back once again to the regularly scheduled General Conference to be held in 2024.
It is important that we, Bremen First United Methodist Church, engage in prayer and discernment as we anticipate the General Conference of 2024. To that end, the BFUMC Administrative Council approved a motion in January 2023, charging the church’s nominating committee to select an ad hoc committee who would be responsible for creating a way to provide our congregation with resources, videos, and web links to become informed and prepared as we move toward the General Conference and any potential decisions necessitated at that point. A committee of six church members and one pastoral resource was approved by the Ad Council in March 2023. The committee meets regularly to discuss and update information to be shared and posted for review. The committee has worked independently of pastoral participation; our Associate Pastor, Brian Hammond, has been the committee point of contact for questions regarding sources, theology, or policy.
Angela Awalt, Susan Browning, Scott Hodges, Bonnie McClure, Norma Norton, Brad Powers, and Alan Threadgill.
We are a group of people who care deeply about our church, about our past and our future, and about our continued service to our community. We want the best for everyone. We do not have all the answers but are also looking for knowledge, understanding, and guidance.
We commit to being gracious with one another and seek the guidance of Christ as we humbly put ourselves toward this task. We commit to take our charge seriously, work diligently, and represent each church member in a fair and impartial way. We commit to remain focused on the shared mission of our church and provide information so that each member can determine for themselves.
Information will be posted at this site for our church members’ review and education regarding this issue beginning August 1st. This will include topics such as:
In the meantime, if you have questions or comments: the following email address has been established for you to submit questions or comments which will be reviewed, reflected upon, researched by the committee to be included in the information or FAQ document. EXPLOREB424@bremenfirst.org You may also submit written comments to the church office, in care of EXPLORE B4 ‘24.