Council of Bishops President Thomas J. Bickerton and Bishop Tracy Smith Malone break bread during a Service of Remembrance and Resurrection at First United Methodist Church of Waynesville, N.C., on Nov. 6. The Council of Bishops is meeting through Nov. 11 at Lake Junaluska to discuss the future of the church and strategize for the coming General Conference. Photo by Rick Wolcott, courtesy of the Council of Bishops.
Council of Bishops President Thomas J. Bickerton and Bishop Tracy Smith Malone break bread during a Service of Remembrance and Resurrection at First United Methodist Church of Waynesville, N.C., on Nov. 6. The Council of Bishops is meeting through Nov. 11 at Lake Junaluska to discuss the future of the church and strategize for the coming General Conference. Photo by Rick Wolcott, courtesy of the Council of Bishops.

Healing resources for United Methodists

Church disaffiliations have brought grief and anxiety to many committed United Methodists. Even some congregations that have voted to remain UMC confront fallout and continued divisions. Faithful United Methodists whose home congregation have left The UMC struggle to find a new faith community. We are committed to helping faithful United Methodists heal from these experiences and move forward in their faith journey. 

Some United Methodists grapple with grief as congregations vote to disaffiliate. Spiritual directors offer tips for grieving well that may move us to a hopeful time for the church. Image by Canva.

Ways We Grow

Some United Methodists grapple with grief as congregations vote to disaffiliate. Spiritual directors offer tips for grieving well that may move us to a hopeful time for the church.

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Committed to The UMC

These five steps will aid both clergy and lay leaders who are helping their congregation heal during seasons of pain, grief and division.

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Below are some suggested resources to help congregations and individuals heal and look ahead with hope to a brighter future in The UMC.

Take time to grieve and reconcile

Whether you’re a committed United Methodist who lost their church or a faithful UM congregation that has lost some of its members, it’s important to acknowledge the pain and trauma you’re experiencing. Take adequate time to grieve for what has been lost. For congregations where a disaffiliation vote was narrowly defeated, it’s important to promote reconciliation between congregants who voted differently.

Reaffirm United Methodist identity

One way to heal during these divisive times is to lean in more on our Methodist roots. Celebrate things that make you proud to #BeUMC and tap into timeless Wesleyan traditions. Here are few resources to help inspire you.

Connect with other United Methodists

Remember that you are not alone during this difficult time. Now is the time to draw strength from connectional system. Many annual conferences are establishing lighthouse congregations to welcome committed United Methodists who have lost their former church. Others are using technology to facilitate church fellowship remotely. You may also be inspired by stories of hope from other congregations across the connection.

Look to the future

It can be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. We need to remember that this season of division will pass and The United Methodist Church will endure. Look to see what new things God is bringing forth in The UMC even in the midst of disaffiliation. Envision the new possibilities for ministry in your congregation or local area.

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