Central UMC Blog

What's Next? The United Methodist denomination will make important decisions on February 23-26, 2019 as the specially called General Conference convenes in St. Louis, Missouri. Delegates from all over the world will vote on the church’s stance regarding human sexuality and same-gender...

Celibacy - A Holy Calling In previous blog entries in the Standing Firm, Moving Forward series, Dr. Jan Davis and I have been intentional about lifting up what we are “for.” We truly believe that the church, as a whole, should do a better job of defining what we are for rather than...

Making Sense of the Law Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill—Jesus (Matthew 5:17, NRSV). For Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes—The Apostle Paul (Romans...

Standing Firm, Moving Forward: Marriage as a Holy Covenant In her last blog, Dr. Jan Davis, stated that the church must do a better job of not taking marriage for granted. I couldn’t agree more. I’ve heard some misguided voices say that the threat to marriage and families today is...

February 23-26, 2019 looms large for the future of the United Methodist Church. Delegates from around the world will travel to St. Louis, Missouri for the convening of a special called session of General Conference to decide the future of the United Methodist Church. The need for a called...

As I begin the third installment on this topic, I remind the reader that these entries are written to give guidance to the church. While the rights of homosexuals (and of all people) are legitimate issues, marriage in the church and in civil society are two entirely different matters...