“I ask not only on behalf of these but also on behalf of those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me”. —John 17:20-21

Introduction

The most important thing to Jesus is his followers’

. (John 17:20-23)

While disagreement in a worldwide church is unavoidable,

is a choice. (Philippians 2:14-15)

The supernatural ability for

to work together joyfully is our witness to an unbelieving world.

“Seek justice and reconciliation – not victory… refrain from violence of fist, tongue, or heart.” —Martin Luther King, Jr.

In God’s Kingdom, there is no “

,” only we. (1 Corinthians 12:20-26)

Paul’s “

” included not only Corinth, but also all Christians everywhere.

In 1999, more than 400 United Methodist Churches came together to give us

.

Today, we come together, praise God, and honor the

of faith that created us.

Different Viewpoints Are Welcome at Acts 2 UMC

Our core value of welcoming all includes more

viewpoints as well as more liberal ones.

Our core value of welcoming all supersedes any

on social issues.

“We should be rigorous in judging ourselves and gracious in judging others.” —John Wesley

Traditionalists – you are welcome and

. We uphold our ordination vows and membership vows. I appreciate your

Reveal Answer

to the historic doctrines of the faith.

Progressives – you are loved, valued, and

here. I appreciate your commitment to making sure

Reveal Answer

is included.

Centrists – I appreciate your willingness to reach out and hold loved ones who are

from one another.

People from other Christian denominations – I appreciate your patience and

.

People new to the faith – I appreciate your trust in us to help you follow

.

It Has Been Said:

1. The UMC is no longer a big tent where diverse viewpoints can live out their faith.
We welcome

.

2. If you don’t disaffiliate, you will get a gay pastor after General Conference 2024.
The Book of

of the United Methodist Church has not changed.

3. You have to vote as a church whether to stay UM or not.
You don’t have to

with me to love me, and I don’t have to agree with you to love you.
If we are followers of Jesus, we are

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to love one another when we disagree. (John 13:34-35)

4. The UMC no longer believes in … the divinity of Jesus or the

. The Articles of

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of the United Methodist Church have not been changed.

5. The UMC is in for a hard time in the future.

The

churches in our region are staying United Methodist: Church of the Resurrection in Kansas City, Highland Park UMC in Dallas, Lover’s Lane in Dallas.

Our children and youth ministries are

.

Our worship attendance and our membership are

.

Some of the best people and thoughtful leaders I have ever met are at Acts 2 UMC. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a, 12-13)

Action Step

Read John 13:34-35 each day and consider what that

of your heart, tongue, and life.

“My additional notes:

”.