Author: Rev. Dr. Mark Holland, Executive Director
Friends,
I just attended my home Great Plains Annual Conference. I was passing out literature about Mainstream UMC and one of our pastors made a statement that really struck me.
“I am tired of walking on eggshells. I want the United Methodist Church to be bold and unapologetic about welcoming all people.”
How true is that?!
The United Methodist Church does not believe the Bible is black-and-white. We do not have a black-and-white theology. In the secular world, we call this gray; in the church, we call this GRACE.
John Wesley preached about all kinds of GRACE: prevenient GRACE, justifying GRACE, sanctifying GRACE. Paul reminds us:
“I do not nullify the GRACE of God; for if justification comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing.” –Galatians 2:21
It really does not matter whether you identify as “liberal” or “conservative.” What matters is if you want a church that errs on the side of GRACE—a church that unapologetically welcomes all, even those with whom you disagree.
Mainstream UMC is boldly proclaiming GRACE for all! We are done with the divisions, we are done with the judging, we are done with the trials. We are done walking on eggshells!
“‘Tis GRACE hath brought us safe thus far and GRACE will lead us home.” –UMH 378
There is a clear consensus for GRACE in the US Church.
- We want to stop the harm against our LGBTQ siblings.
- We want to create fair regional relationships with the world-wide church.
Mainstream UMC needs your help to make GRACE the outcome of General Conference 2024. Please donate today: www.MainstreamUMC.com/Donate
In Christ, Mark
Rev. Dr. Mark R. Holland
Executive Director
Mainstream UMC