Disaffiliations from The United Methodist Church in the past year have left some faithful United Methodists who want to stay part of the denomination without a church home. In response, South Georgia Conference leadership has worked to make sure there is a place to call “home” - at least temporarily.
If the church where someone currently holds their membership is disaffiliating from The United Methodist Church and they have not yet found a new church, the Conference has created a mechanism to move membership to the General Church Membership Roll. The General Church Membership Roll is designed for those individuals who wish to remain active in The United Methodist Church by supporting it with their prayers, their presence, their gifts, their service, and their witness.
“Our district superintendents and conference staff have worked hard to make sure there is a place to hold membership ‘in the meantime’ and to stay connected to the present and future ministry of The United Methodist Church,” said Kelly Roberson, Director of Conference Ministries/Communications. “We have heard from so many as they find themselves not exactly sure what to do after their church has voted to disaffiliate. The general church roll gives them space to discern their next steps while still remaining part of The UMC.”
If you wish to remain connected to The United Methodist Church, contact your District Superintendent to begin your membership transfer to the General Church Membership Roll. Your District Superintendent will then contact Mrs. Meredyth Earnest, Conference Secretary, who will add your name to the roll and write a letter to the church you are leaving.
“My own family has utilized the General Church Roll after going through disaffiliation at two different churches,” said the Rev. Dr. Paula Lewis, South Central District Superintendent and dean of the cabinet. “They have since joined a church but were hesitant to do so right away because they did not want to go through this again. It has also allowed them as well as others who are part of new UMC groups to be a part of district and conference leadership because their membership remains in the South Georgia Conference.”
The Cabinet and Conference staff will be reaching out to those on the General Church Membership Roll to offer support and care. Click here for more information.