Invitation Team

Invitation Team


Comprised of a group of pastors and laity from across the conference, the Invitation Team, Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett and Craig Robertson (Spiritual Leadership, Inc.) met for two days, May 23-24, to dream about the future of Holston and how we can move forward in our mission together. Take a look at the video above, where co-chairs Becky Hall (Conference Lay Leader) and Rev. Kim Goddard (2022-23 Dean of the Cabinet) share more about the purpose and vision of this team.
 



An Invitation to members of disaffiliating churches

We recognize the discernment and disaffiliation process has not been easy for anyone. We are grateful you wish to remain a United Methodist. You are not alone; there are many people who will walk alongside of you on this journey. We look forward to continuing in mission together as we make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

If the church where you hold membership is disaffiliating, and you haven’t found a new place to call “home,” we invite you to move your membership to your local district office. This is a place to hold your membership during this time of discernment. Below is a form that will help us get this process started. Once you complete the form, the district office will receive your church membership and notify your current church. 
 

Holston Membership Transfer Form


Gather Online
:

Discussion Groups via Zoom 

Join other United Methodists affected by disaffiliation for an online conversation about the future of The UMC in your local context. We will also discuss ways to remain connected in person, online, and through social media.

The next Zoom will be scheduled soon.

Now What: a conversation about membership after disaffiliation (registration coming soon)


Gather In Person
:

Find a Church

If you would like a referral to a local United Methodist Church in your area committed to remaining in the United Methodist Church, please send an email to Invitation@holston.org.
 

Small Group Resources

If you need resources to assist you in your discipleship or help with curriculum for a small group affected by disaffiliation, please reach out to Susan Groseclose, susangroseclose@holston.org.
 

District Gatherings

Join an in-person conversation with other United Methodists affected by disaffiliation in your local area facilitated by a District Superintendent.

Schedule Coming Soon!


Prayer:

A Prayer of Unknowing By Thomas Merton

My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following Your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please You does in fact please You. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that, if I do this, You will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust You always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for You are ever with me, and You will never leave me to face my perils alone. Amen.

– Thomas Merton, Thoughts in Solitude, page 79.



Ready to do something new?

Congregational Development is committed to helping encourage and foster new expressions of Methodism in the Holston Conference. Rev. Dr. Susan Arnold is working with each district to create ministry areas throughout Holston. If this is something you are interested in, please contact Susan, susanarnold@holston.org, or your district office.


Invitation Team Members:

  • Ray Amos, Jr - Pastor, Addilynn Memorial & South Bristol
  • Lauri Jo Cranford - Superintendent, Three Rivers District
  • Kim Goddard - Superintendent, New River District
  • Timothy Hale - Pastor, Floyd UMC
  • Becky Hall - Conference Lay Leader
  • Angela Hardy Cross - Superintendent, Mt. View District
  • Del Holley - Laity, Colonial Heights - Knoxville
  • Jonathan Jonas - Pastor, 1st Maryville
  • Tim Jones - Director of Communications
  • Belinda Kenny - Laity, Williamson Chapel, Smoky Mountain District
  • Micah Nicolaus - Pastor, Broad Street & Pleasant Grove Cleveland
  • Mickey Rainwater - Pastor, Fairview UMC Maryville
  • Craig Robertson - Spiritual Leadership, Inc. (SLI)
  • Brad Scott - Pastor, First UMC Sweetwater
  • Scott Spence - Pastor, Reynolds Memorial
  • Sarah Varnell - Pastor, Trinity UMC Greeneville
  • Debra Wallace-Padgett - Resident Bishop