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.
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
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)
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!
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.
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: