Resources

Frequently Asked Questions are organized into four categories: 1. General Items; 2. Finance, Property and Legal; 3. Pastors and Staff; and 4. Human Sexuality. This copy can be updated and adapted for print or digital applications.

A brief history of the divisional issues within the greater United Methodist denomination, and a brief situational update of events within the Texas Annual Conference that prompted TWMC to seek disaffiliation.

A citation from the UMC Book of Discipline, TWMC’s position on LGBTQIA+ persons, marriage, and practice; welcoming LGBTQIA+ persons as program participants; and biblical references to holiness and the human body.

A brief overview of our leadership approach to denominational discernment, a mention of small group forums as a means of answering church member questions, and a brief mention of a congregational vote.

A sample elevator speech that provides a conversational overview of the issues of discernment and disaffiliation, as well as the responses to each that are aligned to our church leadership perspectives.

A brief overview of the main reasons why remaining within the UMC is not a viable option, as well as other options TWMC is considering for future affiliation after a churchwide vote to disaffiliate from the UMC.

A list of compelling reasons why disaffiliation is the only option to settle theological differences that exist between traditional and progressives within the UMC; also time-bound reasons why TWMC must leave before it’s too late.

A basic agenda of TWMC small group forums, comprising a mini keynote address from the senior pastor, an overview of congregational vote details, and a time for questions and answers from a panel of pastors and lay leaders.

A very simple document that contains the language for an informal, anonymous, non-binding poll offered to each attendee at TWMC small group forums.

A sample design that shows the informal, anonymous, non-binding poll offered to each attendee at TWMC small group forums.

A letter from our senior pastor to the congregation thanking them for playing a vital role in the life of our church and announcing the period of denominational discernment required prior to a disaffiliation vote.

A standard format news release announcing the results of TWMC’s successful disaffiliation vote. This is an editable document provided in Microsoft Word.

A branded sample news release announcing the results of TWMC’s successful disaffiliation vote. This is a locked file showing TWMC church branding in PDF format.

A letter from the senior pastor to key stakeholders and high-capacity donors, giving notice of the upcoming campaign and asking for their active support.

A sample agenda for the special called church conference and vote for disaffiliation, following Book of Discipline guidelines as administered by the local District Superintendent.

Ballot language developed by attorneys and trustees for the specific use by The Woodlands Methodist Church in accordance with Texas state law.Shared as an example only.

Ballot design including copy developed by attorneys and trustees for the specific use by The Woodlands Methodist Church in accordance with Texas state law. Shared as an example only.

A planning document outlining logistics and action items needed for a large-scale member vote. Includes day-of team plan and pre-registration information for members.

A custom-written prayer guide including a key scripture verse and a custom-written prayer for each of the 40 days prior to a congregational vote.

A custom, TWMC-branded prayer guide including a key scripture verse and a custom-written prayer for each of the 40 days prior to a congregational vote.

A general communication written for the church e-newsletter and website blog announcing the beginning of denominational discernment and notice of future affiliation options.

Copy for a worship bulletin or bulletin insert announcing denominational discernment. Introduces the Pray, Learn, Align, Decide discernment pathway for church members, and offers a call to action.

Worship bulletin design announcing denominational discernment. Introduces the Pray, Learn, Align, Decide discernment pathway for church members, and offers a call to action.

Copy for a concise overview of the denominational discernment campaign, a call for disaffiliation, and the top reasons why TWMC must disaffiliate, and why TWMC must disaffiliate now.

Booklet design containing a concise overview of the denominational discernment campaign, a call for disaffiliation, and the top reasons why TWMC must disaffiliate, and why TWMC must disaffiliate now.

Copy for a parent tip sheet to facilitate discussions of biblical beliefs as a means of reinforcing traditional theological concepts within the family context.

A TWMC-branded tip sheet intended for parents to facilitate discussions of biblical beliefs as a means of reinforcing traditional theological concepts within the family context.