Yes, our Executive Committee and Senior Leadership agree that the Global Methodist Church most aligns with who Christ Church is and will offer the most connection and support in our efforts to spread the Gospel locally and globally.

David Carter

Darilyn Christenbury

Pam Coleman

Daniel Connerley

Kristy Dorman

Jessica Dyer

Jim Eoff

Mark Forrester

Matt Johnson

Robert Montague, Chair

Randy Wade

Members of the task force researched each point of the following criteria via published information paired with a series of interviews with post-UMC church authorities and congregations who have already re-affiliated with various denominations. As this research was underway, one sub-group within our Task Force researched macro trends across all major denominations (not only Wesleyan ones) while another sub-group researched the potential denominations themselves in order to create a holistic picture. The criteria were:

• Gospel and Biblical theology

• Denominational leadership strength

• Governance process and accountability

• Seminaries, pastor pipeline development, and appointment process

• Financial stability and strategy for sustainability

• Mission, evangelism, and discipleship alignment

• Congregational apportionment commitments and use of funds

• Church property ownership

The purely Independent Congregation option would leave all theological options and values open for change and open to the risk of popularization and division. Without connection to a denomination, Christ Church would be hard-pressed to identify as Methodist and would instead be free-will non-denominational.

Additionally, we would have no access to resources, mentors, or partners to assist in leadership or theological crises that could ultimately present in time.

The Task Force was unanimous (11-0) in rating this option as Not Recommended.