A note from Pastor Travis 4/18/24

The two United Methodist churches in Ruston, Louisiana have both disaffiliated and have joined the Global Methodist Church. However, a group of members (now former members) from these two congregations who were displeased with this situation have started working with their District Superintendent to start a new United Methodist Church that is both welcoming and inclusive. Several dozen people have been meeting and planning, and the new congregation will be planted soon. 

This is not an unusual story. I have read stories like this at least a dozen times. The newspapers are filled with stories of churches who are leaving the United Methodist Church. However, the news we don’t hear is how many new, inclusive United Methodist Churches are being planted in those communities by former members of those churches who are seeking to build welcoming and inclusive churches, where everyone can find a home. 

As many of you know, next week I will be heading to General Conference. I do not know what will be decided there. However, what I do know is that the Spirit of God is moving at a grassroots level, creating United Methodist communities of love and inclusion, especially in towns where no such United Methodist presence existed before. This is exciting. God is doing a new thing in the United Methodist Church. The church leaders may or may not understand it yet, but I firmly believe that the United Methodist Church is being transformed by God. 

I invite you to pray with me for justice to prevail at General Conference, and I will report to you what I experience while I am there. 

Peace and Grace, 

Pastor Travis