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Denominational Affiliation | 2023

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. — Isaiah 43:18-19

Following a successful vote to disaffiliate from the greater United Methodist denomination, the time has come for our congregation to discern the best options for future affiliation — whether it’s to join a different Methodist denomination or remain an independent church but affiliated with a network of other large Methodist congregations.

Standing at the crossroads of change, the TWMC community is reflecting on 45 years of ministry rooted in traditional, Wesleyan Christianity. Even greater, this community is seeking God’s leading and provision to boldly advance in a new era of ministry.

There are many details to consider as the church moves forward in faith. Join us by following the steps below.

Discernment Pathway

Pray

Discernment begins with listening for the voice of the Holy Spirit. We are developing a new resource for community prayer.

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Learn

Denominational discernment. What makes us Methodist? Revisiting our roots helps us grow in future fruitfulness.

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Align

How will we advance our ministry into the future? Compare affiliation options using our discernment frameworks.

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Decide

Respectful dialogue is part of healthy decision-making. We are planning a new round of community forums.

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Articles

What Makes Us Methodist?

What’s in a name? Our names convey not only a sense of identity, but of heritage and distinctiveness. As a community member of The Woodlands Methodist Church, you have likely spoken and written our church’s name countless times. But I wonder how many of us have paused to reflect on what it means to be a Methodist, how that name defines our church and why it even matters.

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Revisiting The Roots Of Methodism

Denominational discernment has raised many questions regarding the identity, calling and mission of The Woodlands Methodist Church. In many ways, the process has stirred a new state of awakening — a collective realization of the future opportunities we have for ministry as Christians, as Methodists and as a church in the 21st century.

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Media

Gain perspective with this collection of videos and podcasts featuring our pastors and lay leaders at The Woodlands Methodist Church. New media will be added, so check back for new additions to this library of resources.

Community Forum 2

February 26, 2023 — Hear a keynote from Senior Pastor, Mark Sorensen, and curated questions and answers from representatives from Foundry Network and the Global Methodist Church.

Community Forum 1

February 25, 2023 — Hear a keynote from Senior Pastor, Mark Sorensen, and curated questions and answers from representatives from Foundry Network and the Global Methodist Church.

Podcast

Risks and Benefits of the GMC

November 12, 2022 — As TWMC builds a blueprint for the future, does it share a vision and purpose with the Global Methodist Church? Join Pastors Susan Kent, Mark Swayze, and Senior Pastor Mark Sorensen as they discuss the discernment frameworks for future ministry at TWMC in comparison to the denominational offerings of The GMC.

Modern Methodist Networks

November 12, 2022 — What are the pros and cons of remaining an independent, affiliated Methodist Church? Join Senior Pastor Mark Sorensen, Church at Woodforest lead pastor, Brent Parker, and Loft lead pastor, Daniel Lumpee, as they discuss the newest affiliation option — the self-governing, Wesleyan Methodist Network of large churches.