Conference Voices
As a lifelong United Methodist I value the “via media”, the middle way, of our faith tradition. With Christ at the center and scripture as a living “word”, people on all sides of the theological spectrum have been able to be the church together. That theological richness informs us, stretches us, and opens us up as a home to all kinds of people and perspectives who are in the process of salvation and on the journey of discipleship.
I also believe this is our witness to a world that is pushing us to the edges and into in insulated camps of people who see everyone who thinks differently as enemies to be defeated not neighbors to be understood. I value the United Methodist Church with all our flaws, and yet with an open table, an honest, intelligent conversation about God and scripture, a heart for the broken, a hand for those in need, and a home for all who seek the path that leads to life.
And in the end, I stay United Methodist because I believe God has called me to stay here in the place that is my home.
Rev. Dr. Ben Martin
Wesley Monumental
Molly Carlson
Trinity United Methodist Church
I was born and baptized into the United Methodist Church but it is my choice to be an active member as an adult. Open hearts, open minds, open doors isn’t just an outward call, it’s a way of life that we are supposed to represent. We are built upon a vast network of diverse people, occupations and orientations. The UMC is special because our makeup is different from church to church and within our congregations. Jesus called us to Love Thy Neighbor, he didn’t put stipulations on that neighbor, on who can accept help, who can preach the good word, or who is worthy of his time. There is a world in front of us that calls the United Methodist Church to live up to its welcome message. We are a people with servant hearts, and welcoming doors and I hope we can be a people with open minds to a greater future together - with the belief that all God’s people are worthy of our love and can actively be a part of this denomination.
Rev. Jerry Hudson
Bemiss United Methodist Church
God used the United Methodist Church as a major lifeline for me, following many years of struggling with the Church. The UMC affirmed and licensed my calling to pastoral ministry. I believe in Christian orthodoxy as expressed in the historical creeds, yet I also believe in a church that allows doubts, questions, and a myriad of non-essential theological beliefs and positions. This is how we grow and challenge one another as a Christian community.
I value the beautiful relationships I have made across the theological spectrum in the UMC. I value our strong emphasis on becoming authentic disciples of Jesus Christ, learning to truly love our neighbors as ourselves, and our historical commitment to serving our communities through compassion and social involvement. I appreciate the incredible ministries we share across the conference and the entire UMC connection.
Finally, I don't believe God is done with the UMC. I have seen clear manifestations of God's Spirit working in our churches and communities, and I wholeheartedly believe the UMC - with open minds, open hearts, and open doors - has a tremendous opportunity to serve as God 's ambassadors to a wide range of people and cultures. These, among other reasons, are why I believe God has prompted me to abide.
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Rev. Sara Pugh-Montgomery
I will remain UMC because the extension ministries and network of missions, campus ministries, camps, foster care programs, etc make me a better pastor and move my congregation to continue to think outside of our four walls.
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Rev. Ben Gosden
This is the denomination where I was born and where I first met God. It's the place that taught me I was loved by God and that I was called to love others accordingly. It gives me a place to serve and live into my baptism. Most of all, it's my spiritual home.
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Rev. Grace Guyton
This is the home I was born into and have chosen to remain in as an adult. The UMC shaped me as a person and as a minister, and I value the theological diversity of its members. I appreciate how invested the UMC is in missions, education, outreach, social justice, and helping people have a deep and meaningful relationship with God. The invitation to dive into scripture, ask hard questions, and live life with people who look, think, and talk differently from me is something I have always found attractive about our denomination. This is my home, and I hope it will be yours, too.
Rev. Wright Culpepper
First United Methodist
of Brunswick
I was confirmed at Fort Valley Methodist Church on Christmas Day, 1967 and thus became a member of the United Methodist Church the next year. From the beginning, I have loved this denomination and this denomination has loved me.
The history and theological traditions of this denomination are tried and true, and our polity gives us the opportunity to challenge and be challenged, to think through, to grow, and to change. This Church has assisted in my spiritual and theological development and helped me to see and to appreciate those who are different from me.
As co-pastor of First United Methodist of Brunswick, I have often warned the congregation that white water is coming as we travel the river of life. We are now in that white water, and I am shouting “paddle, paddle, paddle.” Many are doing so.
Soon, we will move through these rocky shoals and reach the smooth deep water. But we can’t rest. There is much yet to do, and I look forward to experiencing the rivers, lakes, and oceans of love, mercy, and grace ahead with my United Methodist family.
“Being connected across South Georgia means that resources are available to us that would be harder to access otherwise. I've personally benefited from the Pathways Conference that was held annually before Covid. I continue to draw from material received at that conference when teaching, and as a layperson, I've cultivated relationships with clergy and laypeople throughout South Georgia that have enriched my work in the church as well as my personal life. Without the South Georgia Conference, my connections would have been limited to my own local church, and my spiritual life would be poorer as a result.”
— Ann Smith (Lay)
God has a plan and we must put our trust in him and seek his guidance.
- Diane James (Lay)
This is the Church of my mama, while not in S. Ga she was faithful till her death at 90 in Burlington. NJ. I wish to be like her with Open Arms, Open Hearts, Open Doors. That principal exemplifies the UMC. That is how I live and love.
- Judy Dotson (Lay)
Through our shared ministries, we reach the world with the love of Jesus… (W)hen we join together in ministry in the South Georgia Annual Conference, you are there. For me, and many others across the conference, the Holy Spirit is leading us right now to stay connected, to keep working, to share in these ministries so that we can continue to bless our neighbors in the name of Jesus.
- Rev. Rebecca Duke-Barton - Jesup First United Methodist Church
“In Wesley’s “A Plain Account of Genuine Christianity,” he wrote that a Christian is “full of love to his neighbor: of universal love, not confined to one sect or party, not restrained to those who agree with him in opinions, or in outward modes of worship, embracing neighbors and strangers, friends and enemies.” Jesus states this by the two greatest commandments, love of neighbor and God. Therefore my determination to stay in UMC is directly connected to these two foundations of the church. Wesley instructed the church “to do no harm” as a core principal in support of the greatest commandments. The UMC would be in complete contradiction of both Jesus and Wesley if they were to reject the inclusion of LGBTQ in the church. Through the foundational principles of social justice in the church throughout the years, eg. Civil Rights, Women’s Rights; I feel strongly the church will once again come through with LGBTQ inclusion, and therefore me and my family have made the decision to stay. As a gay family with children we need to be in a church that recognizes and supports our calling and purpose in Christ and His church.”
-A.J. Ramirez Lay Servant Centenary UMC