The Unraveling of Institutions: United Methodist Church, Southern Baptist Church, and Others

Recently, news media outlets have been following the major splits of two of Protestants’ largest denominations, the United Methodist Church and the Southern Baptist Convention. Both of these churches are experiencing major splits on two separate, yet very important issues. An article by Billy Hallowell, acknowledged that 6,000 churches have left the United Methodist Church with more to follow. A network of 4,000 African American Southern Baptist churches are poised to leave. What issue could be so divisive as to cause such a drastic split in two of the largest prominent denominations in America? Matters of LGBTQ and women in leadership.

Now, I must admit, these aren’t the only issues. There are issues of financial improprieties, sexual misconduct, and exaggerated political alliance that fractures the church in a way that frustrates the mission and identity of the church. What we are seeing is a withdrawal from institutions that fail to look like the body that God has called the church to be.

Common in the conversation of those within these churches are statements like:

“The constitution said...”

“We voted and decided...”

“Our convention represents...”

“We think...”

These phrases are not helpful in the attempt to find solutions to very serious concerns that impact a spiritual community. What we are dealing with are real issues that people care deeply about. Therefore, we cannot leave these delicate issues in the hand of individuals who may be or may not be capable enough to properly decide how one’s life should be governed. One of the tragedies of the traditional church is its influence in the life of vulnerable and trusting members who trust, to a fault, everything that is decided only to learn that those decisions were not the right decisions. Then, the church makes another decision against a decision they previously made while offering a slight “I’m sorry” to those