Dear Central Family,

In April 2022, the Central UMC Church Council began extensively debating the question of whether our church should enter a discernment process that could possibly lead to disaffiliation from the United Methodist Church. These discussions led to the church holding three informational sessions in the ensuing months followed by a church-wide survey to glean input from the church family. In August 2022, the Church Council approved a motion to enter the discernment process on a vote of 18-6. Following a challenge by some members of our church on aspects of that motion, the Arkansas Conference UMC provided updated and revised guidance to churches considering disaffiliation. On September 11, the Church Council met again to consider the matter and on a vote of 18-5 decided to seek entry into the discernment process. On September 15, the church leadership was informed by the NW District Superintendent, Dr. Blake Bradford, that the church was certified to enter the process. Then, on September 22, Dr. Bradford informed us that our proposed Discernment Plan, which had been approved by the Church Council, was also certified. A copy of that Discernment Plan can be found on the landing page on our website created to be a central repository for matters related to the discernment process. 

We recognize that we are entering into an emotional and challenging season for our church family, and we are committed to moving through this process in a prayerful manner while maintaining a heart of peace as we seek to discern God’s path for the future of our church. 

The process, guided by our Annual Conference, will be highlighted by three Listening Sessions. These are NOT identical sessions. Each session has a unique focus. 

• Listening Session I will be held on Thursday evening, October 13, at 6:30 p.m. in the Activities Center and will be led by Arkansas Conference Bishop Gary Mueller. At this opening session, Bishop Mueller will provide a full overview of the process, an opportunity for question and answer, and a time of discussion. 

• Listening Session II will be held on Sunday afternoon, November 13 at 3:00 p.m. It will be led by Church Council chair, Sally Davis. Its primary focus will be hearing from outside speakers who will be sharing different perspectives; one on reasons to stay in the UMC, and one on reasons to leave the UMC. This will be followed by a time of Q&A and comments.

• Listening Session III will be held on Sunday afternoon, January 8 at 3:00 p.m. It will be led by Central member and Church Council Parliamentarian, Chuck Culver. Its primary focus will be to have a time of general questions and answers followed by a comment period. Then, those in attendance will be given the opportunity to participate in a “straw poll” vote whether to request the District Superintendent to call a Church Conference. This conference would allow the church membership to vote on whether to authorize the church to enter into a disaffiliation agreement with the Arkansas Conference UMC. A simple majority is the threshold for the vote in the straw poll. If a simple majority is not received requesting the call for a Church Conference the process will stop.

At this time, a determination has not been made of the venue for Listening Sessions II & III.  We will be continuing to evaluate this situation in the time ahead. Our hope is to be able to host all sessions at Central, however, if we discern that the capacity of our venues is insufficient to handle the expected attendance, we will look for alternative locations in the Fayetteville area that may be better suited. We recognize that holding sessions off-site is not ideal, but we are also committed to ensuring that those who choose to attend will have every opportunity to fully participate and engage in the proceedings. We will publicize the locations once a decision is made. 

There are two possible votes of the church family in the process. As noted above, in Listening Session III a straw poll vote will be conducted. If the straw poll receives simple majority approval, then the NW District Superintendent will set a Church Conference to consider a final vote regarding possible disaffiliation from the UMC. If a Church Conference is held for this purpose, it will require 2/3 approval of those in attendance. It is important to understand that only professing members of Central UMC will be permitted to vote and that voting in person is the only way votes can be held per the Book of Discipline of the UMC. Proxy voting is also prohibited. If you have any question about whether you are a member of the church and eligible to vote, please feel free to contact the church office to inquire. Also, we anticipate making available an online listing of persons on our membership roll by November 15. If you are a member of Central and do not want your name to be shared in this online listing, please contact Theresa Henretty at 479-442-4237 in the church office to inform her. Please note that no contact information (only names) will be shared. Also, choosing not to have your name on the published list will not prohibit you from voting at the straw poll or the possible church conference. 

Per direction received from the Arkansas Conference UMC, we are not permitted to record or live stream any of the listening sessions. The church leadership did make a request to do one or both and were informed that this is not permitted. A written recap of each of the listening sessions will be completed following the sessions and made available on the church’s discernment landing page. 

A key place to find updated information about our discernment process is the church website, www.centraltolife.com. A landing page has been created that seeks to share information to assist you in understanding the elements of the process. There are two advocacy groups that have emerged at Central as well that share additional information from their perspectives regarding whether to stay in the UMC or disaffiliate from the UMC. A link to the websites for both groups can be found on our landing page. These groups may seek to hold informational and organizational meetings at the church in the months ahead. Please note that these groups are free to convey information from their respective positions on possible disaffiliation. 

Our Discernment Leadership Team is in the process of compiling a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) guide that we hope to make available at Listening Session I. The FAQ will also be placed on the church website once it is completed. We believe this document will provide answers to several of the key questions that we have heard from many of you in the preceding months. We will publicize its availability once it is completed. 

I want to urge you to join me in this prayer for our church as we move through this process, from Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Stay close to God, stay engaged with the church, and see you Sunday!

Together on the Journey, 

Rev.Carness Vaughan
Senior Pastor, Central UMC