For the past few months, we’ve highlighted our connection to The Fellowship Community (TFC). I began back in July describing our experience in Indianapolis at the annual TFC Gathering and how this connection has served us well with the shifting dynamics of our congregation and our denominations. In September, we highlighted our belief statement and described how TFC helps us hold to the essential truths of our faith. And last month, we explored how our denominations have shifted from those essentials in recent years. I ended by saying we would talk about why we’re still here.
Even in the midst of a majority of our members choosing to be “United,” not affiliated with either of our denominations, The United Church values our broader connections and is striving to hold on to our association with other churches. We plan to remain in these denominations as long as it is faithfully possible. Our hope is that by remaining part of these denominations, we can model a commitment to the essentials of our Christian faith. This is why our connection to TFC is so important.
Every two years, the PC(USA) holds their General Assembly. In this meeting, resolutions are passed and the Book of Order is amended. This took place in 2024 and again this past summer. Each time this happens, I can expect emails and text messages asking why we are a part of this denomination. In recent years, the content of these changes has included shifts from convictions the church has held for thousands of years.
So what does it mean for us to remain connected? It does not mean that we agree with every resolution and amendment. And as a church in two denominations, we are not bound by these statements. One might make the case that we are damaging our reputation by this connection. Yet another could propose that our continual presence offers a faithful witness. There is certainly a messiness in holding relationships with those with whom you disagree. But it is a part of the fabric of our identity as The United Church. We have chosen unity over agreement on every issue. At the same time, we strive to remain centered on the Gospel, proclaiming the forgiveness of Jesus through His death and resurrection to all who will receive Him. We are not passively ignoring the drift, but we are actively discerning how to be the church God is calling us to be. God is doing wonderful work among us, and our desire is to continue to show up each day pursuing His will and way.
Where does this leave us? We are not naive to the possibility of further drift from the essential beliefs of faith in either of our denominations. There may come a time when it will not be possible for us to remain connected. But for now, we feel that God has called us to remain connected. TFC makes this connection fruitful, and even sustainable. If the day ever came when faithfulness required us to leave, we would not be starting over alone. TFC is made up of churches who have walked this same road, wrestled with the same questions, and chosen to stay grounded in the Gospel rather than walk away. That is not something we take for granted. We are joining hands with other churches in a Gospel-centered mission of proclaiming Jesus to the world around us. Next month, I will detail the work of TFC and how their efforts offer hope. Until then, let’s remember Peter’s words to the first century church.
(1 Peter 2:9, NIV) But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Wade
This article is part of an ongoing series on The United Church and our denominational connections, including The Fellowship Community. Installments are posted at uccdga.org/tfc.
