PlainSpoken is a project undertaken by Jeffrey Rickman, an elder in the Global Methodist Church. Its purpose is to restore to Methodists a sense of identity by working through developments in modern Methodism or the larger Christian faith, often using scripture and foundational Wesleyan doctrine. The hope is that a new sense of vital piety and disciplined discipleship might emerge among a new generation of believers.
While Jeffrey's churches support this ministry, it is not officially a ministry of the churches in Nowata and Delaware. Rather, this is a labor of love on Jeffrey's part, with the help of TJ. Eventually, both hope that this can be something that can result in more income, such that TJ can quit his job and Jeffrey can fund increased ministries for his churches.
My brother, I think you’ve been in my library. I have that commentary on Matthew, Wesley’s sermons and, although AME, the UMC hymnal (I’d like to get my books back…please 😂)
Go to my channel. Look at my content. I talk about the GMC plenty. The inference that one should simply not talk about places they have been is strange. You're welcome to keep that policy for yourself, but it isn't really appropriate to put it on others.
I tried to hang in there to listen to this but I am leaving to go watch some paint dry lol. I do appreciate the time and effort you are putting into this and I understand its important. I will check back when everything is passed, signed, sealed and delivered.
Jeff, every time you share some news about one more piece of the UMC falling apart, you should play a 30-second clip of the conga line celebration to Love Train from the 24 general conference. For example, when preparing to share information that looks like apportionment giving in June and July dropped so rapidly it split hell wide open just play a 30 second conga line dance clip with all the whooping and hollering. Let's add a little bit of Limbaugh atmosphere to things like, "In a Yugo."
I am no fan of Western cultural imperialism, but that is not what this is. We should be alarmed, and as a church we should be strongly against these actions. It is illegal for a church conduct same sex marriages in Nigeria. The bishop is NOT accused of doing that, and neither are any of the churches that were seized. I have heard of no statements made by this bishop or any Methodist in Nigeria in support of same sex marriage. While I think the regionalization of the UMC is incoherent, it was specifically done to allow different cultures to take their own stand on same sex marriage. This is a political weaponization of the law, and I am against that no matter who does it and who they do it against.
A church without sound doctrine is merely an event center. That's the UMC right now. I didn't bring anyone in with such dissesnion. They're not preaching the Word!
I watched a RU-vid video of an ex-Methodist preachers who with his congregation broke away from the Methodist denomination. He made the comment that Methodism has become the Judas denomination of Christianity. They do NOT believe the Bible. Their democratically solicited choices can, does and will negate, cancel, violate, rubbish any GOD given Biblical laws, commandments, ordinance, precept, statutes, mizvah, order or rules. And they do! He made a wonderful comparison of a magician’s wand/stick to the Methodist use, trust and belief in the Bible. In both instances the wand and the Bible are just props. Entertainer’s props. Why they even use the Bible boggles the mind. So what is a Methodist? Answer: A Methodist is a ten minute Christian. The RU-vid site is “PlainSpoken” Here is just a pin prick of demonic deception/rhetoric that Methodism puts out: juicyecumenism.com/2024/03/22/united-methodist-imperialist-jesus/ United Methodist Sees ‘Imperialist Jesus’ as ‘Bowed Down to Satan’ And immediately the Methodist will say, “We do not believe that.” Giggle, giggle, giggle. Hosea 4:6
You mentioned Belin UMC...it is still struggling with a decision concerning disaffiliation. Their Church Council just recently voted to enter into a period of discernment.
The "highly credentialed " people with those degrees do not believe or understand the scriptures and will have to pay for that lack of belief . Unfortunately they were lied to and will have to accept that reality.
The COB continues to not understand Africa nor seem to care. They think they can strong arm churches there like they did here, but different nations have different laws with governments that may be more interested in the rules and laws of the nation. I want to feel bad for them, but they are a bit drunk on their own power and fail to realize that they don't hold power, or even sway, in Africa.
Church people tend to easily develop the problem where they forget 1/12 of the disciples called by Christ personally was of the devil...and yet Christ's ministry was just fine.
Honesty on the front end is crucial. As a UMC traditionalist holdout, I can say that our church is not on board with the newer inclusionist policies, but were not in a position to satisfy the conditions of disaffiliation. I'd have no trouble inviting someone to our church since the gospel is still preached from our pulpit, despite the GMC rhetoric. The false dichotomy that everyone's either a GMC fundamentalist or a UMC liberal isn't going to help either side any.
Mixed emotions here. While I understand them not wanting our Western culture seeping into their values...I would rather the people make that decision by leaving the denomination. However, their law is their law.
Regarding conflict within a church...or within a marriage, the #1 question to ask yourself - "Am I a person of goodwill"? If I know that, while we may disagree, I know that I am not acting of self interest and pride, but in the interest of truth and the good, and health of our common institution, and I believe that to be true of you, too, then the conflict will be a good thing, and even redemptive in the end.
The 800 pound gorilla in the room that you have not mentioned is that people are realizing that religion is mythology and have better things to do. Worshiping an iron age tribal deity just doesnt cut it anymore. You dont have to be religious to live a moral socially responsible life.
'Problematic, but not damnably problematic'. I hate to laugh, because the topic is serious, but that's a chuckle-worthy turn of phrase. My thoughts would be that I could somewhat comfortably bring a person into a faithful church that's recently been through issues and is therefore a bit messy. But if I couldn't in good faith bring a friend to my church, because I feel my church is faithless, then I might need to ask myself whether I ought to remain any longer.
I refused to invite anyone to my church from 2020 until the disaffiliation process was complete. Now, as a GMC church, I can enthusiastically invite others to join our church family.
I get the distinct impression from this video that you are OK with UMC clergy (and I guess members) in Nigeria being arrested for their beliefs or for simply trying to stay in the UMC? Nobody should be OK with that. I think you are rooting for anything to hurt the UMC. It is a sad state of affairs when people living under the freedom we enjoy in this country revel in the jailing of clergy for belonging to a church the powers that be disapprove of.
I'm not sure I had much of a position. I think western globalist forces are attempting to change cultures around the world. I guess I'm okay with local cultures trying to defend themselves. I don't expect nonChristian entities to behave in Christian ways. I believe in the separation of church and state. I guess I don't believe we have license to go around the world and preach whatever we want without consequence. The world does what it does. The church does what it does. The false church does what it does. We count the cost. I think a lot of harm has been done by the West exporting its culture around the world without concern for how it impacts local populations. I think this concern is pretty important. If that means that a bishop has to be arrested in order to establish a boundary, then I guess I'm okay with it. The UMC is trying to operate in a certain way that is hostile to local cultures. If they were getting arrested for spreading bibles, I would be 100% with them. However, if they are getting arrested for spreading ambivalence to sexual morality, my feelings aren't so strong. It isn't that I'm against the UMC. It is that I am against false churches. But I'm also against Islam, and Nigeria is like, the worst country for islamic persecution, so...I'm largely indifferent to all of this. I just hope it doesn't cost true Christians anything. Odds are it will, though...
I admire the Africans for standing up for what is right in God's eyes. Too bad the American UMC doesn't. There's a statement "When in Rome, do like the Romans". Same applies here. The western UMC does not respect the African Methodists values and treated them poorly regarding the UMC conference in May. It's too bad it led to the arrest but it is what it is
Your impression is wrong. Jeffrey is absolutely not reveling in the persecution of clergy or rooting for harm to the UMC. He views it from the perspective of the Western cultural imperialism by the progressive left. He articulates that clearly below, and I believe he does a good job of validating that view. However, I do think he should consider it from a legal perspective as well. The bishop and the churches seized have broken no laws, or even advocated for the breaking or changing of the law. I think it's outrageous, but two things can be true at once. This is also the predictable rejection of cultural imperialism. The progressives in the UMC, who bought bishops and saw to it that Africans were under-represented in order to get their agenda passed, should reflect on the seeds that they have sown in Africa.
The question is why is a traditionalist still going to that church, it speaks to his invited guest that the message of the gospel holds little value, or that the inclusion of recent policy is acceptable, there are hills to die on. If his church is confirming of the new by laws concerning the LGBTQ established by general conference it’s an issue. Invite him to dinner first at your home, share a meal….you’ll plant, water and harvest a far better yield than dragging him into the circus the UM is becoming….. I just don’t see the greatest commandment being exercised effectively exposing one to gay clergy, pride flags and compromise. Just a thought, would you take someone to Andy Stanley’s church…peace
It is very weird that arsonist, Luke Westfield, was arrested in Columbia County, GA - more than two hours drive away from Byron, GA. Wow, someone had to be VERY motivated or really on the run.
I had someone connected to the church write me. The dude is personally connected and disturbed. Disaffiliation played a role, but not the primary one, in this act. Sad situation.
Have been saying this time and again...if you people in America knows the behavior of the so called GMC in Africa, you would havs provided a sound council. I witnessed people escaping beatings. What's happening to UMC will happen to GMC. Mark my words.
I hope you're wrong, Gabriel. For my part, I will do what I can to promote peace. I'm sad at the images I am seeing. I hope for a future in which peace can prevail, at least among the people called Methodist. Did you have any substantial disagreements with Absalom Nuhu, who explained the factors involved that led up to these conflicts?
God bless the COTN!!! They practice spiritual discipline rather than just kicking the can down the denominational road! Refreshing to see a denomination hold to Scripture and doctrine. Let UM learn anew how to do the same thing!
As a denomination UM institutionally endorse values and practices that are illegal under Nigerian law. This and other UM bishops cannot expect to be held above the law. They have willingly used the legal system to advance their social/political agenda. They will now discover the truth of that parable that says turn about is fair play.
Peter Boghossian just posted that the nation of Singapore just shut down an extension of Yale University in Singapore for teaching this same stuff, liberal teachings.
I hadn't heard that. Yeah, Westerners don't take no for an answer. We just keep pushing. I can't blame them for thinking that the only message we can understand is that of force.
I had a lead drug dealer we were trying to convert, threaten to burn down the church when things didn't go his way a year later. I didn't know it was a thing till I heard that
Certainly!!! Jesus invited anyone and everyone to follow him. He didn’t beg and plead for followers. And he didn’t give everyone a long drawn out explanation of all that this following entailed. People cycled in and out from the earliest days to the last day.
It is sad to see once active and vital UMC churches like my former church wither away to a handful. We were betrayed by the Pastor, DS and the One Board that voted behind our backs to have zero disaffiliation discussion. The Board conducted secret meetings and then took a secret ballot to stay UMC in Sept. 2022 without our knowledge. When it became known, the church protested but was told the matter has been settled and there will be no discussion of any kind. There is a cost for speaking up and shining the light on corruption. Most of us did and left. The ones that stayed just were not willing to pay the cost.
Terrible tragic senseless crime. Byron will rebuild and move on. The person responsible for this crime has got to have serious mental issues. Hopefully they will be given the help they need within the prison system.
In all fairness, the UMC does seem to be an institution that promotes values hostile to those of Nigeria. Christians are not used to fighting much for their own values, which is one reason theological liberalism is able to infiltrate and ruin churches. I think we should be slow to criticize Nigeria for fighting for the own values.
If you heard a critical tone in my segment, I’m sorry. That isn’t where my head is. If I were Nigerian, I think I would feel very threatened by the continued activity of the UMC. While I’m against violence, I understand those who feel like they need to use every tool at their disposal to protect their country.
Actually Byron UMC was/is in the South Georgia Conference. I know, my Pastor's assignment before our Church was at Byron. Northwest District of the South Georgia Conference... Their administration building was destroyed, the sanctuary is heavily damaged It is not usable and won't be for a while. They met at their fellowship hall Sunday. Pray for these folks, pray for Rev Bizzell.. And so far, the alleged arsonist has no known connection to Byron Church. Here is an updated link to the story the Rev used here: www.13wmaz.com/article/news/local/peach-crawford/man-arrested-columbia-county-byron-church-arson/93-ae1ebc5a-c96a-4f1f-9c64-04200c86d7ea Peach-crawford are two counties near Macon. Byron is in Peach County.
Pastor Jeffrey, Byron UMC was in the South Georgia Annual Conference. Also, the South Georgia Conference was the one that just allowed disaffiliations.
They're all lying to people. Lying to people to get their money is called fraud. All of them should be arrested. Fake ministers all know Malachi 3 8 is telling THEM to return the money. I am Elijah, the forerunner to the return of Jesus. Matthew 19 12 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ says God prefers same-sex marriage and confirms transgender people are born that way. Anyone that doesn't run from the fake ministers and fake churches will soon be taken with the wicked. JESUS was TRANSGENDER 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️, a female man returning as a female woman in a lesbian relationship with a male woman.
They should all be arrested. Lying to people to get their money is called fraud and it's illegal. Fake ministers all know Malachi 3 8 is telling THEM to return the money. I am Elijah, the forerunner to the return of Jesus. Matthew 19 12 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ says God prefers same-sex marriage and confirms transgender people are born that way. Anyone that doesn't run from the fake ministers and fake churches will soon be taken with the wicked. JESUS was TRANSGENDER 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️, a female man returning as a female woman in a lesbian relationship with a male woman.
Every single person that works for any fake building called a church should have been arrested a long time ago. Lying to people to get their money is called fraud and it's illegal. Fake ministers all know Malachi 3 8 is telling THEM to return the money. I am Elijah, the forerunner to the return of Jesus. Matthew 19 12 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ says God prefers same-sex marriage and confirms transgender people are born that way. Anyone that doesn't run from the fake ministers won't be here much longer. JESUS was TRANSGENDER 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️, a female man returning as a female woman in a lesbian relationship with a male woman.
Jeffrey, this incident with all its deception and accompanying violence, in my opinion goes to show that this is truly a spiritual battle being played out. The true enemies here are not those pro-UMC advocates, but the demonic forces which have deceived them. My prayers will focus on keeping the brothers and sisters that are now GMC, to remain focused on how they respond to these attacks so as not to give Satan and his hoard a foothold in order to tarnish the reputation of the GMC in Nigeria. I also pray that those who’ve been deceived be brought to repentance and reconciliation to their siblings in Christ. The UMC is on a downward death spiral, and nothing that they would try would surprise me.
