United Methodists Shut Down 27 Churches Amid Ongoing Membership Crisis

Punta Gorda, Florida, USA - The United Methodist Church (UMC) is at a pivotal juncture, grappling with significant inertia stemming from internal divides. The recent decision by the Alabama-West Florida Conference to close 27 churches—26 of which are located in south Alabama and one in the Florida Panhandle—highlights the ongoing turmoil. The vote, presided over by Bishop Jonathan Holston during the annual conference meeting at the Pensacola First United Methodist Church on June 10, was described as solemn. This closure adds to a staggering total of 46 churches shuttered in less than two weeks, following the closing of 20 churches in North Alabama just a few days prior, as reported by AL.com.

For many of these churches, dwindling and aging memberships were crucial factors. The painful reality is underscored by the fact that some congregations faced property disputes that left them vulnerable. Among those affected is Guy’s Chapel in Bay Minette, a century-old church embroiled in a legal tussle over property rights tied to the church’s „trust clause.“ The fallout continues as the UMC sees a wave of disaffiliations, with over 7,600 churches having left the denomination since 2019, particularly driven by controversies surrounding LGBTQ+ rights and theology, according to USA Today.

The Financial Toll of Disaffiliation

The disaffiliations within the UMC are not just a matter of dwindling congregants; they represent a major financial fallout as well. As the UMC struggles with a proposed budget of $346.7 million—reflecting a staggering 43% reduction—it’s evident that the church is grappling with diminishing resources. The upcoming General Conference scheduled for April 22 in Charlotte, North Carolina, is expected to be crucial for shaping the future, as decisions made there will influence the church’s financial health. Notably, the proposed budget is $23.8 million less than the previous one and over $140 million below what was recommended back in 2019, highlighting how severe the impact of disaffiliations has been, as USA Today outlines.

Meanwhile, the disaffiliations vary widely across different regional conferences. For instance, Texas has witnessed an alarming 42% of its churches leave, while California saw just 1% disaffiliate. This landscape is indicative of varying church dynamics and the challenges different conferences faces. With many general agencies already cutting budgets by at least 30% since 2019, the reality is that the church is traversing rough waters both spiritually and financially.

A Broader Context of Change

The schism that has precipitated so many departures stems primarily from the UMC’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues. Following the church’s decision to repeal its ban on same-sex marriage and the ordination of openly LGBTQ+ clergy in 2024, a tide of transformation emerged. This ongoing struggle is underscored by the approximately 7,286 churches that left the UMC as of recent reports. Of these, over 5,600 disaffiliated in 2023 alone, with various annual conferences like Kentucky, North Alabama, and North Georgia witnessing notable exits, as outlined by Christian Post.

As congregations navigate these changes, legal barriers often complicate disaffiliation efforts. Some churches are attempting to alter their deeds to drop the „United“ from their names, a move informally dubbed „steeple-jacking.“ The pressures facing the UMC are intensifying, especially with court rulings—such as a recent one denying jurisdiction over a case involving 42 congregations in Montgomery—adding another layer of complexity. Those congregations are now turning to the Global Methodist Church, a newly formed, theologically conservative movement, looking for a more aligned community.

In a landscape of such rapid transformation, the local communities feel the impact deeply. Whether they hail from established congregations closing their doors for good or those exploring new denominational affiliations, a sense of uncertainty looms over the UMC in Florida and beyond. As we observe these developments, it becomes clear that the road ahead will require both reflection and resolve within the changing landscape of faith.