Church Transition FAQ

We understand that this process comes with a lot of emotion and uncertainty. Our goal is to provide you with as much information as possible to help you as you prayerfully discern what your vote will be.

Below we have compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions about this process. Some of the procedures and steps have been determined by the NC Conference of the United Methodist Church, and while that may cause some of us angst, we must follow them.

Please note that as we receive more questions and information, we will do our best to keep this page up-to-date. We will also send out emails to our church body with frequent updates. To sign up to be on that list, please email katie@nashvilleumc.net.

Who can vote?

All present, professing church members can vote. Please know that we love everyone that worships in our church, but not all are professing members. Affiliate members, children of members (that have not been confirmed), and those that have not yet joined the church will not be able to vote. There are no exceptions or concessions to this rule.

For our second vote, to determine if we will join the GMC or become an independent church, the vote will be cast by a simple hand raising during the meeting at 5pm on August 14th.

For our third vote, to determine the new church name, we will have a simple ballot that will be distributed to all present members on September 7th at 6pm.

When is the vote to determine our new church name?

The vote is currently scheduled for September 7th at 6pm Prior to the vote we will have a time of worship, and a time of listening and learning about the meaning behind our name options.

Do I have to be present to vote?

Yes! All professing church members that would like to vote need to be present, in-person at Nashville UMC at the time of voting. No absentee ballots will be accepted.

What if I am going to be out of town?

Unfortunately if you are out of town for the vote, you will not be able to vote. We hope that you will be in prayer over the church during the time of voting.

Am I a member?

If you are unsure of your membership status, please contact the Church Office: info@nashvilleumc.net or 252-459-7178.

What are we voting on?

Our vote on July 31st determined that Nashville UMC will be disaffiliating from the United Methodist Church on Dec. 31, 2022.

The next vote will take place on August 14th at 5pm. At that vote, we will be voting on whether our local body, Nashville UMC, will join the Global Methodist Church or become an Independent Church.

Our final vote will determine the new church name. Our Name Change Committee is currently taking suggestions via this online form & a suggestion box in the Gathering Area. Suggestions can be submitted until August 31st at 12pm. That evening the Name Change Committee will meet to determine the final 3-5 name options. The vote on September 7th will be open to all church members to determine which of the final options will become our new name.

How will I find out what the results of the vote are? Will the results be given to us that night?

The results of each vote will be counted and announced the same evening that the vote takes place.

How is the decision determined?

For the first vote, over 66% of those present must vote to leave the UMC in order for Nashville UMC to disaffiliate.

For the second and third vote, a simple majority will determine the decision.

What happens if Nashville UMC leaves the UMC?

We continue to focus on saving the unsaved, sanctifying the saved, and spreading scriptural holiness. Our worship, children & youth programs, discipleship & outreach ministries will be unaffected. Our hope is that we will be able to continue to participate in UMCOR and other ministry related partnerships with the UMC.

Some things will change, including a much lower apportionments, pastoral benefits, and supervision/support from the UMC. Please read this document, written by Pastor Scott, for a more in-depth look at the potential changes.

If we vote to disaffiliate, when would we leave the UMC?

Once we have determined that our church has voted to leave, we will begin the disaffiliation process. Our plan is that December 31, 2022 would be our last day in the UMC.

If we vote to join the GMC, when would we join?

We would officially join the GMC on January 1, 2023.

Do we have to join the GMC if we leave the UMC?

No, and that question will be explored in-depth through the pages on this website and an informational meeting prior to the vote on August 14th at 5pm.

What is the Global Methodist Church (GMC)?

The Global Methodist Church is the Traditional branch of the Methodist Church. Please click here to learn more.

Will Nashville UMC have a new name if the vote determines that we will leave the UMC?

Yes. A Name Change Committee will be working on this process. The process includes gathering name suggestions from the congregation, surveys, and a church-wide vote.

To understand the complete process and all the steps we will be completing, you can view our transition plan here.