Lexington County Methodists face a challenge.

A Special Conference in St. Louis, MO, Feb. 23-26, will determine how the United Methodist Church will interpret human sexuality issues. These include homosexual pastors and same sex marriage.

“I believe God still has a plan,” said Pastor Jeff Kersey of Mt. Horeb UMC in Lexington.

“Mt. Horeb is praying for a renewed hope for the Methodist Church grounded in grace and truth as revealed in the Bible.”

Jody Flowers, Pastor of Chapin UMC, said, “It saddens my heart that our denomination is confused and divided over issues related to human sexuality.

“In the midst of the crisis, the UMC leadership unanimously affirms the Holy Scriptures and the position of the UMC Book of Discipline that collectively states that the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching.”

District Superintendent Cathy Jamison said, “I am providing training and resources to help pastors and church leaders facilitate respectful and prayerful conversations during this difficult time.”

Whatever decision is made in St. Louis will increase a growing divide between traditionalists who hold to core beliefs and progressives who seek change.

Delegates from the USA and Africa will decide if UMC’s Book of Discipline will continue to keep the scriptures as the standard to define sin and sexuality or change with liberal culture.

The UMC’s Council of Bishops prefers the One Church Plan, which changes the UMC’s Book of Discipline.

It will allow homosexual pastors and same sex marriage and protect pastors who hold to traditional beliefs.

Those who hold to scripture disagree.

The Wesley Covenant Association and The Confessing Movement prefer the Traditional Plan, which prohibits homosexuality.

Rev. Flowers said, “We at CUMC will continue to trust God to lead us forward as we remain committed to our calling to invite all, to welcome all, to love all and preach the life-transforming Gospel of Jesus Christ to all.”