Lisbon United Methodist Church is now known as Living Hope Global Methodist Church, a name change that went official July 1.
The choice to disaffiliate with the United Methodist Church came about after leadership in the national and statewide conference allowed the ordaining of openly LGBTQ clergy and same sex marriages. Lisbon United Methodist Church was among 84 churches who announced their plans to disaffiliate with the United Methodist Church in late May.
Pastor Josh Swaim said a congregational meeting was held earlier this year on the disaffiliation for the Lisbon congregation.
“We have spent months and the past few years discerning our position on these issues,” Swaim said. “It wasn’t a step any of us took lightly, but we also couldn’t square our view on theology with these decisions.”
The congregation in a supermajority decided to disaffiliate with the United Methodist Church. A later vote by the church was held, deciding to join the new Global Methodist Church.
Swaim said that while the name has changed and the church chose to disaffiliate with the United Methodist Church, the love of the church and their acceptance to all in the Lisbon community has not.
Swaim says much of the theology and worship practices at the church will remain the same as congregants have known in the past, as the worship and practices they preach have to be administered.
He added that the church has made affiliation changes in the past, as the congregation has a long history in the community. Joining the United Methodist Church in the late 1960s was one of those decisions.
Lisbon United Methodist Church changes name to Living Hope Global Methodist Church
July 6, 2023
Lisbon United Methodist Church is now known as Living Hope Global Methodist Church after disaffiliating with United Methodist Church. The name change is effective as of July 1, 2023, and the new sign was installed just this past week at the church. Pastor Josh Swaim remains as pastor and said the liturgy and theology of the church is not changing, nor their welcoming and invitational nature to the entire community.
About the Contributor
Nathan Countryman, Editor
Nathan Countryman is the Editor of the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun.