I was at ground zero in the Methodist (North Texas) 20 years ago when they were spending 99,999$ to "study" if homosexuality was compatiable with Christianity...Note the amount - they didn't need approval and could hide the expenditure for under 100,000$. After that, they had the "Milk and Honey" service at the North Texas Conference, where they used inclusive terms for God (like Mother), and served offerings of Milk. (I know you won't believe it, but the Methodist have been taken over by the New Age crowd in many areas). I know. I was there. I saw.
In general, if you want to watch a denomination self destruct, here is the path
1) Gender roles diminished
2) Israel Abandoned
3) Theology becomes "grey"
4) Homosexuality promoted
5) People leave in droves
Here in the area of Columbus, Georgia and Phenix City, Alabama we have a score of United Methodist Churches and one very small single Independent Methodist Church. I noticed the Independent Church supported missionaries in the Ukraine which is good but I wonder if it would not be more productive to support missionaries (or agents) to the United Methodist Churches.
The typical Methodist is conservative and enjoys studying the Bible and hates the liberal directions of the bureaucratic body.
The "exploitation of workers" is supported by the UMs despite their rhetoric against it. The board of Global Ministries was a cheering section for the Sandinistas. They have no problem with China's toy triangle because those slaves get free dental care.
I think basic Methodist doctrine is great and much more Biblical than the "Churches of Christ" but I do admire the less bureaucratic structure of those Campbellites.
It's happening even in the backwaters of America.
A Methodist church in Williamsport MD held a "blessing of the beasts" and they included a photo in the local paper.
A woman clad in a black hooded robe stood barefoot in the Novemember cold, blessing the resident's critters.
Until I read the caption, I thought it was some sort of pagan thing.
My gramma goes to that church and she despises W, in accordance with her pastor's will.
She's 80-something and the thought of her amongst all that new-age jazz freaks me out.
) Gender roles diminished 2) Israel Abandoned
3) Theology becomes "grey"
4) Homosexuality promoted
5) People leave in droves
That is a sure way to destroy it.