I am a UM elder, pastor, and retired chaplain.
The only thing that should guide whether you go or stay is a specific calling from God. There are areas of this church that are really doing the work of God.
There are areas where I couldn’t remain another day, so if you are in one of those, I definitely sympathize with you. However, if you are in one of our more conservative regions, I’d encourage you to pray strongly before leaving.
You are aware, aren’t you, that the addition of the African central conferences will tilt the General Conference in a more BIBLICAL direction and that the progress we have been making will be continued?
I felt the call long before the discussion with the Pastor, that discussion was the catalyst for action - especially with my wife who was steadfast against leaving.
Have you seen the recommendations that came out of the Kansas East Conference? Chilling to say the least.
I’ll drop you an e-mail with more specifics regarding the pastor discussion, the details wouldn’t be constructive on a broad forum.