There are a lot of small rural churches I can’t figure out why they are staying with the UMC - they clearly don’t believe or support the direction it has gone in. Only thing I can think of is that it is a financial issue that prevents it.
Because the UMC may own the parsonage and retirement. And don’t have the money to break away.
Just happened to a friend. He just threw in his hat.
I spoke with a UMC pastor last week. Their property is very valuable and the denomination wants the money or a cash equivalent.
They are part of a multi church lawsuit. They can’t leave until the case is heard but he told me they’re prepared to just walk away.
I am pretty sure that’s the reason for a lot of them. Even in the suburbs where I am, some long-established congregations are tiny. The one down the street from me goes back a hundred years and has an average attendance of around 15. I don’t know how they stay open now, unless the conference is subsidizing them. I guess they figure they will let time take its toll and then shut it down.