As I walked up to the doors of a Global Methodist Church, getting ready to meet with an old clergy friend and colleague from my time with the Western PA Conference, I couldn’t help but reflect on the recent changes within our denomination. The formation of the Global Methodist Church (GMC) and the departure of many theologically conservative congregations like this one from the United Methodist Church (UMC) have undeniably altered our landscape. But amidst these changes, I held a sense of anticipation and hope for the opportunities that lay ahead.
Seeing my friend walking down the hall, we greeted each other with the warmth and familiarity that comes from years of shared ministry. Sitting in the soft chairs of his office, we delved into the heart of the matter—the transitions that had taken place and how they were affecting our respective ministries. He spoke candidly about his congregation’s journey to the GMC and the journey of other congregations like his. One reflection stood out to me the most: He shared of deep-seated fears among some GMC leaders about being excluded from the United Methodist camps that they had cherished for decades.
As he shared, a story unfolded—a story of disconnection, but also of the potential for reconnection. He told me about Heather Withrow, the President of Jumonville (PA), who had reached out to him with a simple but powerful message: “You and your church members are still welcome and wanted here. You are still part of the Jumonville family.” This gesture of inclusion resonated deeply with him and his congregation. It was a beacon of hope in a time of uncertainty.
Inspired by Heather’s example, I realized that we as camp and retreat leaders have the unique opportunity to build bridges and foster relationships with those who have transitioned to the GMC. Our camps aspire to be places of unity, healing, and growth. Now, more than ever, we have an opportunity to extend that mission to all camper families, guests, and supporters, regardless of their denominational affiliation.
I encourage each of our United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministry organizations to consider these steps toward strengthening relationships:
- Open Communication: Just like Heather’s call to my friend, reaching out to GMC congregations in your area can have a profound impact. Let them know they are still valued and welcome in our camps. Assure them that the essence of our camp and retreat experiences remains unchanged. We can proactively communicate within staff cultures, in outreach with parents and camp families, and with campers and guests.
- Empathy and Understanding: In our conversation, my friend emphasized the importance of approaching these discussions with empathy and a genuine desire to understand. By listening to their concerns and experiences, we can foster mutual respect and constructive dialogue.
- Reiterating Our Mission: We discussed how our camp and retreat mission of providing transformative experiences in God’s Creation has remained steadfast. The spiritual growth, community building, and discipleship that our camps offer are as relevant and vital now as they have ever been.
- Continuing Fundraising Efforts: My friend also mentioned the importance of continuing our fundraising asks with GMC churches. This shows that they are still a crucial part of our ministry’s fabric. While we should be sensitive to their financial realities post-disaffiliation, maintaining these asks demonstrates respect for their ongoing support and involvement. Camp/retreat ministries may need to create new systems and pathways for churches to provide financially for the ministries that are important to them.
Our camps can serve as models of true inclusion and unity, embodying the love and grace that Christ calls us to. By fostering environments where empathy, respect, and understanding flourish, we can bridge the divide between the UMC and the GMC. Camps and retreats are often places of wide welcome where different kinds of people can practice Christian community, and we will do our best to remain those kinds of places. As our UMC General Conference and local Annual Conferences navigate a new post-disaffiliation church, perhaps the kind of inclusion and welcome that we practice regularly at camp can set an example for the broader faith community. Maybe our skills of navigating differences with love can help the church move into a hopeful future.
As my friend and I concluded our conversation, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. Our discussion was not just a meeting of old colleagues; it was a reaffirmation of our shared mission. We are called to be intentional bridge-builders, reaching out with open hearts and open minds to strengthen our relationships with all those who seek the transformative experiences that our camps and retreat centers offer.
Together, we can model a faith that transcends divisions and embodies the unity and love that Christ exemplified. Let us commit to this journey of connection, ensuring that our camps remain holy spaces where everyone feels welcome and valued.
Jessica Gamaché has led UMCRM as the Association's first and only Director since 2019. Having grown up as a camper, Jessica first came to United Methodist camping leadership as Assistant Site Manager and Nature Resource Guide at Wesley Forest in Central PA. As Camping and Retreat Ministries Coordinator in the Western PA Annual Conference for eight years, she championed camping ministries in the local church, Conference, and beyond. She served 7 years on the UMCRM Board of Directors before stepping into her current role. Jessica and spouse Heath are parents to Skye and Leland. You will most often find her on Zoom or on the phone, surrounded by sticky notes in her home office in Pittsburgh, PA.
