The United Methodist Collective (UM Collective) was established by the NC Conference of The United Methodist Church in collaboration with Office of New Faith Communities, local United Methodist pastors, congregations, and conference leaders to provide a temporary spiritual home for individuals who felt displaced or disconnected from their local United Methodist communities due to disaffiliation from the denomination. It became a place of belonging for those seeking continuity in worship, discipleship, mission, sacrament, and pastoral care during a time of uncertainty.
As more individuals have found new places of worship and a sense of belonging, the needs that initially shaped this ministry have evolved. As this ministry prepares to conclude at the end of December, we pause to give thanks for the profound ways the Holy Spirit has been at work through The UM Collective. This community has embodied our shared call to Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, and Lead Courageously even in a season of change.
Over the past three years, 1,164 individuals formally joined The UM Collective, finding welcome, pastoral support, and connection. Many have since found new church families, with over 600 transferring into local United Methodist congregations across our Conference and 41 transferring to congregations outside The United Methodist Church.
Along the way, The UM Collective became the setting for meaningful moments of ministry, community, and care. One member who moved to Western North Carolina joined a recent virtual gathering simply to express gratitude for the support she found through this temporary community.
We have heard stories of pastoral milestones as two members in The UM Collective passed away, and The UM Collective chaplain, Reverend Keith Sexton, presided at the Services of Death and Resurrection, reminding us that the Church remains present in every season of life.
Faithful leaders, such as Reverend Mark Gustafson, offered compassionate spiritual care and helped nurture connections that continued beyond The UM Collective itself, ultimately leading to a new church start, Grace UMC, which is flourishing in Elizabethtown, NC. Reflecting on this journey, Gustafson shared, “When their church disaffiliated, they were determined to remain United Methodist and start a new expression of worship. I feel honored to be in the unique situation of being able to lead this new expression.”
Congregations like Ware’s Chapel UMC in Washington, NC, welcomed individuals with open arms, demonstrating the graceful hospitality that defines our United Methodist witness. Ware’s Chapel continues to welcome children and youth, nurture multi-generational discipleship, and grow in mission together.
We also celebrate the ways The UM Collective members continued to participate in the life of the Church. Several stepped into lay leadership roles, including 8 serving as members of Annual Conference to ensure that the voices and experiences of this community helped shape our shared ministry.
As this chapter concludes, we want every member of The UM Collective to find places to plant new roots. Conference leaders, District Superintendents, and local congregations are actively working to ensure that all remaining members are welcomed into local United Methodist Churches in their communities. At the end of the year, 514 individuals will be assigned to nearby UMCs, allowing them to continue growing in faith and serving in ministry. This transition is grounded in prayerful care and the conviction that each person deserves a church family where they can belong, contribute, and flourish.
We give thanks for the leaders and chaplains whose compassion and creativity brought this ministry to life. We give thanks for every member who entrusted us with their stories and spiritual journeys. Most of all, we give thanks to God, whose steadfast presence held this community through seasons of grief, uncertainty, healing, and renewal.
As this ministry transitions, our prayer is that its spirit of hospitality, hope, and discipleship will continue to guide us in our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, who Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, and Lead Courageously.
Read responses to potential questions in the Frequently Asked Questions below→
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is The UM Collective closing?
The UM Collective was created as a temporary spiritual home for those who felt displaced due to disaffiliation. As more individuals have found new places of worship and belonging, the needs that initially shaped this ministry have evolved. Because of these changes, The UM Collective will conclude at the end of December and will support members in transferring into local United Methodist congregations.
Is December 31, 2025, the absolute deadline for The UM Collective to close?
The UM Collective will conclude on December 31, 2025. Throughout the month, The UM Collective will continue to support members in finding a welcoming church home. If a member has not chosen a congregation, their membership will be transferred to a local United Methodist congregation near their residence. After the transition, if they wish to change congregations, they may contact the pastor of the church to which their membership was transferred and request a transfer to another congregation.
Can I choose where to place my membership?
Yes, you are welcome to choose the congregation where you would like your membership transferred. If you already attend a church regularly, feel drawn to a particular congregation, or have questions about transferring your membership, please contact Rev. Keith Sexton at umcollective@nccumc.org
How do I convey to which congregation I want to have my membership transferred?
You may indicate your preferred congregation by contacting Rev. Keith Sexton at umcollective@nccumc.org. Rev. Sexton can answer questions, update your membership information, and assist you in transferring your membership.
Can I have my membership transferred to a congregation that is not in the community in which I permanently live?
Yes, you are welcome to transfer membership to a congregation outside your immediate community if you have a meaningful connection or worshiping relationship there. Please contact Rev. Keith Sexton at umcollective@nccumc.org to update your membership information.
What if my membership goes to a church I do not attend?
If your membership is transferred to a local church and you later find another congregation where you feel more at home, you may request a transfer at any time by contacting the pastor of the church where your membership is currently held.
Where will my membership go if I do not designate a congregation in which to transfer my membership?
If you do not provide a church preference, The UM Collective leadership and your District Superintendent will work together to transfer your membership to a United Methodist congregation near you. This helps ensure you are connected to a community where you can receive pastoral care and participate fully in the life of the Church. If you decide later that another congregation is a better fit, you may request a transfer by contacting the pastor of the church to which your membership was transferred.
Will someone share my name and contact information with the local church to which my membership is assigned? How might I expect a follow-up?
Your name and contact information will be shared with the pastor of the local church receiving your membership so that they may welcome you, offer pastoral care, and help you connect with their community. You will receive a personal outreach from the pastor or church leader as part of this transition.
Can I still serve in denominational committees or roles following the closure of The UM Collective?
Yes. Once your membership is transferred into a local United Methodist congregation and you participate in communal life, you remain eligible to serve in denominational roles at the district, conference, and general church levels. Your voice and leadership continue to be valued as we join together in making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
How many individuals / families have joined The UM Collective since its inception?
Over the past three years, 1,164 individuals formally joined The UM Collective.
How many individuals have transferred their membership to a local UMC from The UM Collective?
Over 600 people have transferred into local United Methodist congregations across our Conference.
How many individuals have transferred their membership to another non-UMC local church from The UM Collective?
41 individuals have transferred their membership to congregations outside The United Methodist Church.
How does/will this affect Lighthouse Congregations?
The conclusion of The UM Collective does not change the mission and ministry of Lighthouse Congregations. These congregations will continue to welcome those seeking a United Methodist community, providing places of worship, care, and connection.