United Methodist Church (UMC) has recorded a historic low number of elders under the age of 35, coinciding with the departure of over 7,500 congregations amid debates on homosexuality. This information was revealed in a recent report by the Lewis Center for Church Leadership at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.
According to the report, there are currently 398 UMC elders younger than 35, a significant decline from the 3,219 elders reported in 1985. The number has also decreased by more than half compared to 2020, which recorded 852 elders under 35, marking the first full year that the process allowing churches to disaffiliate from the UMC over LGBT issues was being implemented.
From 2019 to 2023, the UMC Book of Discipline included Paragraph 2553, which established a procedure for disaffiliating from the denomination due to its long-standing debate over the blessing of same-sex unions and the ordination of noncelibate homosexuals. By the end of 2023, when Paragraph 2553 expired, more than 7,500 congregations had disaffiliated from the UMC utilizing this process.
Despite the numerical decline in elders younger than 35, the report indicated that the percentage of these elders has slightly increased from 4% of all elders in 2023 to 5% in 2024. In contrast, in 1985, 15% of UMC elders fell under the age of 35.
The overall trend of disaffiliations from the UMC has not only contributed to the decrease in younger elders but has also affected the number of elders between the ages of 55 and 72. The report noted, “Among elders, it appears that losses occurred more among older (55-72) elders and young elders (under 35).” It also stated that the percentage of the 55-72 elder age group decreased to 50% in 2024 from 52% in 2023.
Rev. Lovett H. Weems Jr., senior consultant of the Lewis Center, commented to UM News, “Unfortunately, it’s about what I expected. I think we’ve got another year that will be disaffiliation-affected.”
The UMC has faced decades of internal strife regarding whether to modify its rules to permit the blessing of same-sex unions and the ordination of individuals in same-sex relationships. Although multiple attempts to amend the Book of Discipline to eliminate these prohibitions consistently failed at General Conference, many theologically progressive leaders opted not to follow or enforce the existing standards.
In preparation for this year's General Conference, thousands of predominantly conservative churches chose to leave the denomination, with many joining the newly established Global Methodist Church.
During the General Conference earlier this year, delegates overwhelmingly approved changes to the church's language regarding marriage and sexuality to reflect more socially progressive views.
