Answer #1 (Stay UMC)
If the decision is made to disaffiliate and be independent, the governing board of the new organization will be responsible for finding a pastor, setting new guidelines for structure, approving a new way of connecting with churches, forming a new mission, vision, and value statement for the church. If the church decides to join another denomination, help may be available for finding a pastor. In either case, the new church would need to develop a framework of core beliefs in order to search for a pastor/staff that is committed to the same belief system. One has to wonder how pastors would be approved, educated, and ordained. One would also wonder what values would guide such a congregation. So many things would change if the church chose to remove the lifeline of connection and relationship that has been in place since the church was founded in 1837. For a reminder of the values of the United Methodist Church which guide our congregation please follow these links:
1. https://www.umc.org/en/who-we-are/what-we-believe/our-christian-roots
2. https://www.umc.org/en/content/our-christian-roots-the-church
3. https://www.umc.org/en/content/an-open-table-how-united-methodists-understand-communion
4. https://www.umc.org/en/content/renewing-waters-how-united-methodists-understand-baptism
5. https://www.umc.org/en/who-we-are/what-we-believe/reflections-on-our-faith
Answer #2 (Pro-Disaffiliation)
If the church chooses to be an independent Methodist church, there are consulting firms available to assist with vetting and choosing a pastor. If the church joins another Methodist denomination, they have a process in place for choosing a pastor.