We are still the same congregation that we have been for over a century, and we are still operating as the same Unincorporated Association.  However, during the ongoing legal proceedings over our property, the General Council on Finance and Administration of the United Methodist Church demanded we remove the word “United” from the name we use to refer to our Congregation and our Unincorporated Association.  We are, thus, presently known as First Methodist Church, an unincorporated association. This is the same name that we used prior to the 1968 formation of the United Methodist denomination.  Of course, many of our church family and those in the community simply call us, First Church.   We are quickly settling into our new temporary home at The Fowler Center on the campus of Arkansas State University. We were forced to relocate following a temporary court ruling that evicted us from our home of over 100 years at 801 S. Main Street.  Our congregation will hold services in the Fowler Center as we continue the legal arguments for our property.  Reverend John Miles, senior pastor of the church for over seventeen years, will shepherd our congregation as we continue to share the gospel.

In July of 2022, over 900 of our members voted to leave the Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church over theological divisions.  This was not a simple majority decision, it well exceeded the supermajority required of those present and voting.  It clearly reflected the desire of almost 70% of our congregation.  However, although the church followed each step of the official disaffiliation process to leave properly, the conference failed to ratify the disaffiliation agreement it reached with the church and has now temporarily taken control of the church buildings at 801 S. Main and has repeatedly attempted to gain control of our bank accounts.  This caused concern for those giving to our church who did not want any of their contributions going to the United Methodist Denomination. As part of the disaffiliation process, the Conference required the creation of a corporate entity for our congregation to utilize at the completion of the disaffiliation process. At that time, it was fully anticipated by our congregation (and by the conference) that our disaffiliation would be fully ratified by the Conference delegates.  That entity was formed, and it is known as First Methodist Church of Jonesboro, Incorporated.  However, when our disaffiliation was not ratified by the delegates and the legal dispute arose, many of you started giving your financial contributions to First Methodist Church of Jonesboro, Inc. because tithes and offerings deposited directly into the accounts of our Unincorporated Association were viewed as possibly being at greater risk of seizure by the Conference. 

After the conference wrongfully  asserted ownership of our property and bank accounts, First Methodist Church of Jonesboro, Incorporated graciously used funds it received to  help our church continue in all the ways we have been Putting Jesus First in Our Lives.  First Methodist Church of Jonesboro, Inc. is a generous and trusted partner that fully supports our congregation and allows our members to best safeguard their tithes and offerings in this very difficult time of legal battle.  Giving to this partner and ally of our church is the safest way to minimize the risk of the funds you give being taken by the Arkansas Conference and so all funds given, including those given online and in services, will go straight to First Methodist Church of Jonesboro, Incorporated.   As First Methodist Church (our original unincorporated association and congregation), we will work directly with them to ensure we are able to continue all the amazing ministries of our church. Please give generously.  This is an exciting time of growth and time of battle for our church and we will need your financial support as well as your gifts of service.