United Methodist Church - Jeremiah's Vow

A Reflection on the Irony of Methodist Denominations and the Kingdom of God

I fell in love with the work of God in and thru the Moravians in my “Church Since The Reformation” church history class in Seminary.

I know that may sound weird. But the Moravians captivated me.

To the point that I forced my wife to go with me to Winston Salem, NC to go see the first Moravian community that formed in the United States.

The struggle and imperfection of the people.

The difficulty of living in close community with one another.

The devotion to prayer (almost 100 years of 24-7 prayer) and confession.

The dedication to taking the Gospel to the whole world (before it was easy – they’d literally send family members off on boats to unknown places only to never see them again).

Hardly any of us in today’s world commit ourselves to anything like these people committed themselves to one another and to God, if we’re honest.

Then, shortly after Seminary, I fell in love with the Wesleys and the Methodist movement in the same way.

Of course, I had learned about them in that same class. But there was something about the practicality of working in a church that created the context for the principles of the Methodist movement to come alive for me.

The desire for all people to hear the Gospel – not just “preach” in a church gathering.

The intentionality of grouping people together to care for one another’s souls.

The balance of relational structures with Spirit-led movement.

Just like the Moravians, it took my breath away. How God was at work in and through people in such normal and yet powerful ways.

And these movements captured me because the Spirit who is in me resonated with the same Spirit in those people. The same Spirit that has always been ushering in the kingdom of God.

Thru the elders and craftsmen of Israel.

Thru the prophets and poets of the Old Testament.

Thru the disciples and apostles of the New Testament.

Thru the priesthood of all believers of the Church today.

The love I felt that drew me toward these movements was the very love of God for His people, actually for all people that He wants to come to know His love.

And this is why, after “swimming in the Methodist waters” for the last nearly decade, I’ve grown even more confused by the “denominationalization” of the kingdom of God.

Yes I just made up a word.

And this isn’t just true of Methodists. I have friends in so many denominations that started as kingdom movements and yet now, let’s just be honest, aren’t.

So we must ask ourselves: Why are denominations consistently the place that kingdom movements go to die or become dormant?

And then secondly, and potentially more importantly, if thats true, then: Why do we keep creating the same things expecting different results?

So many Christian leaders continue to say they want to be a part of something like these kingdom movements that happened outside and alongside the established religious structures of their day, but then attempt to do the work of kingdom movement within the structures that have consistently not allowed for kingdom movement. And then are confused when it doesn’t work.

It’s either ironic or insane. I can’t decide which anymore.

It’s what I did for nearly half of my life. I kept holding out hope for “renewal” or “revitalization” or “reformation.”

But over the last 7 years or so I’ve been asking myself: Is that really how resurrection happens though?

So for the last several years I’ve made it pretty clear that I think God is doing something he’s done before, if people are willing to follow Him into it.

Something He did in Acts.

Something He did in the Monastics.

Something He did in the Moravians and the Methodists and other modern kingdom movements.

He’s calling entire communities of people into renewed relationship with Him and one another.

Not for the “purpose” of revival or awakening. Just simply for the purpose of His love.

Not with a “plan” of creating the next big thing or fast-moving, multiplication model. Just simply with a plan to devote themselves to one another and to Him.

Prayer and presence will mark these communities.

Hospitality and hope will be their commitment.

Sacrificial love and sustainable life rhythms will become their pious work.

Hidden acts of service and homes filled with God’s presence will permeate all they do.

The thing that unites them won’t be organizational, nor performative, nor attractional, nor visionary.

It will be incarnation.

Real life with one another, with God.

They will work and play full of the Spirit.

They will raise kids and grandkids and other’s kids together in the faith.

They will work thru conflict and practice forgiveness as a means of grace.

They will listen and give generously and celebrate God’s creation.

They will be a kingdom movement. Whether they have a name or logo or website or building or bylaws is irrelevant. It will barely cross their mind if at all.

Because they will have one another.

And they will have God’s presence.

And after all, isn’t that what this whole Advent of the kingdom we just celebrated is all about anyways?

God with us.

God among us.

God experienced through our relationships with one another in the midst of our every day life.

That’s incarnation.

That’s a kingdom movement.

It’s simply beautiful.

And it captivates the depth of my very soul.

Can I Get a Witness?

Over the last few weeks our pastor has reminded the church of the vows that we made when we joined the church. I serve in a United Methodist Church and there is one question that all new members are asked by our pastor as they accept the responsibility of being members of our local church.

Will you be loyal to this congregation and uphold it with your Prayers, Presence, Gifts, Service and Witness?

Each of these vows has served as the basis of the series on Discipleship that Pastor David has been leading us through. This week we focused on the final vow, that of witness. Pastor David asked me to write the front page of the newsletter helping our church orient their thoughts for the week as we get ready for Sunday Services. You can read it below.

Continue reading “Can I Get a Witness?”

The Bishop and His Beautiful People | “Your Call Is Still Calling”

There is nothing more important to the work of the church than to be totally and unashamedly committed to Jesus. Any failure to love God and to love those whom God loves misses the message of Jesus.

The South Georgia Annual Conference met from June 3 – 5, in Macon, Georgia. This meeting takes place once a year and is the time for the conference to handle the business of the church. I was not able to attend, but did watch on the live stream online. One of the wonderful benefits of technology. As the conference drew to a close Bishop King shared some important thoughts with the clergy and lay members of the conference. I would like to share with you these thoughts and some of my own reflections.

Our bishop regularly greets the members of the conference by saying, “Hello beautiful people.” And he does so with such a warm smile it is hard not to smile back, knowing that this is a sincere greeting from him. I hope I never take it for granted. I am always left with the impression that the bishop really means it and he wants us to believe it for ourselves. We are a beautiful people. Not because of anything intrinsic within us, but because of who we have become and are becoming in Jesus.

Bishop King then said to those in attendance and those of us viewing online, “Your call is still calling.” Continue reading “The Bishop and His Beautiful People | “Your Call Is Still Calling””

A Youth Pastor Attends District Conference

On Sunday, May 20, the Americus District of the South Georgia Annual Conference met to participate in holy conferencing. About 250 members of the district gathered at Cordele First United Methodist Church to share in a time of worship, business, and celebration of vital and vibrant ministries in the district. The District Superintendent, Dr. Wayne Moseley, shared with us an insight into the power and beauty of the yearly District conference. Moseley shared that the bishop described the district meeting is to the life of the district and the annual conference is the life of all the churches in south Georgia.

Dr. Wayne Moseley
*Americus District Superintendent*

It is a time to celebrate and to acknowledge all that was done, both by the hand of God and by the diligent service of faithful Methodists.

Americus District Meets

As the meeting began, Dr. Moseley extolled those in attendance about the power and purpose of the connection. This was a wonderful reminder of how and why we are connected. As individual churches, there is so much that can be achieved and accomplished. What we as Methodists must remember is that together we can go even further than we ever dreamed possible. The district was encouraged to continue to make every effort to grow in connectional activities, not only strengthening the regional and global church but also strengthening the ties of the local church to the global ministry.

After the opening congregational hymn and exhortation by Dr. Moseley, the conference entered into the business meeting time. Reports on several areas were presented. Three-star pastors were recognized, with recognition being given for “Highest Net Gain in Membership,” “Largest Number of Professions of Faith,” and “Best Ratio of Professions of Faith” for 2011.

Some other acknowledgements were the Carruth Missions Awards, Evangelistically Fruitful Congregations, Fully Connectional Churches, and Four- and Five-Star Pastors.

District Officers were also elected following the recognition of the work of and in the district churches.

Dr. Moseley provided a reflection on the events of general conference discussing what had been done (or attempted), particularly on the issue of restructuring. Those in attendance were also given a preview of some interesting and significant issues that will be upcoming during South Georgia Annual Conference Meeting on June 3-5 in Macon, Georgia.

The highlight of the business meeting were the reports from several missions organizations within the district and of the annual conference that are impacted by the support and efforts of district

The Churches One Foundation — Congregational Hymn

churches. Reports were given from the Georgia Southwestern Wesley Foundation, Magnolia Manor, The Methodist Home in Americus, Disaster Response, Hispanic Ministries, Dooly Campground’s Children & Youth Camp, United Methodist Men and United Methodist Women.

Bishop Exhorts the District: “GO, GROW, LOVE”

The meeting closed with Bishop James King preaching. This was a wonderful time. Bishop King reminded us that the key to success in anything, but particularly in the primary mission of the church requires focus. The church’s mission is to make disciples for the transformation of the world. This can only be done if we remain focused to building and strengthening the foundation of discipleship.

The foundation of discipleship is love. We were reminded of this important fact several times. There are hurting people all around us that have never felt love, let alone the love of God. We must remember, Bishop King reminded us, that Jesus said that the world will know we are his disciples by our love for one another.

Bishop King used Peyton Manning as an illustration that resonated with this youth pastor. The bishop recalled an interview with Manning about his trade from the Indianapolis Colts to the Denver Broncos. Manning was asked what he was looking forward to as a result of the trade and Manning’s response was that he could not wait to get his routine started. Bishop King encouraged us that, as the people of God, we must make every effort to develop holy habits because these are the practices that form us. This was a wonderful reminder.

The bishop closed his teaching time with two very important realities. The first was that without love discipleship is almost impossible. Therefore, we have to “Go, Grow, Love.” We go because that is what Jesus said to do. We go because we are the ones sent to find. We go because if we do not the world will never really come to Christ on their own. But, as we go, we have to also grow. Growth in love, holy habits and discipleship are the fuel that moves the train of God’s desire to see disciples made. But, as we go, and as we grow, we must also love. Our love for one another and our love for those whom God loves as well remind us of how important our mission truly is.

The second reality was that we have to “come into agreement about making disciples,” said Bishop King. As a global connection we have to make up our minds that making disciples will be our focus. Our bishop’s heart with regard to this was evident as he closed his message.

As a youth pastor in the Americus District and as a member of the South Georgia Annual Conference I am glad to have Bishop James King providing leadership to us to go into the world and make disciples for the transformation of the world.

Thank you Bishop King and Dr. Moseley for all that you do to lead our churches toward accomplishing God’s work in South Georgia.

Sex and Religion | The United Methodist Church and the Issue of Sexuality

Regardless of the side you are on, forcing someone else to love you on your terms will never work. Love them in and through the disagreement. Love them in and through the struggle to be heard. Love them in and through the journey until Jesus makes all things new.

This morning the General Conference of the United Methodist Church voted down an amendment to its Book of Discipline regarding homosexuality. The General Conference meets every four years to discuss the life and direction of the entire church. The conference is the “voice” of the church, but there are some that do not agree with what’s coming out of its mouth. The Book of Discipline is the law of the church. It describes and details how each affiliated regional and local church is to function. The amendment under discussion would have “softened” or, in the view of others, “diluted” the church’s stance on homosexuality. After the vote, a demonstration of protest ensued. These protesters were asked to disperse but disregarded the petition of the presiding bishop and the session was recessed until after lunch.

There are several issues here, none of which I will dwell on. I will phrase them in the form of questions.

When did theological fidelity (on either side!) become equal to a lack of compassion?
Why do those who disagree have to accuse each other of intellectual and personal bigotry?
How are we ever going to have a conversation when we are screaming at each other about why we are right?

Love is not a right. It is a choice that we all have to learn to make individually. We can’t make people love us, which seems to be the intended desire of those that are promoting the homosexual position. We have to follow Jesus’ example here. Jesus called us to love our enemies and those that persecute us.

⁴³“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. ⁴⁶If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? ⁴⁷And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?⁴⁸Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:43-48, ESV)

If we do this then we prove God’s love in us and God’s love through us. Regardless of the side you are on, forcing someone else to love you on your terms will never work. Love them in and through the disagreement. Love them in and through the struggle to be heard. Love them in and through the journey until Jesus makes all things new.

I am sad about what took place. While I agree with the position upheld, I disagree with both sides of the issue because of the lack of love and compassion toward one another. For the better part of an hour, a majority of what was shared on the Twitter feed tended toward the selfish, dishonoring, and in some cases idiotic. When we stop trying to be right against one another and we get right with God first and then one another, maybe, just maybe we can have a holy conversation about this issue.

Confirmation 2012 | Join the Journey

This weekend I was at Epworth by the Sea on St. Simons Island for the South Georgia Annual Conference’s Confirmation Retreat. This is a time for our church to gather all the young people that we hope are ready after a time if instruction to accept the faith of Christ and make it their faith in Christ. Because in the United Methodist Church they practice infant baptism, confirmation becomes an important point in the life of every Methodist believer. This sacrament has two purposes.

First, it reminds the church that they have a responsibility to care for and nurture the faith of the child that has been born into a believing family. God is the one baptizing through the instrument of the church. We, as a church, are not doing anything for the child in the act of baptism. What we are witnessing is the grace of God in action. Therefore, as that child grows up and is taught about faith, confirmation becomes the moment where we ask the child to “confirm” for themselves that the faith taught to them.

This leads us the second purpose of infant baptism. The second purpose is to demonstrate to the whole church, and all those that witness the event, how we believe God works in our lives. God’s grace is active in the whole world right now. He is working in and thought believers and the circumstances of life in order for us to see Him. We are inviting those who do not have faith in Christ to join us in a new journey of faith, hope and love. In the Methodist church we see see sanctification (i.e., the process of becoming more and more like Jesus) as a progressive act. It is not something that happens over night.

This was a great weekend. I hope that the over 500 youth and adults that attended enjoyed the time spent remembering how God’s grace has brought them this far.