A couple of Sundays ago, we visited a Presbyterian church. We went to hear our friend, the pastor, preach, and he was quite good by the way. While we did feel the holiness of the sanctuary and the presence of God, it was disconcertingly different. Not just because the pastor quoted John Calvin rather than John Wesley, but because it was a different flavor of Christianity. Not bad, just different.
So what does make United Methodist churches different? It's easy to say our liturgy and the hymns, but even some of those were similar. Presbyterians also sing Charles Wesley hymns. So the difference is deeper.
The core of our Wesleyan faith holds together personal holiness and social holiness. In worship, the sermon is important, but so are the sacraments, so is the fellowship time. We tend to emphasize the experience of worship. It does help if the sermon is good, but we also want to feel God with us. This is not to say that other Christians aren't the same, but as Methodists, we still reflect our revivalist roots. Then we expect to apply our faith to our daily living. And this means acts of charity and mercy. For many, it also means social justice-- for example, working on corrupt social systems, feeding and educating those in need.
As Methodists we are connected to churches around the world in mission and ministry. Our church never stands alone as a single witness, although our local witness is necessary and important. But we act in concert and in one accord through our gifts, service, time, and witness. Just as much as we strive to let God connect with us through grace, we strive to connect in significant ways with each other in small groups. Small groups, after all, were perfected by Methodists early in our history and were mandated by John Wesley.
We carry with us the assurance that all are chosen by God and than nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
Yes, our Methodist theology matters. It doesn't make us better than all the rest, but it can position us to transform the world.
Grace, Kathy
Showing posts with label Wesley. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wesley. Show all posts
June 27, 2014
Help for Finding Our Way Forward
In a recent article from the Confessing Movement’s
e-newsletter, Riley Case continues the conversation as we United Methodists try
to find the way forward. In the article he notes the just released book, Finding Our Way: Love and Law in The United
Methodist Church, edited by Reuben Job and Neil Alexander. Dr. Case says
that “our doctrines are being challenged; our covenants are being violated; and
our unity is being shattered.” This sounds ominous and a bit scary. But this is
not the first time. Our denomination has split and reunified numerous times.
Are we a church divided, as the article states? Yes, and we have always been. Perhaps
we should, instead, count it as one of our strengths. The UMC has always been
multi-vocal on any host of social issues. Race is one but also Prohibition,
pacifism, women’s rights, and abortion to name a few. We live under a big tent that can accommodate many views.
This fascinating document lists 34 separate
Methodist churches and their total membership as parts of the Methodist family.
Some will be familiar, for example, the United Brethren Church, Methodist
Episcopal Church, Wesleyan Methodist Church, and the Methodist Episcopal Church
South. However also listed are the Evangelist Missionary Church, Primitive
Methodists, French Wesleyan Methodists, and the Wesleyan Reform Union Church.
Obviously we Methodists have organized, split, divided, and then reunified many
times. So yes, contrary to what the article says, there has been talk about
separation before, many times. In fact, it seems that reorganization is one of
the things our church does best, so it’s nothing to fear. But it is also not a
reason to boast.
Grace, Kathy
June 25, 2014
Looking for Opportunities to Find and Share Grace
Where I work, we have a wonderful library with many very old books and other publications from early in our denomination's history. Yesterday, a group of us went to explore and take a peak at what all there is. We saw Bibles, commentaries, Bible dictionaries, concordances, and more from the 16th through 19th centuries. Some were still covered in the original vellum. Others were falling apart.
That was interesting enough, but even more so was how the different people noticed different things. One of us noted the detailed engravings, one pointed out the quality of the rag paper, a couple could actually read the Latin, Greek, and Hebrew text, another observed the overall design of the pages. And we all remarked on the quality and the ability of these books to stand the test of time.
The point is that it took all of us to really "see." Taking into account our different perspectives made the experience richer, more meaningful. And just because the colors on the page called out to me didn't take away from those who noticed the words on the page first. In fact, we probably could have used even more expertise in order to fill out the experience even more.
In the church, each person's viewpoint offers a different perspective. And it takes all to get a full picture, but we must remember that even a full picture is not necessarily a complete picture. Only God can offer that.
As we reflect on our UM Annual Conferences, there were many issues, some of which may seem intractable. But as complete a picture as we might think we have, none of us have the total picture. And who is looking also says a lot about what they see. I'm always going to notice the color; just like someone else will always notice the page layout.
Regarding the issues concerning homosexuality, those who think "split" will predict it. Those who want unity, will find ways to achieve it. None of us has the complete picture about homosexuality or anything else. What's why we all need to go to God together in prayer. Perhaps, like good Wesleyans, we should be looking for more opportunities to find and share grace.
Grace,
Kathy
That was interesting enough, but even more so was how the different people noticed different things. One of us noted the detailed engravings, one pointed out the quality of the rag paper, a couple could actually read the Latin, Greek, and Hebrew text, another observed the overall design of the pages. And we all remarked on the quality and the ability of these books to stand the test of time.
The point is that it took all of us to really "see." Taking into account our different perspectives made the experience richer, more meaningful. And just because the colors on the page called out to me didn't take away from those who noticed the words on the page first. In fact, we probably could have used even more expertise in order to fill out the experience even more.
In the church, each person's viewpoint offers a different perspective. And it takes all to get a full picture, but we must remember that even a full picture is not necessarily a complete picture. Only God can offer that.
As we reflect on our UM Annual Conferences, there were many issues, some of which may seem intractable. But as complete a picture as we might think we have, none of us have the total picture. And who is looking also says a lot about what they see. I'm always going to notice the color; just like someone else will always notice the page layout.
Regarding the issues concerning homosexuality, those who think "split" will predict it. Those who want unity, will find ways to achieve it. None of us has the complete picture about homosexuality or anything else. What's why we all need to go to God together in prayer. Perhaps, like good Wesleyans, we should be looking for more opportunities to find and share grace.
Grace,
Kathy
March 19, 2014
Some Thoughts on Homosexuality and The United Methodist Church
It is
difficult to be a United Methodist and not know that the issue of homosexuality
is controversial for our Church. I’m even aware that there is continued and
sustained talk about a denominational split, as some of our sister
denominations have done already. But I am convinced that the one thing we
cannot do is abandon the conversation to extremists on either side, because
they are happy to take aim and shot their opponents using us as their cover and
then turn around and express their regret to us, their collateral damage.
What is
at stake? The unity of the UMC, but more important what our unity means ̶ effective
Christian witness and mission throughout the world. There is no doubt, that together as one
Church, we are more effective. Many of
you are fond of C.S. Lewis. He says that after he became a Christian he was
amazed how much time Christians spent arguing about their differences. He was
much more interested with what we have in common. I invite you to be of like
mind.
What do
we risk? Aside from the obvious practicalities of who gets the Pension Board
and who gets the Publishing House, for example, we risk losing the talent and commitment
of some of our most gifted and Spirit-led members. Because there are gifted and Spirit-led
people on both sides.
How can
this be? How can it be that there are Spirit-led people on both sides? Because that
is the way it always happens. The Church
has always been fond of labeling people it disagrees with as heretics.
Sometimes the Church officials excommunicated, sometimes it elected to burn
people at the stake. Perhaps we would all benefit from re-reading Church
history. Who were some of those who left
their Church? Martin Luther, John Calvin, and, oh yes, John Wesley. These left
a Church that was too enamored of its doctrine and polity—their church law,
their tradition.
But
what about Scripture? Didn't these reformers take up the banner and follow
Scripture? Yes, but more important, they followed the living Christ into their
world. Didn't they care about order and
adherence to discipline? Yes, of course, but they also saw that legalism
spelled death.
So what
do we do? What should we do as a denomination? The way forward is difficult, but
Christians throughout history have not hesitated to walk through fire if their
faith and trust in God was strong enough. Should we quit or shake hands and turn our backs on our friends and
colleagues who disagree on this one thing alone? Are we so arrogant to think that
we know enough to divide Christ’s Church over sexuality? We are not talking about grand debates about
the nature of the Trinity or the divinity of Christ. We are not even talking
about the Real Presence in Communion. People shed blood and died over these
issues. We are talking about something that is quintessentially human. So will we
divide Christ’s Church because of our own limitations?
I invite you to think through these issues and become more informed as we seek to embody the love and grace of God for each other as we move forward. The world is watching.
Grace,
Kathy
September 25, 2013
Should the Primary Location of Ministry Be the Local Church?
Should the primary locus of ministry be the local church? Believe it or not, our UM Church is struggling with this question.
You might be surprised to find that the "official" answer is "yes." But keep in mind that Methodists across the world answer that question differently. Our friends and fellow Methodists in the British Isles would actually say "no." Their answer comes from their experience of being part of a Christianity that is under siege. I have an English friend who has done a lot of work helping youth in Northern Ireland get to know English youth. He says that Christian mission works best outside of the church, in secular places. He says that way, we, like John Wesley, meet and minister to people where they live.
The local church is obviously important for congregational life and it is an important place of ministry. But acting like it is the only or even most important place where ministry takes place simply blinds us to other opportunities. The local church is where Christians gather, but the emphasis should be that we are sent from there into the world to light it up with our witness. Being sent out to make disciples is our commission given to us from Jesus, not counting noses in worship.
One ramification of believing that local churches are the primary places where ministry happens is that most of the resources are concentrated there. So, in these days when money is scarce, ministries like Wesley Foundations on college campuses, seminaries and religious colleges and universities, hospitals, and other religious social service agencies, missions like UMCOR both here and abroad go without. Or they are relegated to the curb and given a tin cup in which to collect a pittance.
What if we saw the local church rather not just as a place, but, in addition, as a life-giving process? The task of the local church would not simply be "to be," like a bump on a log, but a means or method by which people are sent. Then it might not be so difficult to imagine being sent from (and not just to) other places as well, for example: seminaries, general agencies (yes, even them), college campuses, United Methodist Men and Women groups.
For ministry to be effective and attack the complex problems of our day, we have to marshal all our resources and not segment our lives with church in one compartment and mission in another. This is surely what Wesley had in mind. For Wesley the locus of ministry was never the local church, if that were true, we Methodists would still be Anglican. For Wesley, ministry is a process of connecting people to what they need. For him this is salvation, which includes salvation from starvation, disease, ignorance, poverty, and injustice.
You can probably tell that I feel strongly about this.
Grace, Kathy
You might be surprised to find that the "official" answer is "yes." But keep in mind that Methodists across the world answer that question differently. Our friends and fellow Methodists in the British Isles would actually say "no." Their answer comes from their experience of being part of a Christianity that is under siege. I have an English friend who has done a lot of work helping youth in Northern Ireland get to know English youth. He says that Christian mission works best outside of the church, in secular places. He says that way, we, like John Wesley, meet and minister to people where they live.
The local church is obviously important for congregational life and it is an important place of ministry. But acting like it is the only or even most important place where ministry takes place simply blinds us to other opportunities. The local church is where Christians gather, but the emphasis should be that we are sent from there into the world to light it up with our witness. Being sent out to make disciples is our commission given to us from Jesus, not counting noses in worship.
One ramification of believing that local churches are the primary places where ministry happens is that most of the resources are concentrated there. So, in these days when money is scarce, ministries like Wesley Foundations on college campuses, seminaries and religious colleges and universities, hospitals, and other religious social service agencies, missions like UMCOR both here and abroad go without. Or they are relegated to the curb and given a tin cup in which to collect a pittance.
What if we saw the local church rather not just as a place, but, in addition, as a life-giving process? The task of the local church would not simply be "to be," like a bump on a log, but a means or method by which people are sent. Then it might not be so difficult to imagine being sent from (and not just to) other places as well, for example: seminaries, general agencies (yes, even them), college campuses, United Methodist Men and Women groups.
For ministry to be effective and attack the complex problems of our day, we have to marshal all our resources and not segment our lives with church in one compartment and mission in another. This is surely what Wesley had in mind. For Wesley the locus of ministry was never the local church, if that were true, we Methodists would still be Anglican. For Wesley, ministry is a process of connecting people to what they need. For him this is salvation, which includes salvation from starvation, disease, ignorance, poverty, and injustice.
You can probably tell that I feel strongly about this.
Grace, Kathy
August 10, 2012
Train Up Children as They Should Go
Like most, many United Methodists have a love/hate relationship with discipline. But for us, UM's, we tend to take a broader view. For us, discipline is not simply "training," "living according to rules," "being kept in line," or even the pain of reproof or punishment. Rather, discipline is our way of doing Church. Even our book of Church doctrine and polity is called The Book of Disciple or simply The Discipline.
Russ Richey, Ken Rowe, and Jean Miller Schmidt tell us in their book, The Methodist Experience in American: A History, the first Discipline, even by its title, pointed to John Wesley's power and authority to convene, pose questions, answer those questions, keep record, and structure the Methodist people as he would. But recourse to Wesley's rule was quickly rethought and overturned as new leaders shaped and adapted the Church to its new context in America and elsewhere.
Still, we Methodists have ambivalence toward discipline, even our Church's official, codified version of it. But as all parents know, discipline is necessary. And while sometimes unpleasant, discipline consistently done with kindness, love, and empathy will help our children grow into responsible, caring adults.
The same is also true with maturing Christians (meaning all of us) as we walk on that road to perfection that Wesley talked about. We need to pay consistent, close, measured, and thoughtful attention to faith as we practice it daily. For us, though, practice does not mean perfect, but being increasingly transparent to God's love.
So when someone strays from our common pilgrim road, we need to pursue them as a good shepherd. Our first impulse should not be to yank them back in line but to gently coax, so it can be their true choice. But also as parents, we all know that there are times when yanking has to happen, but more about that another time.
As for our own practicing, how is your daily Bible study? How faithful are your acts of mercy? Do you tithe? Fast? How is it with your soul? How is it with the soul of your congregation? What fruit has your work of discipline produced? More justice? More equality? Less bigotry?
Just remember the goal is not discipline itself. That only leads to legalism. The goal is what discipline yields--as our Communion ritual reminds us--a whole person who is freed for joyful obedience.
Grace, Kathy
Russ Richey, Ken Rowe, and Jean Miller Schmidt tell us in their book, The Methodist Experience in American: A History, the first Discipline, even by its title, pointed to John Wesley's power and authority to convene, pose questions, answer those questions, keep record, and structure the Methodist people as he would. But recourse to Wesley's rule was quickly rethought and overturned as new leaders shaped and adapted the Church to its new context in America and elsewhere.
Still, we Methodists have ambivalence toward discipline, even our Church's official, codified version of it. But as all parents know, discipline is necessary. And while sometimes unpleasant, discipline consistently done with kindness, love, and empathy will help our children grow into responsible, caring adults.
The same is also true with maturing Christians (meaning all of us) as we walk on that road to perfection that Wesley talked about. We need to pay consistent, close, measured, and thoughtful attention to faith as we practice it daily. For us, though, practice does not mean perfect, but being increasingly transparent to God's love.
So when someone strays from our common pilgrim road, we need to pursue them as a good shepherd. Our first impulse should not be to yank them back in line but to gently coax, so it can be their true choice. But also as parents, we all know that there are times when yanking has to happen, but more about that another time.
As for our own practicing, how is your daily Bible study? How faithful are your acts of mercy? Do you tithe? Fast? How is it with your soul? How is it with the soul of your congregation? What fruit has your work of discipline produced? More justice? More equality? Less bigotry?
Just remember the goal is not discipline itself. That only leads to legalism. The goal is what discipline yields--as our Communion ritual reminds us--a whole person who is freed for joyful obedience.
Grace, Kathy
July 10, 2012
How is Jesus the Way?
In my Sunday School class we just finished studying "Going Public with Your Faith." I highly recommend the 5-part study by Chip Ingram. This is not a commercial, but if you want to investigate further, go to http://www.livingontheedge.org/home/chip/chips-corner.php
In the last session, Chip explains the plan of salvation. It's a lot more than you think, so don't prejudge. What he says isn't unfamiliar. There is a deep gulf between the holiness of God and sinful humanity. Jesus is the bridge. All we have to do to become a Christian is walk across the bridge; i.e., trust Jesus. After thinking and discussing this in class, a couple more lights went off in my head. The reason God wants us to be with him is because he loves us. He's not on his side, tapping his foot impatiently and he's not evaluating or judging our imperfections. And actually he is not even standing around waiting for us, letting eternity tick by. Rather, he is more like the father in Jesus' story of the Prodigal Son. God is searching for us and anxiously awaiting our return to him. But he doesn't stop there.
And Jesus? Jesus is not the bridge. (Sorry Chip.) We don't walk across the bridge. Jesus is the one who walks across the bridge to us--a bridge already built by God (his prevenient grace)--to bring us home. And here is where reality differs from Jesus' story. In the story, the son makes his own way home. In reality, Jesus goes and finds us and then brings us home. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who finds the lost sheep. That is grace. We don't walk across the bridge on our own power, but only with the help of Jesus. Our part is simply to take Jesus' hand and follow him. Yes, we trust Jesus to lead us, but we take steps of faith. Perhaps baby steps at first. But as we continue to follow, God empowers us to love enough to find others to make the journey with us. When we follow Jesus together, we are the Church.
Jesus is the way, but he is so much more. And for those of us who have trouble trusting, God knows that too. He loves us enough not to let us keep ourselves separated from him, others, and even ourselves.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
Kathy
In the last session, Chip explains the plan of salvation. It's a lot more than you think, so don't prejudge. What he says isn't unfamiliar. There is a deep gulf between the holiness of God and sinful humanity. Jesus is the bridge. All we have to do to become a Christian is walk across the bridge; i.e., trust Jesus. After thinking and discussing this in class, a couple more lights went off in my head. The reason God wants us to be with him is because he loves us. He's not on his side, tapping his foot impatiently and he's not evaluating or judging our imperfections. And actually he is not even standing around waiting for us, letting eternity tick by. Rather, he is more like the father in Jesus' story of the Prodigal Son. God is searching for us and anxiously awaiting our return to him. But he doesn't stop there.
And Jesus? Jesus is not the bridge. (Sorry Chip.) We don't walk across the bridge. Jesus is the one who walks across the bridge to us--a bridge already built by God (his prevenient grace)--to bring us home. And here is where reality differs from Jesus' story. In the story, the son makes his own way home. In reality, Jesus goes and finds us and then brings us home. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who finds the lost sheep. That is grace. We don't walk across the bridge on our own power, but only with the help of Jesus. Our part is simply to take Jesus' hand and follow him. Yes, we trust Jesus to lead us, but we take steps of faith. Perhaps baby steps at first. But as we continue to follow, God empowers us to love enough to find others to make the journey with us. When we follow Jesus together, we are the Church.
Jesus is the way, but he is so much more. And for those of us who have trouble trusting, God knows that too. He loves us enough not to let us keep ourselves separated from him, others, and even ourselves.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
Kathy
June 22, 2012
Make a Good Move with Facebook
The Indiana Annual Conference concluded two weeks ago Saturday. "Three Simple Rules for Social Media"-social media guidelines for Indiana United Methodists--was a handout given to clergy, lay delegates, and clergy spouses. The three rules are "Do No Harm," "Do Good," and "Stay in Love with God." Sound familiar? These are adapted from Wesley's rules for living. A description of each rule,as well as a set of questions to ask related to the rule,were listed.
I am aware of difficulties that Facebook can bring with pastors posting comments or opinions that are inappropriate. But I am a member of Facebook because there is a private link to Indiana clergy spouses available only through Facebook. I never post anything, but often offer comments. I have noticed over the past six weeks that clergy spouses are posting almost daily about the challenges of moving. Now appointments in Indiana begin July 1, so as you can guess, families are busy getting ready.
I have read the full range of emotions related to relocation. Many express anxiety and fear. The logistics of packing, especially with young children, is a popular topic. Sadness about leaving a beloved congregation, reluctance to start over, making new friends--all of the concerns that were prevalent thirty-seven years ago when my husband started ministry, are still relevant today.
However, one of the opportunities that Facebook allows, is to give others a chance to respond. I have read words of love and encouragement, prayers offered, shared experiences with positive results, and many others. Facebook postings allow others to share in the experience that others are having. I have also noted spouses offering to connect with other spouses who are moving into the same district even before the move occurs. Facebook can break-down some of the isolation and anxiety that has characterized moving. I read animated and loving comments--sometimes eight or nine or ten responses of encouragement or comments to one posting.
I am thankful for the way Facebook is allowing clergy spouses in the Indiana Conference--and perhaps others too--to feel connected and supported by other spouses who may or may not be moving in ways not possible years ago.
Prayer: Thank you God for advances in communication that enable your people in ministry to express feelings, joys and concerns, as moving approaches; and for the opportunity these advances also offer for those of us who read their postings to respond with prayer and other means of support. We are connected in many ways, and social media opens new ways to be united in service.
Jacquie Reed
Fishers, Indiana
I am aware of difficulties that Facebook can bring with pastors posting comments or opinions that are inappropriate. But I am a member of Facebook because there is a private link to Indiana clergy spouses available only through Facebook. I never post anything, but often offer comments. I have noticed over the past six weeks that clergy spouses are posting almost daily about the challenges of moving. Now appointments in Indiana begin July 1, so as you can guess, families are busy getting ready.
I have read the full range of emotions related to relocation. Many express anxiety and fear. The logistics of packing, especially with young children, is a popular topic. Sadness about leaving a beloved congregation, reluctance to start over, making new friends--all of the concerns that were prevalent thirty-seven years ago when my husband started ministry, are still relevant today.
However, one of the opportunities that Facebook allows, is to give others a chance to respond. I have read words of love and encouragement, prayers offered, shared experiences with positive results, and many others. Facebook postings allow others to share in the experience that others are having. I have also noted spouses offering to connect with other spouses who are moving into the same district even before the move occurs. Facebook can break-down some of the isolation and anxiety that has characterized moving. I read animated and loving comments--sometimes eight or nine or ten responses of encouragement or comments to one posting.
I am thankful for the way Facebook is allowing clergy spouses in the Indiana Conference--and perhaps others too--to feel connected and supported by other spouses who may or may not be moving in ways not possible years ago.
Prayer: Thank you God for advances in communication that enable your people in ministry to express feelings, joys and concerns, as moving approaches; and for the opportunity these advances also offer for those of us who read their postings to respond with prayer and other means of support. We are connected in many ways, and social media opens new ways to be united in service.
Jacquie Reed
Fishers, Indiana
February 21, 2012
The United Methodist Way Resource
Friends, If you are looking for an excellent resource to help folks understand our United Methodist flavor of Christianity, check out a resource from the General Board of Discipleship.
It's called The United Methodist Way: Faith Working Through Love. This user-friendly 20-minute Flash presentation shows how following Wesley's rules in doctrine and practice leads to transformed lives that will change our world. I got my copy for free at a recent event, so I assume that you can get one for free as well. The content was written by Dr. Randy Maddox (author of Responsible Grace).
To get a copy contact Steve Manskar (smanskar@gbod.org). He also had a hand in the production.
This resource will work to introduce United Methodism to seekers, or new or long-time members.
Grace,
Kathy
It's called The United Methodist Way: Faith Working Through Love. This user-friendly 20-minute Flash presentation shows how following Wesley's rules in doctrine and practice leads to transformed lives that will change our world. I got my copy for free at a recent event, so I assume that you can get one for free as well. The content was written by Dr. Randy Maddox (author of Responsible Grace).
To get a copy contact Steve Manskar (smanskar@gbod.org). He also had a hand in the production.
This resource will work to introduce United Methodism to seekers, or new or long-time members.
Grace,
Kathy
April 18, 2011
Covenant Prayer in the Wesleyan Tradition
At the end of our Sunday service, we read the Covenant Prayer in the Wesleyan Tradition, number 607 in the UM hymnal. In case you don't have it memorized, it is a prayer of surrender and discipleship.
But I'm struggling with this part:
Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt.
Put me to doing, put me to suffering.
Let me be employed by thee of laid aside for thee,
exalted for thee or brought low by thee...
This is my struggle: How much is me being put to suffering by God and how much am I put to suffering by other people? I frankly don't think God causes suffering, but I know for a fact that other people do. But in either case, I also believe that God will have the final say and that say will be an everlasting "Yes."
This is Holy Week. I also can't help but think that Jesus had some of these thoughts as well.
As you examine your soul this week, please find ways to stop all the suffering you can.
Grace, Kathy
But I'm struggling with this part:
Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt.
Put me to doing, put me to suffering.
Let me be employed by thee of laid aside for thee,
exalted for thee or brought low by thee...
This is my struggle: How much is me being put to suffering by God and how much am I put to suffering by other people? I frankly don't think God causes suffering, but I know for a fact that other people do. But in either case, I also believe that God will have the final say and that say will be an everlasting "Yes."
This is Holy Week. I also can't help but think that Jesus had some of these thoughts as well.
As you examine your soul this week, please find ways to stop all the suffering you can.
Grace, Kathy
March 1, 2011
What Makes Us Methodists?
Ever wonder what is distinctive about Methodists? Here are some ways we are different from our Baptist, Presbyterian, and Church of Christ friends.
1. How we understand what it means to be human:
Coming out of the broader catholic tradition in general and Anglicanism in particular, our theology underscores the importance of prevenient grace; that is, the prior gracious activity of God in all things. This emphasis keeps our theology free from determinism and diminished views of human being. Hence Wesleyan (or Methodist) anthropology is underscores the responsible nature of the divine-human relationship.
2. Our theological emphasis:
Wesleyan theology is balanced in its conception of grace. It draws from the traditions of the Reformation in its understanding that sinners are justified by grace through faith alone. Like the Protestant Reformers, Wesleyan theology teaches that salvation is a sheer gift from God (free grace). It also draws from the catholic tradition in emphasizing the cooperant nature of grace. As Wesley, himself, put it in his sermon, On Working Out Our Own Salvation, "God works, therefore you can work; God works, therefore you must work." It is the combination of these two in its theological emphasis that is distinctively Wesleyan.
3. Our purpose is eminently practical:
With its origin as a reforming movement within the broader church, Wesleyan theology has been focused on the end or goal of religion, which is holiness or holy love. In other words, the Wesleyan way of doing theology is eminently practical: to inculcate nothing less than the holy love of God and neighbor in daily living.
4. Our historic emphasis on holiness:
Wesleyan theology is holistic, embracing proper teaching (orthodoxy), a transformed heart (orthokardia) as well as an array of practices that reach out to the neighbor, especially the poor (orthopraxy).
5. Our mission-orientated understanding of the church:
Wesleyan theology freely acknowledges that it operates within a communion, an interpretative tradition, that is a part of the larger ecumenical church. When Wesleyans are mindful of their historic roots, they understand call and mission as fostering the love of God and neighbor. In other words, Methodism is a reforming movement, organizing itself so that it focuses on the proper ends or goals of the Christian faith.
6. Our outward focus:
In reflecting on the Word of God manifested in Jesus Christ, those who practice our Wesleyan theology refuse to be merely theoretical or speculative in their approach, but remain practically engaged and "other directed"; that is, they are ever mindful of the “cash” value of theology and are therefore oriented to the service of their neighbors. Put another way, Wesleyan theology in its best sense, in its methods and means, exemplifies love of God and love of neighbor.
7. How we move toward perfection--our goal:
Every aspect of our theology sees its completion, its perfection, in the glory of God; in the One who ever calls forth the community to both renewal and loving service.
Credit to Dr. Ken Collins, professor at Asbury Theological Seminary for his help on this.
Kathy
Clarksville
1. How we understand what it means to be human:
Coming out of the broader catholic tradition in general and Anglicanism in particular, our theology underscores the importance of prevenient grace; that is, the prior gracious activity of God in all things. This emphasis keeps our theology free from determinism and diminished views of human being. Hence Wesleyan (or Methodist) anthropology is underscores the responsible nature of the divine-human relationship.
2. Our theological emphasis:
Wesleyan theology is balanced in its conception of grace. It draws from the traditions of the Reformation in its understanding that sinners are justified by grace through faith alone. Like the Protestant Reformers, Wesleyan theology teaches that salvation is a sheer gift from God (free grace). It also draws from the catholic tradition in emphasizing the cooperant nature of grace. As Wesley, himself, put it in his sermon, On Working Out Our Own Salvation, "God works, therefore you can work; God works, therefore you must work." It is the combination of these two in its theological emphasis that is distinctively Wesleyan.
3. Our purpose is eminently practical:
With its origin as a reforming movement within the broader church, Wesleyan theology has been focused on the end or goal of religion, which is holiness or holy love. In other words, the Wesleyan way of doing theology is eminently practical: to inculcate nothing less than the holy love of God and neighbor in daily living.
4. Our historic emphasis on holiness:
Wesleyan theology is holistic, embracing proper teaching (orthodoxy), a transformed heart (orthokardia) as well as an array of practices that reach out to the neighbor, especially the poor (orthopraxy).
5. Our mission-orientated understanding of the church:
Wesleyan theology freely acknowledges that it operates within a communion, an interpretative tradition, that is a part of the larger ecumenical church. When Wesleyans are mindful of their historic roots, they understand call and mission as fostering the love of God and neighbor. In other words, Methodism is a reforming movement, organizing itself so that it focuses on the proper ends or goals of the Christian faith.
6. Our outward focus:
In reflecting on the Word of God manifested in Jesus Christ, those who practice our Wesleyan theology refuse to be merely theoretical or speculative in their approach, but remain practically engaged and "other directed"; that is, they are ever mindful of the “cash” value of theology and are therefore oriented to the service of their neighbors. Put another way, Wesleyan theology in its best sense, in its methods and means, exemplifies love of God and love of neighbor.
7. How we move toward perfection--our goal:
Every aspect of our theology sees its completion, its perfection, in the glory of God; in the One who ever calls forth the community to both renewal and loving service.
Credit to Dr. Ken Collins, professor at Asbury Theological Seminary for his help on this.
Kathy
Clarksville
December 7, 2009
From Those Who Have Come Before Us
Recently I have been really encouraged by reading the stories and prayers of the earliest women in the Methodist movement. I thought I might share some of it. The following is from the diary of one of the first Methodist pastors' wives in England. Her name was Mary Entwisle:
"July 26, 1795 - Since I wrote last we have removed from Leeds to Colne, from Goshen to the wilderness. Yet I have proved God is here. I met with a very severe trial here. Mr. Harrison's had left a child in the house sick of the small pox. My dear John [her baby] had not had the small pox and was obliged to be prepared and inoculated immediately. He was severely handled, his life endangered. I, in a strange place, my dear husband, true partner of my weal or woe, at a great distance when the child was at the worst My trials were great, yet praised be the Lord, strength was proportioned to my day. I believed the Lord would spare my child. He did and raised him up again in a few weeks after I was delivered of another fine boy [Marmaduke, born Sept 1774]. And the Lord was with me in the trying hour. He brought e safely through after hard lingering labor. I was enabled in patience to possess my soul. I felt much of the divine presence during my confinement and resolved if the Lord raised me up again to lead a new life, but alas! I have broken my resolutions and I do not yet feel my heart established with grace. I feel my soul humbled before the Lord. I have now spent a year at Colne and I think I have neither been doing nor getting good. My dear partner is now gone to conference. I felt concerned on account of the disputes which agitate our Connection. The Lord pour upon your ministers teh spirit of wisdom to know what steps to take, and love to submit one to another. O Lord if it be your blessed will grant that liberty of conscience may be granted us with respect to our commemorating your dying love, and that all strife for power or superiority may be done away, and give peace and prosperity to your church. [John Wesley had died not too long before this was written, and the connection was figuring out how to move forward].
July 1796 - The Lord has in the course of his providence brought us to this place where we are comfortably situated among a kind and affectionate people, some of them, I think, deeply pious, and where we have every outward comfort which we can desire. I trust I feel a thankful heart and a determination to give myself afresh to God in my new situation. I have ben favored with some refreshing seasons both in public and private since I came and, in general, have felt earnest desires to be more deeply devoted to God."
From: Paul W. Chilcote, Early Methodist Spirituality: Selected Women's Writings, Abingdon Press, 2007, pp. 128-129.
Kristin is a doctoral candidate in Old Testament at Princeton Seminary and a pastor's wife in New Jersey.
"July 26, 1795 - Since I wrote last we have removed from Leeds to Colne, from Goshen to the wilderness. Yet I have proved God is here. I met with a very severe trial here. Mr. Harrison's had left a child in the house sick of the small pox. My dear John [her baby] had not had the small pox and was obliged to be prepared and inoculated immediately. He was severely handled, his life endangered. I, in a strange place, my dear husband, true partner of my weal or woe, at a great distance when the child was at the worst My trials were great, yet praised be the Lord, strength was proportioned to my day. I believed the Lord would spare my child. He did and raised him up again in a few weeks after I was delivered of another fine boy [Marmaduke, born Sept 1774]. And the Lord was with me in the trying hour. He brought e safely through after hard lingering labor. I was enabled in patience to possess my soul. I felt much of the divine presence during my confinement and resolved if the Lord raised me up again to lead a new life, but alas! I have broken my resolutions and I do not yet feel my heart established with grace. I feel my soul humbled before the Lord. I have now spent a year at Colne and I think I have neither been doing nor getting good. My dear partner is now gone to conference. I felt concerned on account of the disputes which agitate our Connection. The Lord pour upon your ministers teh spirit of wisdom to know what steps to take, and love to submit one to another. O Lord if it be your blessed will grant that liberty of conscience may be granted us with respect to our commemorating your dying love, and that all strife for power or superiority may be done away, and give peace and prosperity to your church. [John Wesley had died not too long before this was written, and the connection was figuring out how to move forward].
July 1796 - The Lord has in the course of his providence brought us to this place where we are comfortably situated among a kind and affectionate people, some of them, I think, deeply pious, and where we have every outward comfort which we can desire. I trust I feel a thankful heart and a determination to give myself afresh to God in my new situation. I have ben favored with some refreshing seasons both in public and private since I came and, in general, have felt earnest desires to be more deeply devoted to God."
From: Paul W. Chilcote, Early Methodist Spirituality: Selected Women's Writings, Abingdon Press, 2007, pp. 128-129.
Kristin is a doctoral candidate in Old Testament at Princeton Seminary and a pastor's wife in New Jersey.
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