I am in the process of reading in detail the Call to Action report produced by a Steering Team at the request of the Council of Bishops. No, really . . . I am reading the document write now, as we speak (uh . . . well . . . we aren't speaking, but you … Continue reading United Methodist Call to Action — Some Questions Part 1
Category: Methodism
Some clarification…
In my previous post, I suggested that there were some throughout the United Methodist Church that wanted to use a “franchising model” as the guiding metaphor for how we function. Based on the comments that came in following that post, I need to offer a couple disclaimers: It is indeed probably unfair to tarnish the … Continue reading Some clarification…
Some clarification…
In my previous post, I suggested that there were some throughout the United Methodist Church that wanted to use a “franchising model” as the guiding metaphor for how we function. Based on the comments that came in following that post, I need to offer a couple disclaimers: It is indeed probably unfair to tarnish the … Continue reading Some clarification…
Is the UMC a Franchisor?
In my previous post I shared the recognition that United Methodist Communications and other agencies are involved in creating a national "brand" for the United Methodist Church based in the language of marketing more than theological identity. I've had at least one person suggest that in fact the phrases I mentioned represent "brand statements" rather … Continue reading Is the UMC a Franchisor?
Is a Denomination a Brand or a Something Very Different?
Earlier today a package from a friend at UMCom showed up in my mailbox. It was a CD of materials for a "multimedia package" for congregations to use during the Advent season. The good folks at UMCom have provided a theme for the season, "A Life-giving Christmas -- Keeping it Real" and will be offering … Continue reading Is a Denomination a Brand or a Something Very Different?
A Co-Creator With God
I got an email today informing me that Ddani Aguilar died today, his spirit leaving this world and passing on into the other realm. I was privileged to work with Dani for several years during my time at UMCom, and we would occasionally cross paths as we wandered throughout the city. It was during one … Continue reading A Co-Creator With God
A Last Minute Pitch
Next Friday, the girls and I will load up the car (and probably a small trailer given the stuff we need to take) and head down I-40 to the mecca of Southern United Methodism at Lake Junaluska. Lake Junaluska is a great place and our family has come to love it, but the main reason … Continue reading A Last Minute Pitch
Betwixt Here and There — The Consultation Dance
This past January, after much prayer and soul searching (and a bit of divine revelation) I informed my Staff Parish Relations Committee of my intention to ask to be appointed to another church. I have been at Antioch UMC for seven years and have had a good ministry. I wasn't facing any mutiny in the … Continue reading Betwixt Here and There — The Consultation Dance
Raining on the Parade: The Failure to Support New Potential Clergy
Ed note: It's been a while since I have written here, partially because I have moved my Nashville social commentary to http://justnashville.wordpress.com, but partially because I really haven't had much to say. I am hoping that recent changes in my schedule will allow for more commentary here on faith and life in in the United … Continue reading Raining on the Parade: The Failure to Support New Potential Clergy
Did David Gamble Misspeak?
I stumbled today on the recent controversy in British Methodist circles about the comments made by David Gamble, President of The Methodist Church in Great Britain. Folks across the pond seem bent out of shape over a speech he made to Church of England’s General Synod which is being interpreted as an expression of desire … Continue reading Did David Gamble Misspeak?
The Benefit of Being Connectional
For several years now I have heard friends throughout the states belittle the value of denominations in our country. “We are in a post-denominational world” they say. “Denominational structures get in the way of ministry. Why do you continue on a a dying system?” There are many days when I agree with them, many days … Continue reading The Benefit of Being Connectional
The Congregational Footprint
One of the dangers we preacher folks tend to fall into when evaluating the ministries of our congregations is to focus on the metrics of participation, membership, and financial giving. There are good reasons for this, from denominational expectations around those numbers to the fact that these numbers have the most impact on our day … Continue reading The Congregational Footprint
A Prayer for Meharry
Ed. Note: Last week I was invited to offer the invocation at the opening convocation of the Meharry Medical College, a historic institution that has trained doctors for the African American community since 1876, located in Nashville, TN. This is the prayer that I offered at that event. Creating God, giver of life and sustainer … Continue reading A Prayer for Meharry
Failing To Trust Ourselves
Yesterday I made the mistake of posting an obscure scream on Twitter about a frustration I was feeling in regards to what seems to be an increasing trend in United Methodist leadership. Many seemed confused by my comment that it seemed to me at the time that leaders in our communion seem to think being … Continue reading Failing To Trust Ourselves
The Church of our Youth
There has been a conversation that I’ve had many times during my ministry when I am talking with folks about why they chose to be a part our church… Me: So, why have you decided to hang around? What is it about our church that you find appealing? Them: Well, it reminds me of … Continue reading The Church of our Youth
The Myth of Relevancy
rel·e·vant Pronunciation: \ˈre-lə-vənt\ Function: adjective Etymology: Medieval Latin relevant-, relevans, from Latin, present participle of relevare to raise up 1 a : having significant and demonstrable bearing on the matter at hand b : affording evidence tending to prove or disprove the matter at issue or under discussion Back in my youth one of the … Continue reading The Myth of Relevancy
Belief, Practices, and Re-Thinking Church
I’ve been re-reading Tom Frank’s excellent book, The Soul of the Congregation and while this thought is usually before me, it jumped out at me tonight as a good reminder: …people generally do not adopt a set of beliefs called “Christianity” and then pick out a church in which to express them. People become “Christian” … Continue reading Belief, Practices, and Re-Thinking Church
Do United Methodists Want to BE Disciples?
More accurately and helpfully, the question is “what percentage of United Methodists really want to be Christian disciples?” The most accurate answer to this revised question is, “Less than 10%.” This poses an interesting dilemma. What happens to The United Methodist Church if we take our mission seriously? What response can we expect from the … Continue reading Do United Methodists Want to BE Disciples?
What does it mean to be “post-traditional”
Okay, I was one of the early “post” boys to the United Methodist table, thinking about our place in a “postmodern” world, moving to thinking about “postcolonialism,” and even thinking about post-evangelicalism, post-liberalism, yada, yada, yada, and the list goes on. However tonight I was asked by a friend and member of my congregation about … Continue reading What does it mean to be “post-traditional”
What does it mean to be “post-traditional”
Okay, I was one of the early “post” boys to the United Methodist table, thinking about our place in a “postmodern” world, moving to thinking about “postcolonialism,” and even thinking about post-evangelicalism, post-liberalism, yada, yada, yada, and the list goes on. However tonight I was asked by a friend and member of my congregation about … Continue reading What does it mean to be “post-traditional”
Only Wonder Understands 