The future of The United Methodist Church [June 17, 2007 {0688}; An e-Review Florida UMNS Commentary by Bishop Timothy W. Whitaker]

06-20-2007

Bishop Whitaker’s comments on too much authority for boards and agencies was self-serving for bishops. There is a very good reason why the bishops don’t have total control (some may argue they do). They can table important issues brought up at conference and keep people from ending the controversy of homosexuals as members (all worshipers are still welcome) in God’s house. They can write articles about illegal immigrants that slant the readers’ opinions, causing them to think breaking the laws of the land is O.K. This, in my opinion, shows a “Luke warm attitude” toward God’s word. Let me rephrase that: “neither hot nor cold”  “complacent, self-satisfied, and indifferent to the real issues of faith.” If the bishops would take a stand (God’s stand) on controversial issues then I would see “positive signs of leadership” by the bishops. The guaranteed appointment system works. [more...]

I didn't appreciate reading Bishop Whitaker reporting on the declining membership of our churches, ministers not "connecting" with their congregations, etc. I have been involved in situations where the pastor did connect with the congregation and was very well-respected and LOVED; where the church ministry was THRIVING, both spiritually and financially. What destroyed this particular church was the work of a few who undermined the wishes of the staff pastor parish committee, and the church as whole, resulting in the pastor being appointed to another congregation. After that, members began leaving, ministries were abandoned, teachers and leaders left, and the church began to die. It was such a happy, fun loving, prosperous, God loving church with a very bright future. Now, that is all history. Is this the future of The Methodist Church, where a few, with the consent of the conference’s leadership, can determine the future of a church? [more...]

Although The United Methodist Church has made great strides in worshipping God in a diverse manner, most people with whom I have talked say the reason they do not come to church is because of control, or some people wanting control, and they do not know how to work with what they have. Some people say they are not being spiritually fed — the reason they do not come to church. To me this is a bad excuse for anyone to use. Preachers need to leave the comfort of their comfortable church office. They need to make themselves accountable to God. We need to empower our members where they will go, wanting to do ministery as the Lord intended in the beginning. Reinhold Niebeur said, "Changing the world by impacting all of God's people." I know I can't change the world, but what I can do is challenge each woman or man I come in contact with.

Rev. Willie Scott
St. Stephen's United Methodist Church,  Hastings

Churches will continue to decline until they are perceived to be more important than mowing the lawn, watching TV, reading the Sunday paper or taking the kids to soccer practice. 

Anonymous

Bishop Timothy W. Whitaker says thousands of United Methodist congregations are not growing. Why? He says one reason is theological. He is right in saying: “We forgot that our identity consists of being the bearer of the Wesleyan tradition — with its focus on the experience of salvation by the grace of God ... .” Too many people are being told: “You can’t change,” or “You will never change.” Those discouraging words tend to become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Awareness of this problem grew during my 44 years of pastoral ministry and also as a result of my many conversations with prison inmates during 13 years of Kairos ministry in four state prisons. If a person lives in a culture of aggressive denial, that person tends to relinquish any hope that change is possible. When that happens, the quest for change stops. Thus, there is no change. The message of the Gospel is pivotal. Through the grace of God persons can change. That is the most essential message of the Christian faith. [more...]