jeffreymark

UNITED METHODISM'S CONTINUING PLUNGE

Old timers in the United Methodist Church recognize the decades of decline existing in our great denomination. This year's General Conference, our quadrennial law making body, continued to address the issue and covered it up with righteous appearances only. Maxie Dunnam, former president of Asbury Theological Seminary, offers his assessment of the matter. Fifty plus years of experience in ministry have honed Dr. Dunnam's spiritual eyes.

 

The church is terribly dysfunctional.

The General Conference demonstrated this dramatically. In all my years attending General Conference, I have never experienced such a level of distrust among us. A huge portion of this distrust seemed to be focused on leadership, our bishops and our program boards.

This was witnessed to, by the move to institute term episcopacy. For the first time in my five General Conferences, a petition not to elect bishops for life, but for terms, got on the floor of the legislative plenary, and the vote was about 50/50.

Distrust was also witnessed to, by our inability to determine a new structure that might be more effective for our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.  The structural plan brought to the Conference by a “blue-ribbon” task force of bishops and outstanding national lay and clergy leaders did not get traction. One reason for the failure was that many thought it was lodging too much power in a few and not all constituencies of the church were represented “at the table.” A substitute plan didn’t make it because it didn’t give enough prominence to leadership by our bishops, and many thought that the Commissions that deal with women and ethnic issues were being denuded of power. 

A compromise plan for structure was brought late in the conference, and it was approved but then was ruled unconstitutional by the Judicial Council. So, we basically came away from the Conference as we went in -- with a structure that is top heavy and cumbersome. Thus, my contention is that our structure does not lend itself to revitalization of local congregations where "the action is." In fact, the structure may restrict revitalization. I am not far along in my thinking about this issue but there is no way for the Church to continue with any degree of Kingdom Witness as it is presently going. We seem to have forgotten that the Holy Spirit gave birth to the Church, therefore, we must "tarry" in prayer, waiting on guidance from and intervention and empowerment by the Holy Spirit.

Theology and doctrine matter.

The General Conference clearly witnessed to a divided church along with a dysfunctional structure. As previous official unity task forces have concluded, homosexuality is the presenting divisive issue.  The Conference held to the position of the Church that the “practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching.” Though much “sound and fury” surrounded that issue, the division is deeper. Fundamentally, the issue is the authority of Scripture, the exclusive claims of the gospel in tension with an ideological system that seemingly makes inclusiveness redemptive within itself.

The hope of the United Methodist Church rests in it becoming a movement again. Movements begin at grass root levels. The local congregation is where the movemental dynamic must begin. I believe, then, that we must focus on the revitalizing of theology, clarifying and enhancing the Methodist/Wesleyan accent for the revitalization of the local church.

 

POSTMODERNISM AND THE CHURCH

Like most of my contemporaries my secular education consisted of enlightenment laced curriculum neatly packaged in a diploma which reads Texas Tech University. Yet, a funny thing happened on the way down from the ivory tower-enlightment died years ago and postmodernism took its place. Postmodernism, supported by major cultural influencers today, is both skeptical of and open to all philosophies, faith included. The emergent church gets this and has jumped on this openness to faith as a door into redemptive ministries. I plan to spend more time learning how one can share their faith within this context.

A PATRIOTIC CALL TO THE FAITHFUL

Often pastors come into the cross-hairs of their parishioners when waxing eloquent about anything other than ethereal matters. “We want more spiritual stuff,” they exclaim with vacuity and thousand yard stares. Private morality equals absolute virtue in less than seasoned disciples.   I believe, however, the collective social anxiety we experience today relates directly to both our private and public morals. In fact, our founding fathers believed public virtue trumped private virtue. The book of James envisions both as an ice burg, whose tip warns of the massive roots below. Consider these words from his epistle:

You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?  You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend.  You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone. (2:20-24 NIV)

Assessing the contemporary moral climate in a rather Billy Grahamesque way- we are in a social free-fall indicative of our internal moral cancer. The persistent chronic denial of our moral malady is now manifest in our collective skeptical attitude. And, we cynically snicker at empty political promises. We need healing. Once, perhaps twice (historians debate the number) in our history we experienced a great spiritual awakening manifested via sweeping social changes, triggered not from centralized government authority, but from the Church. Indeed, according to a legion of Christian historians, the Church has been the faithful staple of the American character throughout history.  My former history professor at Asbury Theological Seminary, Dr. Melvin Dieter, once opined: 

When protesters violently marched on Washington during the 60s and 70s  the Church provided a principled fiber that kept us from coming unglued. (ATS Classroom Lecture, Spring 1981)

According to Dieter the Church really did become “salt and light.”  

In addition, few historians and silver tongued politicians have wrongly attributed these words to French historian Alexis de Tocqueville:

I sought for the greatness of the United States in her commodious harbors, her ample rivers, her fertile fields, and boundless forests-- and it was not there. I sought for it in her rich mines, her vast world commerce, her public school system, and in her institutions of higher learning--and it was not there. I looked for it in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution--and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great! 

Whoever originally penned these thoughts (tradition has it they represent a confluence of both Eisenhower and Reagan speech writers) certainly captured our nation's seminal character. They also should sound the clarion call to all in the Church who care about tradition, decency, and future generations.  Our children depend on it.

SPEAKER PELOSI TIGHT WTH JESUS

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told the world Jesus guides her political decisions. Now to some detractors this might seem a bit far fetched; insanely far fetched. But, before one goes off on a skeptical tirade perhaps they should consider the fact that many a Bible believing, Jesus loving soul, embraces liberal politics, particularly in relation to social issues. After all, what sort of knave really wants people to starve? Remember, as liberals so readily do, Jesus said if you have done it unto the least of these you have done it unto me. 

I take issue with the implications of Ms. Pelosi's traditional final authority base. She is, after all, a Roman Catholic. Catholics receive their authority from the Bible via bishops and priests. Protestants, on the other hand, operate from a more autonomous base. They receive authority directly from the scriptures and reject human wisdom as the vehicle for authority. Ms. Pelosi's Catholic faith raises a couple of questions. One, if she bases decisions on values of Jesus, then surely in Roman Catholic tradition her stance on abortion fails to line up with Jesus via the Church's official stance. Secondly, one must observe her philanthropy. A person's pocket book speaks volumes about their allegiance.  Read Pelosi's comments on her faith/politics behavior here. 

I'M MOVING NEXT MONTH

Our Bishop in the United Methodist Church has appointed me to serve in a different location-a better one at that. With this appointment comes a first for us. We get to buy our own home. For 28 years I have lived in a church owned home. Parsonages, as they are called, offer both pluses and minuses. On the one hand, I never worried about extra expenses like broken pipes, insurance, taxes, and utilities. On the other hand, my equity quotient reads zero; notta; loser. So, at fifty-something years of age I get to experience all the joys and headaches thrust upon most Americans at an early age.  

One thing I noticed right off is that many realtors in our area come from the female species of the human race. Not only are thy female, but they are really female, with the body work (or as they used to say "a chassis") found only in movie stars. No wonder realtors crave these types. Boy can they sell a house. Some of the older woman whose chassis accumulated a little rust over the years resent the matter. Yet, that's life in the fast lane as the old song declares. Most of us over fifty models be they male or female, are rapidly moving toward the storage shed. Sadly our society over glamorizes youth; always has. 

Yet, youthful idealistic enthusiasm commits a legion of errors. The last election presents a case in point. Obama's primary support emerged from this particular voting block. While these youth provide energy to a people, they need the old folks to offer tried and true wisdom. The very nature of youthfulness, however, suggests a sort of mild to wild rebellion against gray-headed wisdom.  

Oh my my. Look what I've gone and done. I rambled. My wife once told me my mouth constantly moves expulsing useless trivia and other such hypnotic verbiage. Funny, one of my childhood friends incessantly accused me of the same thing. We never grow up. Perhaps, with that in mind, I ought to cut our yutes some slack. 

Anyway, back to my original thought. I'm moving. Tune in later for more.

HEALING WORK FOR HURTING EX CHURCH MEMBERS

As a pastor now for 28 years I have witnessed great good emerge from the Church. Everyday Christians eking out their boring existence often do marvelous things for those in need of help. But, as Jesus warned, wolves also appear in sheep's clothing. In fact, one of my seminary professors once declared to us young idealistic seminarians that evil people go to church. He then asked, "What better place for them to hide?" 

Sadly, evil, or dysfunctional individuals, garner up energy by pouting, plotting, and pounding their way into power. Good people, on the other hand, hate to fight, and capitulate when confronted with church terrorists. Some of those good folks silently suffer, and leave by the back door. Others turn into agnostics. A few manage to reconcile their hurts with God and his people. 

I must admit, so called religious folks have heaped mountains of pain on me and my family in the past. As a pastor I am expected to smile graciously and move forward as though nothing has happened. The masculine part of me says I must either leave the church or punch these so called bullies in the face. I suspect Jesus frowns on both choices. My only alternative- quietly go away or find healing. Thankfully former pastor and best selling author Stephen Mansfield addresses this grave issue in a timely fashion. His new book, ReChurch looks like what the Dr. ordered. Mansfield passionately shares his reasons for such a work:

This book is certainly different from what I usually write. My field is faith and culture, which means I tend to write about how faith impacts law and politics, leadership and corporations. But a few years ago I had a painful experience and when I emerged and looked around, I realized that nearly everyone I knew had either endured the same hardship or knew someone who had.

To put it in brief, I had an experience with a church that was deeply wounding. I don’t need to go into the details here, nor do I in the book. Suffice it to say that the experience left me bleeding and bitter, and then I deepened the wound by how I rehearsed the events in my soul and plotted my petty versions of revenge. Only when some righteous pastors stepped in, smacked me around, and helped me heal did I emerge clean and free. It was then that I realized how many people are sitting at bars and Starbucks talking about their church hurts.

And I wanted to help.

So, I wrote this book. It is hard hitting and blunt and as biblical as I know how to make it. It leads people through steps of healing, forgiving and recovering themselves. It stresses that we have to make nice with the bride of Christ whether we want to or not. There is even some wisdom for how to reconnect in a healthy manner with the people of God.

I’ve never written a specifically Christian, ministry oriented book before. I may not again. But I feel so strongly that there is a great floating mass of wounded humanity out there that needs someone to speak to them like a coach who loves them but will work them to death to help them improve. That’s what I’ve done in this book. You’ll want to buy it for your disconnected friends. You’ll want to encourage it for those who’ve sworn off church. You’ll event want to use it as a checklist for the state of your own soul.

I’d love to hear from you when you’ve read it. More importantly, let’s use it to bring our wounded friends home.

NEW BLOG FROM CHRISTIAN RESEARCHER GEORGE BARNA

For years Christian pollster and researcher George Barna has challenged us with compelling glimpses into the state of the church and society. Now Barna brings his keen wisdom home to a personal blog. 

CHURCH DENOMINATIONAL DECLINE

I write about the ominous outlook for mainline denominations often. In the 1960's mainline Protestants hit the skids. Their decline is epic. Mainliners now appear to be spiraling out of control.  Liberal theology combined with a myopic inability to acculturate, set the wheels of decline in motion. Both theology and acculturation go hand and hand.  Evangelical pollster George Barna observes:

There is a behavioral reason for the decline of mainline churches, too: just one-third (31%) of mainline adults believe they have a personal responsibility to discuss their faith with people who have different beliefs.

A cultural phenomenon exists as well,explaining in part why denominations cannot attract younger families. Our tailor made, find a custom suit that fits mentality deeply penetrates the fabric of every American institution today. Can't find what you like? No problem. Keep searching for the perfect church. You're sure to discover it. Of course it was perfect until you got there. Sadly, the decline of mainline Protestant America leaves the American church a bit anemic.  History and tradition provide sociological road maps to enhance our Christian life. Without a theological compass we fall for anything that feels right. Where my spiritual radar once consisted of sacrifice, sorrow for the suffering, and joy, my spiritual well being now gets evaluated by good feelings and self indulgence. If the church loses its call to sacrifice in the spirit of Jesus, the whole nation will falter and stumble. 

Read more Barna here.

CHRISTIAN THINKING ABOUT POLITICS

As an evangelical dedicated to the Bible's absolute authority I understand the benevolent social conscience of Christians. No doubt Biblical exhortations such as "dress, till, and keep the earth," and "...if you have done it unto the least of these you have done it unto me [Jesus]," compel us to seek civil redemption in the face of selfish ambition which destroys both the environment and poverty ridden lives. 

And, liberal visionaries espouse claims that sound Christian on their face. Feed the hungry, cut ambitious CEO salaries, put disadvantaged little Johny on a level playing field, cap those oil wells to save our environment, and give health care to each citizen-it sounds so promising, feels so compassionately Christ-like. Yet, without a spiritual impetus behind any social endeavor, the abuse of power only changes addresses. CEO evolves into centralized authoritarianism officer (CAO), better know as tyranny. Evangelicals need to encourage Christian solutions within the context of a free market. Perhaps more boycotts of products, name taking, and of course intentional discipleship in the area of church/government relations may help redeem our broken materialistic society. But, passionately placing the responsibility on big brother government's shoulders only invites stifling oppression over that which we are desperately trying to keep free.  

 Godfather blogger Hugh Hewitt may offer some thought provoking solutions in his new book The Good and Faithful Servant. Here is an editorial synopsis of the book:

Hugh Hewitt is the host of a nationally syndicated radio show, a professor at Chapman University Law School and the author of a dozen previous books on the subjects of politics, law and Christianity. In this book, Hewitt lays out a 26 week course of study and conversation for small groups on the variety of subjects that Christians interested in politics must consider as they contemplate their lives as citizens in a free society. Christians in America have been accused of unthinking support of both major parties at various times in the country's history. What is crucial for any follower of Christ is not only that they be able to give an account of why they believe in the Gospel, but also of how the Gospel informs every aspect of their lives, including their decisions as citizens and voters. This book provides the millions of small groups that meet weekly or monthly with a series of readings and questions to guide those decisions. Hewitt is a graduate of Harvard College and the University of Michigan Law School. Among his previous books are The Embarrassed Believer and In But Not Of: A Guide to Christian Ambition. He blogs daily at HughHewitt.com.

CLIMATE CHANGE AND MORAL CLIMATE CHANGE

The folks at Scrapple Face, with tongue in cheek, remind us that while we as a nation transfixed ourselves on Michael Jackson's death, the Democrats engaged in passing the biggest tax fraud of our nation's history.  And the irony vividly illustrates the plight of our national character. Americans are infatuated with a despicable child molesting pop star, who did nothing to enhance our collective well being, oblivious to power hungry elites who seek to politely rape us and severely restrict our opportunities for greatness.  Where is the Church on this one?  Why do Christians smugly leave American affairs to "God's" will while they spend their time waving their hands in worship and listening to the latest worship song on their big screen televisions? Are they afraid to face the facts; afraid God may call them to action? If this nation's national character changes we will all be responsible for leaving the next generation with misery. 

In addition, the W$J (via Roger Simon) sheds light on the moral aspect of this climate change bill:

Steve Fielding recently asked the Obama administration to reassure him on the science of man-made global warming. When the administration proved unhelpful, Mr. Fielding decided to vote against climate-change legislation.
If you haven't heard of this politician, it's because he's a member of the Australian Senate. As the U.S. House of Representatives prepares to pass a climate-change bill, the Australian Parliament is preparing to kill its own country's carbon-emissions scheme. Why? A growing number of Australian politicians, scientists and citizens once again doubt the science of human-caused global warming.
Among the many reasons President Barack Obama and the Democratic majority are so intent on quickly jamming a cap-and-trade system through Congress is because the global warming tide is again shifting. It turns out Al Gore and the United Nations (with an assist from the media), did a little too vociferous a job smearing anyone who disagreed with them as "deniers." The backlash has brought the scientific debate roaring back to life in Australia, Europe, Japan and even, if less reported, the U.S.
In April, the Polish Academy of Sciences published a document challenging man-made global warming. In the Czech Republic, where President Vaclav Klaus remains a leading skeptic, today only 11% of the population believes humans play a role. In France, President Nicolas Sarkozy wants to tap Claude Allegre to lead the country's new ministry of industry and innovation. Twenty years ago Mr. Allegre was among the first to trill about man-made global warming, but the geochemist has since recanted. New Zealand last year elected a new government, which immediately suspended the country's weeks-old cap-and-trade program.
The number of skeptics, far from shrinking, is swelling. Oklahoma Sen. Jim Inhofe now counts more than 700 scientists who disagree with the U.N. -- 13 times the number who authored the U.N.'s 2007 climate summary for policymakers.