Archive for theology
UMC itineracy
http://www.gbhem.org/site/c.lsKSL3POLvF/b.3852855/k.2207/Itineracy_in_the_United_Methodist_Church.htm
http://www.umportal.org/article.asp?id=3301
I consider myself a convinced United Methodist. We have our flaws, but I’m very comfortable with how we interpret our faith and how we live it out. I’m not sure that I would fit theologically with another denomination like I do with the UMC. It’s a perfect fit.
That said, I’ve spent a lot of time considering leaving the denomination and going through the ordination process in another denomination. Why? It’s simple. itineracy.
I’m not, and never will be convinced that the UMC itineracy is an effective way to deploy pastors. UMC pastors are known as “circuit riders” because of their short stay at churches. The average length of a pastorate in the UMC is around 5 years. Of course, that’s about the average for other denominations, but at least in other denominations that’s not considered the ideal.
I look at the Church of the Resurrection, Saddleback, Mars Hill, and wonder, why are these churches growing and effective? While they all have gifted leaders, I’m convinced that having consistency in the pastoral office is a big factor.
Some arguments are made in the first article about the benefits of itineracy which I consider weak. Long pastorates aren’t effective because it’s hard to replace a pastor after serving a church for a while? Ummm? So we do away with all of the effective ministry for a long term pastor and settle, only because they are hard to replace. That’s like saying that, even though Coach K is winning championships, we should not renew his contract because it will make it that much harder to replace him.
Now I understand that there are some benefits from short-term pastorates, but they are very minimal compared to lengthy pastorates.
The importance of what we do during worship according to Stanley Hauerwas
“One reason why we Christians argue so much about which hymn to sing, which liturgy to follow, which way to worship is that the commandments teach us to believe that bad liturgy eventually leads to bad ethics. You begin by singing some sappy, sentimental hymn, then you pray some pointless prayer, and the next thing you know you have murdered your best friend.”
- Stanley Hauerwas
Avoiding division in the UMC
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-episcopal-church11-2009jul11,0,3371251.story?track=rss
http://www.topix.com/forum/religion/episcopal
The Episcopal Church is in a flux right now because of the homosexual issue. At a recent convention, the highlight was the topic of same-sex marriage (and the ordination of homosexuals as priests). The above links show how TEC is having a difficult time dealing with this issue. If it doesn’t improve, a denominational split is likely.
It’s no secret that The Episcopal Church is certainly more progressive in regard to this issue (Along with the UCC) The UMC has debated this issue, but as of now still supports a traditional view of marriage between a man and a woman and only allows heterosexuals to serve as ordained ministers (according to the Disciple). I personally don’t see this changing anytime soon and we would most likely see a church split before marrying and ordaining homosexuals.
I understand that this is a complex issue and needs to be debated. But the question is, “At what cost?” How effective is our ministry during this debate? Whenever we are debating this issue, are we open-minded to listen to our other brothers and sisters in Christ? Are we seeking unity in the body of Christ as we debate?
I’m not naive. I know that the UMC as well as all denominations will face this issue (The UMC already is). My prayer is that we would debate in light of the mission that Christ has for us. My prayer is that we will keep the cross central, and not our own agendas. My prayer is that we will understand that the mission of the UMC (and the church universal) is much, much bigger than this small issue.
Many have predicted that the UMC will be non-existent by the turn of the century. I’m convinced that if we are united, even if we disagree on certain issues, this won’t happen. But divided, our church will struggle.
Below is Adam Hamilton’s attempt at understanding both sides and trying to find unity among disagreement.
http://adamhamilton.cor.org/2009/02/03/in-dealing-with-homosexuals/
“In things essential, unity; In things inessential, liberty; In all things, charity.”
St. Augustine
Duke Divinity School
So after a lot of prayer, stress, visiting schools, making decisions and then changing my mind, I have deciding to do my theological studies at Duke University. I originally decided to go to Asbury but changed my mind. Then I decided to go to Wake Forest, but as a United Methodist I have to go to a school that is approved by the Methodist church and Wake isn’t. So now it’s Duke and we are 100% sure that’s where we are going. I told my youth group this past Sunday that we will be leaving. They took it pretty well. I’m must glad that everyone knows now. We have known for a while that we will be leaving but we weren’t sure where.
I must say that I’m very excited to have the opportunity to study at Duke. They have some very well known professors that teach there. I have even read some of the books written by Stanley Hauerwas and Richard Hays, two of their professors. As excited as I am about studying there, I must be honest. I’m most excited about……..Duke basketball! I have always been a fan of Duke basketball and really look forward to going to some games in Cameron Indoor Stadium. I guess the real adjustment will be rooting for Duke football.:)
Please be in prayer for Jade and I as we look for jobs. Jade is a middle school teacher so she will begin very soon looking for a new job. I’m looking for some kind of part time ministry work. I’m confident that God will provide for us. He always has.
