Methodology or Message?

Recently I read an article in the March 5, 2008 Edition of the United Methodist Reporter written by Donald W. Haynes titled, “WESLEYAN WISDOM: Ostrich posture or eagle vision on itineracy?” http://www.umportal.org/article.asp?id=3210 Immediately, I was cheering in support of his thoughts. Mr. Hayes writes, “If United Methodism is defined by its methodology rather than its message, God help us.”

When you consider the downward trend of membership and attendance in the United Methodist Denomination, Hayes is correct. I think people are tired of the growing church government and bureaucracy which are crippling the local church. Conversely, when you look at growing interdenominational churches most of them have no structure outside their local church or outside a small group of local churches. Even thriving denominational churches have considerably streamlined their governmental bodies.

Why is it we have come to worry more about the methods of our structured government rather than the message of our God? It seems to me that when any organization begins to cower at the demands of special interest and dysfunctional systems within itself, the organization becomes overgrown and starts devouring itself. The bureaucracy of the United Methodist Church has done just that. If we would focus on “the message” and care for the people in our neighborhoods then we would grow the church, no matter what name it has. The reality is, hurting people who are searching for Jesus really do not care about church government, pensions, appointment, episcopacy, general conference, the book of discipline and apportionment’s. All they really want to know is how to deal with life and the church has the answer: A relationship with Jesus Christ.

Another contributing factor to the United Methodist denominational decline is evangelism is almost non-existent in many local churches. Sure we tell everyone to talk to their neighbors, friends and family about Christ, but most think a cute saying on our marquee in front of the church is an adequate substitute. How do I know evangelism reaches people? Guess which denomination grew larger than any other in the past 10 years? The Jehovah’s Witness. Can you hear me now?

Do I want to be United Methodist? You bet I do. Do I agree with everything we do within the bureaucracy of United Methodism? No. So, how do I reconcile this conflict within myself? First, I seek God with all of my heart. Second, I give my local church the best I have to offer in Christ. Finally, I get involved and let my concerns and thoughts be known as I prayerfully ask God for his guidance. After all, this is HIS church.

This week, seek first the kingdom of God!
Pastor Matt

Sin is a Sin is a Sin!

For some reason we try to justify everything. We can skip a day of exercise because tomorrow we will make up for it. We can justify a lie because the truth is just too painful. We justify our actions and inactions without a second thought. This mode of living life is deteriorating our Christian beliefs and there seem to be no boundaries. I recently overheard a conversation about defining what really a sin is. I would define a sin as anything that separates us from God. The problem with any definition of sin is too often the definition is within the eyes of the sinner. This is where the problem of justifying our actions comes into play. A lie might be told with absolute good intentions and is never revealed. In the eyes of the person telling that lie the justification is, "No harm, no foul." But if the lie is revealed, suddenly it becomes a sin. Why is that?

We have to recognize that sin, ALL SIN, is hurtful to God, no matter what the consequences we experience in this life. I hold to the standard that in the eyes of God, no sin is greater than another. I think the problem with our justification is in the fact we think if everything is smoothed over in this life, then the sin is over and done with.

We would all be better off if we would remember, that while there is atonement, salvation and forgiveness through Jesus Christ, there is still a day when we will all stand before the throne of God and answer for our actions and inactions. To put it in terms of our technological world, everything we do is caught on video and it will be played back for us in front of a judge and we will have to answer for it.

Until next week, I hope you will inspect your own life and change accordingly. I know I plan on it.

Pastor Matt

Power of Prayer

The presence, power and authority of Christ were ever evident in the life of our church today. A few lyrics sung today as a part of our worship were, "Do you feel the darkness tremble when the saints join in one song?" As I listened to the experiences of church today I found this to be so true. During one of our church services, a pastor was so overwhelmed by the Holy Spirit he was moved to tears and another pastor stepped up. In another service the power of prayer in the name of "Jesus Christ" was discussed. A new visitor requested prayer for her military husband, currently deployed in the war, who was overdue a week in calling home. We prayed in depth for this man as well as other prayer concerns. A few hours after church this woman came to my house to witness that God heard our prayers. She told me her husband called and explained the attacks on his area had caused delays. Yet another prayer has been for a very ill grandfather. This past week that man was greeted by Christ in heaven; another prayer answered.

The movement of God and His presence in our life is often a mystery not so easily explained. Therefore, when I recognize His presence and others also witness the same, I want to make sure the world knows God is with us. I believe God answers all prayer, so the issue here is not if God responds but rather it is about our discernment of answers. Why would He ignore his children? The question is how well do we listen for God’s answer? Are our ears tuned to only a particular response from God? The answer to listening for God’s answer to prayer is to be open for His guidance and direction, unconditionally ready to accept His input.

This week, look for God's answers in your life!
Pastor Matt