From the Editor: We need to regain our Wesleyan heritage

Jim Nelson

Has the United Methodist Church lost its focus? Have we strayed too far from our Wesleyan roots? Have we become the “dead church” John Wesley feared we would, devoid of passion? Have we forgotten the one condition Wesley required of those desiring admission to the Methodist societies: “a desire to flee from the wrath to come, and to be saved from their sins.”?Apparently the organizers of the 2008 Southeast Jurisdictional Conference believe we have or are about to. The theme of the Conference was “Living the United Methodist Way.” To help those attending understand what that means, they added four teaching session to the schedule. The sessions were led by noted scholars in the field of Wesleyan theology, and they were the best part of the conference.

Sure, the conference elected a Bishop, passed a budget, reorganized the structure of the Jurisdiction, and made Episcopal assignments. But they do that all the time. The teaching reminded us of why we were there, and what it means to be a United Methodist in the Wesleyan tradition. It is too easy to forget sometimes when we get wrapped up in the business of the church and attending to the details.Throughout the sessions we were reminded that to be Wesleyan we needed doctrine, spirit, and discipline. We must have an understanding of God; we must know the stories of the one who came to dwell among us; they need to be in our bones so they can shape us. We learned that Wesley’s core doctrine was that God is a God of universal grace and love. That Wesley read the scripture through the lens of 1 John; it affected the way he interpreted everything else. Plus, we were reminded that the original purpose of the Methodist movement was to spread scriptural holiness. But somewhere along the line we have lost that goal. As one of the instructors stated, “Our zeal to bring people into the church led to the neglect of the house itself,” which he said was holiness and moving to perfection. As one former Bishop asked, “If you aren’t going to perfection, where are you going?”

Too many United Methodists have lost the passion for the faith. Too many of the sermons I have heard lately have been nice stories: entertaining but not inspiring. They lacked a sense of urgency. We need preachers who have a passion for the faith, who themselves “desire to flee from the wrath to come,” and who want to take as many people with them as possible.No, I am not saying we need a lot of hell, fire and brimstone preaching. But we do need preaching that will change peoples’ lives. Preaching that will let people know that God loves them, and will help them to change their life circumstances if necessary. Preaching that is inspired by the Holy Spirit. As Christians we need to reach down into the darkness of the world, into the muck and mire of people’s lives and help lift them up into the light of the faith. We need to get over the idea that talking about Jesus, or our faith is somehow politically incorrect. We need to emphasize the spiritual disciplines of prayer, scripture reading/study, fasting, tithing, and service.

And, perhaps most importantly, we need to learn how to tell one another with love when we have left the narrow way that leads to salvation, and begun wandering off in the wilderness again. Church is about community; sharing our lives, our hopes, our sorrows with one another; and helping one another move toward perfection.

Lay Leader's Corner : A Change in Leadership

Jane Finley

Having completed the work of the various committees of the Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference and heard reports, voted on restructure, approved the budget, and accepted the nominating committee’s report of delegates selected to serve on various boards and agencies representing SEJC; Friday evening’s program was filled with anticipation and excitement. In contrast to the Catholic tradition of white smoke from the chimney proclaiming a new pope elected, Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference had elected a new bishop on Thursday and moved on to the assignment of bishops which was the highlight yet to be seen and heard. We had a lively preliminary celebration which began with a performance by the energetic and talented VOY, “Voices of Youth” from the Virginia Conference followed by the world-renown Junaluska Singers.After much wonderful music and entertainment, the Stuart Auditorium fell silent as the Episcopacy Committee Chair Joe Whittemore read the bishops’ assignments.

With that, suspense was put to rest though the memory lingers of the many preemptive conversations and suppositions of who ~ but who ~ would be the new bishop. To our delight in North Georgia, we will have the great opportunity to be in ministry and get to know and love Bishop Michael Watson and his lovely wife, Margaret. At the reception on Friday evening, district lay leaders and district superintendents presented the Watsons with meaningful gifts significant of the area they represent. It was a great time of “meet and greet” for the new Episcopal family with the North Georgia delegation, friends and guests. As Bishop Watson assumes his assignment on September 1st, the family will settle into the new Episcopal residence in the Roswell area which will be only a short commute to the Methodist Center at Simpsonwood.

During this same timeframe, the North Georgia Conference Board of Laity will have transitioned with new leadership for the quadrennium. I, along with the four associate conference lay leaders, (Ron Davis, Mathew Pinson, Dianne Spencer and Dianne Traynham) am ramping up for exciting new ministry. The four Board of Laity sponsored programs will serve as our springboard and we are seeking persons to train and promote for district and conference leadership roles. We will rely heavily upon our four at-large members of the Board representing the Asian, Hispanic and African-American communities to assist in this effort to equip persons for servant leadership.

I invite you to visit our Board of Laity web pages on the North Georgia Conference web site: www.ngumc.org. There are many opportunities for emerging leaders to become knowledgeable of Methodist tradition and polity, group dynamics and opportunities for ministry through Leadership UMC; for persons with a call for lay ministry/mission and need to discern answers for the where and what questions, there is Lay Missionary Training; to enhance one’s personal skills and knowledge in speaking and serving in ministry through storytelling, bible study and other outreach, there is Lay Speaking Ministry; and through the utilization of one’s acquired skills, we assist churches in image, finance, music, evangelism and other areas of concern through Lay Revitalization Ministry. Seminars are forming now for this fall, so additional information is available through your district or associate conference lay leader, district office or on the web. All contact information is available through the web site or contact me at mjfarms100@aol.com or 706-886-4039.

Jane Finley is the North Georgia Conference Lay Leader.

Guest Columnist: No Reserves, No Retreats, No Regrets

Aubrey Alsobrook

The basis of this article is from a sermon Rev. Jim McIllrath preached at the Americus First United Methodist Church on May 18 and the Internet on the story of William Borden. William Borden was the heir to an enormous fortune. After he had finished high school at sixteen his parents gave him a tour of the world. As he visited Asia, the Middle East, and Europe he felt a growing burden for the world’s hurting people. Finally, Bill Borden wrote home about his “desire to become a missionary.” In response, Bill wrote two words in the back of his Bible: “No Reserves.”
During his college years at Yale he made an entry in his personal Journal: “Say ‘No’ to self and ‘Yes’ to Jesus every time.Borden’s first disappointment at Yale came when the university president spoke on the student’s need of “having a fixed purpose.” After hearing that speech, Borden wrote: “He neglected to say what our purpose should be, and where we should get the ability to persevere and the strength to resist temptation.”During his first semester at Yale he and another student began having a prayer time before breakfast. Soon another student joined them, and then another. By the time Bill Borden was a senior, 1,000 of Yale’s 1300 students were meeting in such groups.

Borden’s outreach ministry reached out in the community to rescue alcoholics and to rehabilitate them and founded the Yale Hope Mission.Upon graduation from Yale, Borden turned down several high paying offers. In his Bible he wrote two more words: “No Retreat.”He went on to Princeton Seminary after graduation. When he finished at Princeton he sailed for China to work with Muslims. He stopped in Egypt to study Arabic; while there he contracted spinal meningitis. Within a month, 25 year-old William Borden was dead.Was Borden’s untimely death a waste? Not in God’s plan. Prior to his death, Borden had written two more words in his bible. Underneath the words: “No Reserves” and No Retreats” he had written: “No Regrets.”Borden lived out Jesus’ words, “He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will find it” (Matt.1:39)

From the Editor: One year down and counting

Jim Nelson

This is my 24th issue as the editor of the Advocate. Or to put it another way, this completes my first year. It has been an exciting time. I have learned a lot about publishing a newspaper, developing stories, and most importantly not editorializing in news stories. Fortunately, I have a highly competent, dedicated, professional staff without whom I never could have gotten the first issue out the door.I describe my job as being an eyewitness to history. I am writing stories and columns that future generations of historians may read and quote as primary and secondary source materials in their efforts to understand the times in which we live.

I attended and have written about conferences and meetings I would otherwise only have read about. I had the opportunity to meet, talk with and interview leaders in the United Methodist church, the church in general, political leaders, and scholars; people I previously only saw from a distance. And I have gotten to travel. At times, on the editorial page I even get to argue with people. I strive to respect everyone’s position, and allow all sides of issues to be heard. I realize those who disagree with me are not evil, and are also striving to be faithful to God.

The positive comments about the Advocate from people at both South and North Georgia conferences were particularly gratifying. Several people commented on the fact I seemed well suited to this position. One person even told me she had just said to her husband that I finally looked happy. All of which is nice, but it does make me wonder how I appeared to everyone before.Having been a preacher for 18 years prior to becoming an editor, people often ask me if I miss being in the local church. Sure, some of it anyway. Like any job there are always some things you will never miss. I always said I was a good preacher, a really good teacher, and an excellent administrator, but I was only a mediocre pastor. Consequently, the one thing I miss most is being able to preach every Sunday. I have always been a public speaker, even as a child. I was the one in grade school that had the lead in plays. In the Army, I was the one who stood at the microphone and explained to the people what was happening. I was a radio DJ, and did voice over work for videos.

My undergraduate degree was in Speech/Theater. I even taught Speech Communication at Ohio Wesleyan University, and at what is now Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah. I was the primary spokesperson and speechwriter for the Cincinnati Bicentennial Celebration back in 1988. I was a President and Division Governor in Toastmasters and winner of several speech contests. And, the one thing I loved about campaigning was being able to speak to large groups of people.I have always been much better one on a thousand than I have one on one. And I have always been a better speaker than I am a writer, but at least as a writer I still get to communicate.

I am looking forward to my second year as Editor of the Wesleyan Christian Advocate. I hope it will be a time of transition from primarily a print publication to one with a viable presence on the Internet. Finally, if you need someone to fill in on a Sunday morning, or to speak at a Wednesday Night Supper, or other event in your church or community, please give me a call.

From the Bishop: How Can I Say Thanks?

Lindsey Davis

Words truly are inadequate to express the heartfelt thanks overflowing in our hearts after our final Annual Conference with the gracious people of North Georgia. The entire week was one of thanksgiving for us. It was so much fun seeing the generous giving of our people to Nothing But Nets, the Child Rescue Center in Sierra Leone, Our Daily Bread in Athens and, of course, to Venezuela Now and Honduras Outreach. Taken together, you gave over $261,000 to missions and more continues to come into our Conference Treasurer.

The Thursday night celebration of our ministry here was terrific. Although Jennifer and I had a few tears in our eyes, it was a lot of fun. (Our grandchildren still believe it was a birthday party for me.) Thanks for coming, especially to all who stood in the long line at the reception to offer us personal words of greeting.

Soon a new Bishop will be named for North Georgia. Whoever it is, that leader will be fortunate to serve with such a loving group of disciples. The best is yet to come for North Georgia. You will always be in our thoughts and prayers. We hope to see you in the years to come. But if we don’t, we will see you on the other side of the Jordan – what a day of rejoicing that will be, when we all see Jesus and shout the Victory.

All our love,
Lindsey & Jennifer

Bishop Lindsey Davis serves the North Georgia Conference. He can be reached at bishop@ngumc.org.

The United Methodist Church has lost its way

The “news” coverage of the 2008 General Conference in the May 16th WCA confirmed my fears about The United Methodist Church. The UMC is on a path that makes the Hebrew’s forty years in the desert look like an organized “Sunday walk in the park”. The Board of Church and Society and the Women’s Division of the Board of Global Ministries will continue as members in the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (RCRC). The RCRC mission statement at www.rcrc.org and the Book of Discipline’s stance on abortion have very similar schizophrenic stances ignoring the right to life of the unborn.Our belief in the sanctity of unborn human life makes us reluctant to approve abortion. But we are equally bound to respect the sacredness of the life and well-being of the mother...The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church - 2004.

People of faith actively support women’s right to choose. We are pro-choice—not pro-abortion. Being pro-choice means we honor all choices. RCRC website, Common Questions.General Conference again rejected changes in the UMC homosexuality stance. The WCA reporting of this rejection is quite amusing. The majority report advocated deleting the “incompatibility with Christian teaching” and adopting “Faithful, thoughtful people who have grappled with this issue deeply disagree with one another; yet all seek a faithful witness.” One would think that a “majority report” would have the inside track on adoption, yet the “minority report” was adopted by the General Conference to retain the current language. Maybe the minority is actually the majority.

How long before the opinion of us in the pews is overcome by the well financed efforts of the homosexual lobbying organizations: Soulforce, Affirmation, Reconciling Ministries Network and Methodist Federation of Social Action. All UM’s should research these organizations. They and the press will not give up advocating change in the UMC position on homosexuality. As evidenced by the press time and photo in the WCA of the “marriage” ceremony of Julie Bruno and Sue Laurie. It is time for us “the minority” to organize and have our voices heard on the social issues plaguing the UMC. We could call the organization The Bible Is The Word Of God, Spiritual Action Committee.General Conference approves $642 million church-wide budget. That is a hefty wagon to pull considering we suffer a continued membership loss. Add an additional $3.7M of petition requests: $600,000 to study the church’s increasingly global nature, $290,000 for central conference affairs, $300,000 for a committee on faith and order, $115,000 for the church’s Judicial Council (likely to finance cases of transgender clergy and pastors officiating same sex unions that are not really “legal” weddings) and $50,000 for the Sand Creek Massacre site (a National Historic Site managed by the U.S. National Park Service). Imagine feeding the poor, housing the homeless or supporting missionaries with that $3.7M. Is the UMC a good steward of its financial resources?

Display of Boots represents “human cost of war”. The Council of Bishops recently called for an end to the war in Iraq and immediate withdrawal without calling on Al Qaeda to do the same. “War is incompatible with Christian teaching” except when someone declares a “just war”. Now who makes that crucial decision? “Just war” is a convenient tool used to advance political agendas of certain church factions. This war was started not by peaceful people but by those wanting to dominate the world in the name of a perverted ideology. If we are serious about opposing war; why do we continue to provide Chaplains to the U.S. Armed Forces? Why do many UMC young people enlist in such an abhorrent endeavor? (Thank God for those patriots serving in the Armed Forces) Our Council of Bishops and many members are out of touch with reality. Evil does exist and the battle is for the God given right of freedom and more importantly the very existence of the Christian faith.

The United Methodist Church is not united but fragmented with a myriad of “warring” factions. We no longer view the scriptures as God’s word that defines our theology. The UMC is on the same path as the Episcopal Church and the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. Embracing non-scriptural based theology and political correctness. Does the future a hold a gut wrenching split in the UMC?I pray our Council of Bishops, clergy, lay leaders and membership re-embrace the divinity of the Bible, stop re-interpreting the scriptures to advance political correctness and social agendas and get back to living the example of Jesus Christ.

Ron Asby is a member of St. Paul UMC Marietta, Ga.