During my vacation many of my new Twitter and Facebook friends kept me up on all the news and opinion surrounding the recent General Conference. I was amazed to hear the crowing of the right wing of Methodism proclaiming they maintained doctrinal standards. I keep wondering what those standards are because it seems the only focus is homophobia and sexual mores. I was also sent a number of laments that the lack of organizational reform at the world-wide church and national level marks the beginning of the end of The United Methodist Church. I think both are far from the truth but in this blog I'd like to share some reflections on the proposal for organizational reform.
In a previous blog I shared my thoughts on how effective organization change in religious groups is almost always preceded by a revival or renewal of purpose. Many have been citing the great commission and are touting "making disciples for the transformation of the world." Others have been promoting a "change the world" day as a witness to the church's transforming presence. In the end it all seems to me grasping for headlines, grasping for more seats in the pews, grasping for funds. I regret there is not a call for greater holiness.
Our Buddhist sisters and brothers have learned the feebleness of grasping after worldly things. Indeed they believe it is the root of all suffering. This is something United Methodists could learn from. Much of the call for reorganization and change is rooting in grasping for more members, grasping for power, grasping for significance. I heard little actual explanation of how this new organization helps us accomplish our purpose other than saving local churches around $70 a year in apportionments that can be redirected elsewhere. What did this grasping get us: frustration, blaming, fear and recrimination.
I think we need to take a lesson from Buddha -- stop grasping, stop seeking power and wealth. Then we can reclaim our purpose. The purpose of all churches is to make disciples. But we never think about why we want to make disciples in the first place. A Church of the Brethren pastor I know often comments about the increasing number of churches in our area -- then remarks -- "It sure hasn't changed the crime rate any." What is the purpose of the church beyond attracting folks to contribute to keep competing bureaucracies running.
The clearest purpose of the Church is found in Jesus teaching of the final judgment in Matthew 25. We fulfill our life purpose when we feed the hungry, cloth the naked, visit the prisoner, heal the sick -- as if they were Christ himself. The prophet Micah put it another way, "to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God." Years ago when I taught Bethel Bible Study we emphasized that we were "blessed to be a blessing." All of these ideas focus on us growing in holiness where we take the emphasis off of grasping after things for ourselves and begin finding our meaning, purpose and fulfillment in serving others.
This lifestyle may not be popular. Proclaiming this message may not make us the largest church in the nation. It indeed my drive people away. However, it is faithful to Christ's message and brings with it the promise of a friendship with God that deepens in this life and continues for eternity. Let's put aside the struggles of General Conference and dreaming of being the largest denomination in the US. Let's refocus on seeking justice, loving mercy and walking humbly with God. If we are faithful to what God is calling us to do, I believe God will be faithful in providing the resources in both people, talent and money to do the job. This weekend is change the world Sunday in the UMC. Sounds pompous and arrogant to me. Let's focus on being a blessing -- and God will change the world using our gifts and graces. To do any more is the grasping that leads to death.
