Do You Hunger and Thirst for Revival?

This past Sunday evening our district of the United Methodist Church in the Florida Conference held a revival service. It was a wonderful time, consisting of enthusiastic singing, a great sermon by Rev. Mike Hudson, a focused time of intercessory prayer, capped off with holy communion. I believe I truly experienced God’s Spirit moving in my heart and mind as well as in and through the rest who gathered that evening.

Mike is sharing his sermon on his blog (in several parts) and I thought I would steer some folks his way as the message he shared is far too important to hide under a bowl (Matthew 5:13-16). Here’s a brief excerpt from his first post…

The United Methodist Church is dying.   The good news is the leadership of the church has begun to talk about it.  But do we turn to Jesus for help?

We turn everywhere except Jesus.  How many more books and seminars do we need to try before we turn to Jesus?  I have not been to a meeting or conference where we actually sought the Lord in prayer.  Prayer is the formal opening and closing activity, that’s it.  Prayer must be THE activity.   Didn’t the Apostles devote themselves to the Word and to prayer?  Do we not believe that Jesus is real?  That He is concerned about us, our church, the world and has solutions to offer us?  Are we seeking Him?

Please click here to read the rest of his post (and stay tuned for the following parts). Beyond that, if you live in the Jacksonville area, plan on attending some of our other upcoming services. We can’t make God send revival… but we can sure pray for it, pursue holiness, and share the Gospel of the Kingdom. Who knows… maybe God will hear and answer our prayers.

Grace and Truth,
Dale

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It’s the Doctrine, Stupid

Right away, let me ask you to please forgive me for using the word “stupid” in the title to this post. My wife and I teach our kids never to use the word “stupid.” In this case I was just trying to be clever by using a phrase that was similar to one used in a presidential campaign not too long ago.

When I was appointed to my first church after seminary (back in June, 1992), I remember how popular the church growth movement was. I remember many of my United Methodist colleagues going to the latest and greatest conferences and seminars and buying the most current and “relevant” books that would solve all of our membership woes. And yet, what seemed so glaring to me, even then, was that everything seemed to revolve around “new and improved” programs and strategies. What I kept saying to myself was, “Don’t they understand that all these mega-churches they are seeking to imitate have core doctrines that they actually believe in and teach to their people.” (This was before Joel Osteen’s doctrine-free “success.”)

It seems that not very much has changed in the 20 years that I’ve been serving in the local church. My beloved UMC is still working through a “new and improved” paradigm or program every two years or so. It doesn’t seem to be working very well.

What’s so frustrating is that we have such wonderful, life-transforming core doctrines as well. (Parenthetically, I might also mention that John Wesley left us a wonderful legacy for “how” to preach the Word of God, do discipleship, etc.) However, it appears that our denomination often seems more enamored with fruit…while ignoring the root that provides it. We want inclusion, mercy to the last, least and the lost, everyone in service, etc., and yet it seems that we’re undermining the very means by which all of those things (and far more) will ever come to pass.

When I read about Scriptural Holiness, I read about inward transformation happening first before societal transformation can occur. Being must precede doing. Belief effects behavior. Confession, creed, and character shape our conduct. We ignore doctrine to our peril. Mack Stokes wrote,

“…for Wesley, scriptural holiness was seen as “inward holiness” produced by the supernatural pardoning and re-creating power of God through Christ, which impels us into “outward holiness.” The tree, being made good, bears good fruit.”

Doctrine really does matter. It shapes and forms who we are and helps us to understand whose we are. It’s with that foundation that we’re able to go out into all the world and make disciples of Jesus Christ and extend his Kingdom into every sphere of life. But we must first be genuine disciples of Jesus Christ (new creatures in Christ) who have truly had our hearts changed and who submit to his Lordship. If we aren’t, then all we will be are Pharisaical workers who will be destined to burnout and crash because, like a branch cut from the vine, there will be no life-giving nutrients and power running in and through us. If we would bear much, good, and lasting fruit, then we must abide in Christ and he must abide in us.

Grace and Truth,
Dale

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United Methodist Pastors Call on Council of Bishops

The following is from Good News Magazine. Used with permission. I encourage you to check this out and sign the statement.

UM Pastors Call Upon Council of Bishops to Issue Statement on Same-Sex Unions

United Methodist pastors of large and strategic congregations from across the nation are calling upon the Council of Bishops to issue a clear statement of support for the denomination’s standards regarding marriage and homosexuality. Good News applauds the leadership of the Revs. Tom Harrison, Charles Kyker, Edmund Robb III, Ken Werlein, and Steve Wood in spearheading the communication to the United Methodist bishops. An additional 54 pastors joined the effort.

“The United Methodist Church needs clear and prophetic leadership right now,” says the Rev. Ed Robb III, senior pastor of the 9,200-member Woodlands United Methodist Church in The Woodlands, Texas. “As clergy, we are asking the Council of Bishops to make a clear and concise statement supporting our denomination’s stance on marriage and human sexuality.”

The signers are responding to the news that more than 900 United Methodist clergy have pledged to break the denomination’s prohibition against conducting same-sex unions. In response, these pastors of some of United Methodism’s largest churches have asked that the Council of Bishops “issue a public statement that you … stand together in your commitment to defend and enforce The Book of Discipline.”

“We love God and we love all people. We honor and respect scriptural authority,” says the Rev. Steve Wood, senior pastor of Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church in Alpharetta, Georgia. “Our issue as UM clergy is the covenant that binds us together and keeps us united as stated in The Book of Discipline. The willful violation of that covenant by hundreds of UM clergy will fracture our unity.”

Good News encourages your support of this important stand by visiting WWW.FaithfulUMC.org and reading the letter and adding your name to the list of concerned clergy and laity.

“The response from our episcopal leaders will either hold together our United Methodist Faith and Practice or it will be the death blow which begins the demise of our church,” says the Rev. Charles C. Kyker, lead pastor of Christ United Methodist Church in Hickory, North Carolina.

“As we approach the 2012 General Conference, United Methodists in the pulpits and the pews need to hear that their leaders are in touch with the mainstream and grassroots of the church,” says the Rev. Ken Werlein, senior pastor of Faithbridge United Methodist Church in Spring, Texas.

These pastors are reminding the members of the Council of Bishops that United Methodists in the pews do not comprehend how actions so clearly prohibited by The Book of Discipline can be acceptable within the denomination. “Even if such acts of disobedience are dealt with appropriately, if they occur in large numbers, the members of our church will simply not understand how such actions are possible,” the pastors write.

As the Call to Action Committee pointed out in its report, there is a chasm of trust between the people in the pews and the leadership of the denomination. The pastors’ statement suggests that if the bishops fail to act it will become more difficult, perhaps impossible, to convince their churches to pay their apportionments in full.

Very Important: Good News encourages you to forward this issue of Perspective to members of your Sunday school class, as well as your congregation, so that they too can have their voices heard. A signature form can also be printed from the FaithfulUMC.com website and passed around at your church to gain more signatures.

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Life in the United Methodist Church

Many, if not most, UM pastors get periodic emails or phone calls (especially when the UMC - officially or unofficially - is in the news), asking whether or not an issue being discussed is going to come to pass. For the last 30-40 years it’s often centered around the issue of homosexuality.

There was apparently something going on in Ohio last week, news of which prompted some folk in my congregation to shoot me an email asking how close the UMC is to ordaining homosexuals, etc. I’m no prophet, but the vote at General Conference every four years is usually not very close. Only God knows what perseverance and incremental success may yield in the long run. At one time folk in the United Church of Christ, Episcopal Church, and Presbyterian Church USA probably never imagined the direction their denominations would go. So, while I don’t see anything changing next year at General Conference, who is to say that it won’t the time after that… or the time after that?

At any rate, here are a couple of articles that recently came out that prompted the emails that I received…

Group of United Methodists try to change church’s position on gays by Michael O’Malley at Cleveland.com

Liberals Denounce United Methodist Sexual Teaching at IRD

Truth and Joy,
Dale

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Seriously, But Not Literally?

What is the United Methodist view of Scripture? Is there an official view? I know what the Discipline says, but how much latitude do we allow, one way or the other, before we say a particular view is out-of-bounds? Those are some of the questions that we as a denomination have been wrestling with for quite a while now.

 I bring this up because recently, at Annual Conference earlier this month, I heard the same phrase used twice that got my attention. That phrase was, “We take the Bible seriously, but not literally.”

 “Seriously, but not literally.” What does that even mean? Does that strike you as nonsense? What does it mean to take the Bible literally?

 As a member of the theology team of the Board of Ordained Ministry in my conference, I have been a part of many meaningful conversations about a candidate’s view of Scripture. However, my observation is that, in some instances, mentioning that a candidate takes the Bible literally is shorthand for saying that that person takes the Bible a little too seriously.

 Yet, from everything I’ve read on the subject, taking the Bible literally means, quite simply, reading the Bible according to the literature-style in which it was written. We know that there are many kinds of literature in the Bible. There is gospel, epistle, poetry, apocalyptic, wisdom, historical narrative, hymns, etc. They are not all to be read in the very same way. That would be folly. Furthermore, I have yet to read someone who holds a high view of Scripture who believes that the Bible should be read in such a way.

 Many of the folks that I’ve talked to about the issue of inerrancy, for example, have never read a single book by an inerrantist on the subject of inerrancy. Instead, it seems that many critics of inerrancy are often reacting to the very worst caricatures that have been built into conference folklore over the years. And frankly, who would want one of those caricatures to come to life and serve a church in our conference? Not me!

 I’m not saying that views against inerrancy are completely unjustified. I am saying that few people in UM circles have read much on the subject and thus have the worst possible view of it. That doesn’t strike me as very open-minded, something on which we United Methodists pride ourselves.

 I would like to see an end to the negative stereotypes of folks who hold a high view of Scripture.

 I would like someone to tell me how the Bible is to be taken seriously, but not literally (as I’ve explained the word, “literally.”).

 I would like to hold a high view of Scripture without being accused of bibliolatry (the view that the Bible, and not God, is being worshiped).

 Let me be clear: I’m not defending any bad interpretation that has come along in the name of Scriptural authority. Both sides of the debate have clearly misused and even abused the Bible. What I am for is a holy and reasonable discussion, free of character assassinations and straw men (or straw persons, if you prefer).

 Let’s roll up our sleeves together and do the hard and responsible work of rightly interpreting the Bible, all the while, maintaining a grateful, joyful, and humble attitude toward  the Bible’s inspiration, authority, and sufficiency in our lives. We won’t always agree, but we can still disagree with integrity. Text management (i.e., “I like this verse, so it’s authoritative for me; I don’t like that one, so it’s not.”) is not the mature, wise, or godly way to go about it.

 Our denomination will not, in my opinion, thrive without truly taking the Bible seriously.

 Grace and Truth,
Dale

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Tedder’s Top Ten: Methodist Blogs

This, perhaps more than any of the other Tedder’s Top Ten lists, is a pretty inadequate list. There are some folks who travel throughout the Methodist blogging world far more than I and who, therefore, are far more competent to make this list than I. On the other hand, since these lists are really just “Dale’s favorite “go to” websites and blogs, I guess, in reality, no one knows better than I what I read most often (except, of course, all the secret internet tracking services and the government).

At any rate, I can truly say that the following list is in no particular order, though there are some that I visit more regularly than others (the first three). But the rest are also fantastic and I try to get by to visit them as much as possible. They are all well worth your time.

PS – I never ceased to be amazed at all the insightful people out there.

1.) Allan Bevere - In addition to being a top-notch scholar, Allan has a great pastoral heart. I’m a big fan of his blog… and Allan!

2.) The Methodist Thinker - Joseph’s site has a great combination of original reporting, archiving of good articles, and his wonderful podcast. You’ve got to listen to them if you haven’t.

3.) John Meunier - John simply tires me out with how prolific his posts are. There’s at least one a day that I’m really glad he posted (and often more than that).

4.) The MethoBlog - This is the “all-father” for all blogs Methodist. A must read each day to keep up all things Methodist.

5.) Shane Raynor - In my opinion, Shane sets the standard for what Methodist blogs ought to look like. Great style and mucho user-friendliness.

6.) Gavin Richardson - Pretty darn close to Shane is style and content. Heck… let’s just call it a tie. Good stuff.

7.) Steve Manskar - Steve is “the man” when it comes to a Wesleyan understanding of discipleship. I’ve profited greatly by his thoughts on the subject.

8.) Kevin Watson - Also a big help with Wesleyan discipleship. Like Steve above, Kevin has a great book on the subject.

9.) Dan Dick - This is one that I’m just getting to know, but haven’t been disappointed yet.

10.) Matt O’Reilly - Matt’s a deep thinker who gives me much to ponder.

What I love about all these blogs is that these folks have a deep commitment for Christ and his Church. I’m blessed by all their blogging efforts and encourage you to check them out.

PSS – Please don’t hesitate to let me know one or two Methodist blogs that you really, really like that I didn’t mention. Maybe I need to get it on my radar screen as well.

Grace and Truth,
Dale

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Guard the Truth

As I mentioned yesterday, the men’s weekly discipleship ministry at our church began a new study this week. We are studying 1 Timothy and Titus and using a great study guide by John Stott. Stott’s commentary on the same two epistles is entitled, Guard the Truth. It’s no surprise why it’s named that. Here are a few texts that help make the point…

1 Timothy 1:3-4 - As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer [4] nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God’s work–which is by faith.

1 Timothy 3:14-15 - Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, [15] if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

1 Timothy 4:1-2 - The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. [2] Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.

1 Timothy 6:3-5 - If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, [4] he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions [5] and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

1 Timothy 6:20-21 - Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, [21] which some have professed and in so doing have wandered from the faith. Grace be with you.

Titus 1:9 - He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

These are just a few of the more obvious texts on the necessity (indeed, the command) of guarding the truth, though plenty more could be cited. That got me thinking about what I shared with our men this past Monday and Wednesday. I told them that there doesn’t seem to be a high premium on truth in the church today. This is a given outside the Church. But it should not be so inside the Church. We wink way too much on things that probably ought to be dealt with.

Of course, this isn’t to say that we ought to appoint “thought police” to start arresting folks who don’t “think like us.” Nor does it mean that every issue is worth fighting over. There are some things, secondary things, that godly people can disagree over and still not reject the authority of God’s Word and the central doctrines of the faith.

I’ve often shared with folks that when I graduated from seminary I wanted to debate every last detail of every last doctrine. As I have gotten older, and hopefully matured some, I find that the list of things that I care about debating has drastically shrunk. However, the things that I hold dear are not just worth debating… they are worth dying over. (Hopefully that bit of hyperbole will not be taken too literally or understood that I’m going to launch a Crusade when folks disagree with what I hold dear. Instead, I hope it means that I’ll joyfully die to myself, receive scorn or contempt from others, and do all I can to lovingly and graciously teach, preach, defend, and live such precious truths.)

Last week I attended the ordination service of the new pastors of the United Methodist Church in Florida. Here’s an excerpt or two from the service of the ordination of elders…

“Remember that you are called to serve rather than to be served, to proclaim the faith of the church and no other, to look after the concerns of God above all.

“Do you believe in the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?

“Are you persuaded that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments contain all things necessary for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and are the unique and authoritative standard for the church’s faith and life?

“Will you be loyal to the United Methodist Church, accepting its order, liturgy, doctrine, and discipline, defending it against all doctrines contrary to God’s Holy Word, and committing yourself to be accountable with those serving with you, and to the bishop and those who are appointed to supervise your ministry.”

I’m proud to say that, at least on paper, my denomination cares about the truth of God’s word… so much so, that ordained clergy are tasked with preaching, teaching, defending, and living it. One of the best parts about attending the ordination service each year is that God reminds me of my calling and vows. He reminds me that we in our day, as Jude pointed out in his day, are heralds and guardians of the faith once delivered to the saints. I look forward to exploring 1 Timothy and Titus with my brothers in Christ to learn about how I/we might do that better.

Someone who is an eloquent and ardent guardian of the faith is Al Mohler. He routinely brings things to light that many of us may miss if we’re not up-to-date on all the newest books and articles. His newest article masterfully critiques a recent book that seems to be a full-blown attack on the very truth that Paul encourages Timothy and Titus to guard with their very lives. Here’s an excerpt…

“Most Christians assume that Christianity is the one and only religion that is God-inspired and that carries the imprimatur of God’s blessing,” laments R. Kirby Godsey. In his new book, Is God a Christian?, Godsey sets out to oppose that assumption and to argue that “the stakes for mankind have grown too high for any of us to engage our faith as if our understanding of God represents the only way God’s presence may be known in the world.”

The great question of the exclusivity of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is necessarily bound up with the most central teachings of the Christian faith, which is why an argument like this must be considered so carefully. A closer look reveals that Godsey is not merely calling upon Christians to reconsider how we define and defend the Gospel — he is calling for a total reconstruction of everything that Christianity represents.

Click here to read the whole article. It’s an important piece to read.

Grace and Truth,
Dale

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