Naming the Joy (of Being UMC in this Moment)

Let me count the ways for why I am proud to be a United Methodist in this moment and give thanks to God:

* Because the word “incompatibility,” as it has been used to create a judgement and a barrier only for some, is gone!

* Because barriers have been removed that have kept us from considering candidates for ministry based first on calling and character and commitments to Christ.

* Because we have new Social Principles that focus more on how we are to treat one another rather than offering hardline stances that divide and are intended to be general enough to find meaningful application in different contexts and cultures.

* Because we can now more freely promote values and virtues that are life-giving for all, rather than setting up a double standard for some.  

* Because a path has been opened to practice ministry in ways that honor different contexts and cultures, while also emphasizing our unity in mission and in sharing a Wesleyan witness in the world.

* Because there is a spirit of grace among us that honors those who are not as eager to celebrate yet are willing to give room for this and who continue to be in community.  Thank you! After General Conference 2019, I (and many) had to make decisions about staying/remaining/abiding, as Christ calls us to do. Reasons included those that we have heard in recent appeals from the Conference – a resolve to share convictions in a spirit of trust, humility and grace, in great appreciation for a community of faith where we can struggle together and love one another even as we disagree.  This is the United Methodist way. It is hard.  It is beautiful. And it is sometimes pretty messy as well.  

* Because there is room for all in the wideness of God’s mercy.  And as human beings we all need this!

How might you name this joy? What language would you use to invite others into this hope, and into a new season of ministry as the UMC?  

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Author: Michael Roberts

I currently serve as the Senior Pastor of First United Methodist Church, Jonesboro, Arkansas, and as a delegate to General Conference. Other appointments include 10 years as the senior pastor of First United Methodist Church in Conway, Arkansas. Playing guitar, reading/writing, and theological conversation are among my favorite pastimes. My wife, Deidre, is also an ordained United Methodist Pastor, and we have three wonderful adult children, and two grandchildren. I hold degrees from the University of Central Arkansas (BA), Duke University Divinity School (M.Div), and Southern Methodist University (D.Min). I am the author of a series of books, "Wanting More: Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany, Inspired by the Teachings of John Wesley," "Awakening Through Wilderness: Lent, Easter, and Pentecost Inspired by the Teachings of John Wesley," and "Radically Blessed: The Core Teachings of Jesus Inspired by the Sermons of John Wesley."

2 thoughts on “Naming the Joy (of Being UMC in this Moment)”

  1. This is so beautiful. Thank you. I appreciate your gift of being able to spell it out so perfectly. In God’s love, Janie Boone

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  2. My cousins belong to your Former Conway church and I have been there before and heard you speak. God bless you and your ministry because it is sorely needed.

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