Tag: United Methodist

Love and Labor (Day) (From the “And” Series)

From United Methodist Insight and a Weekly Column – Wesley Inspired. Check on this online magazine. um-insight.net

https://um-insight.net/blogs/michaelroberts/remembering-john-wesley

In the USA, a day is set aside on the first Monday of September to honor those who labor for the good of others.  The Holiday was conceived in a time when groups were advocating for better working conditions and legal protections for those who performed the tasks needed to build a nation. 

We value work – or at least we expect it as a society.  With this holiday, it may be a good time to stop and reflect upon our commitment to a work ethic – and do so through a Wesleyan lens.  What is the purpose of work?  What is the goal of our labor?  How does faith connect to our efforts to create and produce?

In much of American culture, work is often understood through the lens of production.  Good work earns and produces,  more and more and more.  Success is measured by output.  And the biggest rewards of this labor often go to others, to those who own and hire.

From a Wesleyan perspective, there is much that resonates with this work ethic.  We value effort and frown upon idleness.  Some would say Wesley was neurotic about this. He traveled an estimated quarter of a million miles on horseback, preaching, teaching, leading, and engaging in ministries of mercy and justice all along the way. He redeemed his time as he rode with learning, reading, and writing – prolifically.  His sense of personal industry was legendary. 

To this day, we hear these exhortations found in Wesley’s Rules for Helpers, which are a part of our commitment for ordination and membership in the Conference: “Never be unemployed. Never be triflingly employed. Never waste away time.”  For Wesley, every moment is entrusted to us by God and we are accountable for how we use each sand every one.  As methodists, we value work!

But, in Wesleyan fashion, we can’t stop here when it comes to our understanding of work and labor. Through faith, even our labor demands the extra work of disciplined reflection.  We are challenged to engage in the labor of faith, or to use more precise Wesleyan language, “the work of faith and the labor of love.”  (And if you are looking this up you might need to use the spelling, “labour.”).  For us, we do not limit faith to only believing, as if that is all that is needed.  True faith works by love and for love. 

As Charles Wesley wrote in a hymn, “Let us plead for faith alone.”  He starts the hymn with a popular Calvinist line, calling for faith alone, with an overt suspicion of any kind of work connected to faith.  The motto was “just believe.”  After this teasing line, Wesley immediately sings, “faith which by our works is shown.”  He ends the hymn with the line, “Saved by faith which works by love.” 

As Wesleyans we start and end with love.  First God works within us with love.  Faith is coming to know and trust in this love.  Our hearts are transformed by this love.  And then we find ourselves wanting to engage in the labor of love, manifested especially through ordinary acts of mercy and ministries of justice. 

And this leads us back to Labor Day and the question: what is the purpose of labor?  As Wesleyans we are not let off the hook where we can believe that work is only about production and profit.  Work, for us, is not only about industry; it is also about the cultivation of goodness.  For us, salvation is never only about escaping judgment or getting to heaven.  It is about the restoration of the image of God.  As we participate in our own salvation, we are transformed from one degree to another into the very likeness of Christ.  Our labor is always to be to this end.

Our culture, blessed by some forms of faith, values what work produces in the world, often at a safe distance from faith.  As Wesleyans we value what work cultivates in us and through us for good, making it possible for us to grow in faith.  Faith and Works! They go together like…Labor Day and a grill.  

– – – – –

Notes and a Deeper Dive:

See Wesley’s Sermon, “On Zeal” where he explores the idea that true religion is faith working by love. A paraphrase of this sermon and a devotion on the theme can be found in “Wanting More: Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany Inspired by the Teachings of John Wesley,” published by Market Square Books, 2024.  With this sermon, I attempt to make a connection with Christmas Eve. 

See Wesley’s Notes on I Thess 1:3 where he list three Christians virtues – the work of faith, the labor of love, the patience of hope, and his Notes on Hebrew 6:10 where he speak of how God does not forget our labors of love, especially those we might classify as ordinary acts of mercy – visiting the sick, caring for the poor, encouraging fellow believers, and supporting the ministry of the church.

Next Up: Football and Vital Piety

Michael Roberts

Michael Roberts has served as a pastor, a director of conference ministries, a delegate to General Conference, a retreat leader, and a teacher of United Methodist history and doctrine. He is married with three grown children and two grandchildren. He likes to take time each day to write and play guitar as a part of his devotional life. He is the author of four books based on John Wesley sermons which can be found at marketsquarebooks.com

To Form a More Perfect Union (Reflections on the 4th from a Wesleyan Perspective)

In the past, on the 4th of July, I have reflected on the actual Declaration of Independence. This year, I chose the Constitution. I am struck by the stated reasons/motive/purpose for engaging in this grand experiment. “We the People” are called to:

FORM A MORE PERFECT UNION

As a Wesleyan Christian, the idea of perfection is compelling. Wesley was writing about this at the same time and there are connections. Perfection, in this context, is not about flawlessness. It is about wholeness. It is about unity and harmony. It is about love expressed with patience, kindness, and a humility that does not insist on its own way. Methodists are among those who are optimistic about this possibility – even in this life, by the grace of God. It may be one reason that we grew to be the largest Protestant denomination in the land within 50 years of the signing of this document. I wonder: Have we lost some of this optimistic commitment? What would renewal of this hope look like? How might we lead the way?

ESTABLISH JUSTICE

I like the distinction (or the spectrum) between retributive justice and restorative justice – with one concerned with accountability and punishment, and the other concerned with restoration and transformation. Can there be a “more perfect union” if we lean too far one way?

Justice has multi-dimensions. At one level justice is about protection of society and holding each other accountable. At another level, it is about being “just” and treating one another with the honor and respect of being equals. And at a deeper level, justice is the proactive work of lifting others up and cultivating conditions where all have opportunities to thrive. I love the line in our Book of Discipline that calls us to create social structures that are consistent with the gospel. That’s the work of justice. (It might help to think about justified words on a page. What would happen if the words where out of alignment, in terms of balance, harmony, and meaning?).

INSURE DOMESTIC TRANQUILITY

This sounds so nice – and so needed. How might we work towards this kind of peace? Too often peace is perverted into division. “You stay on your side; I’ll stay on mind; then we will have peace.” In the minds of the framers of the constitution and among people of faith, peace is more about coming together in harmony, not bubbled monotony; in unity, not uniformity. May we be instruments of peace.

PROVIDE FOR THE COMMON DEFENSE

With those who actively promote a posture of war rather than defense, I wonder if this needs some serious rethinking among “we the people.” I’ll just leave that there.

PROMOTE THE GENERAL WELFARE

A primary purpose of our shared ordering of things is to cultivate the welfare of all. In my mind, this involves working together to insure the meeting of basic needs. I want the people with whom I interact on a daily basis to be able to go to a doctor and to have eaten – for starters.

AND SECURE THE BLESSINGS OF LIBERTY TO OURSELVES AND OUR POSTERITY

I love the word blessings here, and the favor and goodness that comes from freedom. On this 250th anniversary, I also love the idea that we actively work for these blessings not only for ourselves but for those who will come after us.

In the context of defining freedom, we read in the scriptures: “If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” That is what happens when we use our freedom for selfish indulgence, rather than to serve one another. We fall back into bondage (See Galatians 5:1, 13-15).

The Preamble to the Constitution gives us a beautiful outline of a much better way to use the freedom with which we have been blessed.

Happy Fourth of July!

Memory Lane on this Last Day before Retirement (from Facebook on June 30, 2026)

This is hard! After 40 years, this is my final day of being a non-retired, appointed, “active” United Methodist pastor. I stood in the sanctuary and pondered, lamented, celebrated, and prayed that good fruit would come, somehow, from liturgies shared and words proclaimed. I drove by the hospital and thought of so many visits and prayers for healing grace trusting in God’s eternal love. I stood in the parking lot and gazed at the building we often call the church. So much energy was put into maintaining facilities in the hopes that God’s love would be discovered and cultivated, and that congregations would be inspired to do more than “maintain.” I laughed inside at the joyful thought of no longer worrying about whether the air conditioners would work on Sunday. “Not my problem,” as they say.

In doing some research last year, I was genuinely surprised to discover that I am the second longest serving non-retired elder in the Conference – and the longest serving elder from the former North Arkansas Conference.  I do wonder how that happened. I stand amazed at all that has happened through these years – and how much I have changed.  I am so blessed to have been (and continue to be) a part of this “partnership in the gospel,” to used Paul’s phrase. 

As I take a moment for reflection, I must mention several beloved congregations – Maple Lane (in South Bend Indiana), First Russellville, Gardner Memorial in North Little Rock, St. Paul in Fort Smith, Conway First, and Jonesboro First.  Serving as Pastor has been such an honor.  I reflect with joy on how these congregations experienced growth, in numbers and spiritually as well.  I am thankful to have been a small part of these blessings.   

I think of my home church – Western Hills in Little Rock. This is where I experienced my first call to serve in this way – and I wrestled with this call for a long time – and in many ways still do.

Much of my ministry – and calling – has been devoted to cultivating relationships and callings among pastors – through Connected In Christ, Course of Study, Local Pastor Licensing School, the Board of Ordained Ministry and dCOM.  This has brought much joy, and I love hearing the testimonies about the blessings of being involved in these endeavors. 

In CIC, we did not see ourselves as just another continuing education program. Our unique role was to facilitate the connections needed for faithful and fruitful ministry.  This ministry produced much good fruit – with statistics as a witness.  I do remember giving a presentation on the growth we were seeing through CIC congregations, and a colleague pointed out that there is a difference between correlation and causality.  Yes! But the hundreds of testimonies from clergy and laity were inspiring.  I do wish we could find a way to put energy into this kind of intentional and comprehensive effort today. 

If I could point to one thing as a highlight, it would be that moment at General Conference in 2024 when the word “incompatible” was removed from the Book of Discipline.  It still brings tears to my eyes every time I remember it.  It was an honor to work on this legislation, along with the work of strengthening our efforts to focus on virtues and callings that are life-giving to all –“fidelity, monogamy, commitment, mutual affection and respect, careful and honest communication, mutual consent, and growth in the grace and in the knowledge and love of God.”  What blessings might come if our ministry focused on the cultivation of these values for all?

And now to share a disagreement with the Book of Discipline – and we can do that and still be among the beloved.  Repeatedly the BOD describes clergy status within the Conference as either “active” or “retired.”  I don’t like this.  In good Wesleyan fashion, I want both/and.  I want to be active.  I want to serve.  I want to continue to write and publish, teach and preach, and be a part of the ordering of the life of the Conference for faithful and fruitful ministry – as an active and retired member of the clergy. 

Most of all I want to stay active in the calling that I have been given, echoed in the words of the Apostle Paul – to bear one another in love, with patience, kindness, and a humility that does not insist on its own way. Again, this is hard and life-giving. To do this, I want to continue to be a part of this “partnership in the gospel,” trusting in the blessings of much forgiveness and grace.

Wanting More (a reading challenge starting with Advent)

If you would like a reading challenge, I would suggest getting acquainted with John Wesley’s sermons.  These sermons are a part of our doctrine and have the power to inspire and guide us into a new season of faithfulness – as individuals and as a church. 

With this motivation, I suggest this series that starts with Advent and goes through the liturgical year.  In each chapter there is a paraphrase of one of Wesley’s Sermons, a devotion on the same theme, and resources for reflection.  In terms of scholarship, one thing that makes this series attractive is the way Wesley’s sermons have been rearranged to fit within our regular liturgical rhythms.  We can truly go through the year with Wesley in a way that connects us to worship and to the seasons of our lives.

The journey starts with Wanting More: Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany Inspired by the Teachings of John Wesley.  The next book, Awakening Through Wilderness takes us through Lent, Easter, and up to Pentecost.  The third book – Radically Blessed – takes us through the sermon on the mount.  And a fourth book will be coming out for the Fall focusing on practical divinity. The title will be Heart to Holiness. 

As we move into a new season of faithfulness and hopefully fruitfulness, spending some time in our roots and history may be an important key.  I believe this is true. 

Give it a try.  There is a sample of the first book on Kindle.  Or it can be purchased through Market Square Books, Cokesbury, or Amazon/Kindle. I pray that this will be challenging, inspiring, and will help you and all of us bear good fruit into a new season. 

Awakening Through Wilderness (a devotional possibility for you and for UMCs)

No doubt we are moving into a new season in the life of the church.  In order to navigate this reality, I am convinced that we need to look into our past as much as we look towards the future.  Or maybe a better image is the need to attend to our roots in order to branch out and bear good fruit. 

With this motivation I, along with Lauran DeLano Grosskopf, have written a series of books where each chapter contains a paraphrase of one of Wesley’s sermons, a devotion on the same theme, and resources for reflection.  With this series, Wesley’s sermons have been rearranged to fit within the liturgical year, thus connecting them to our weekly rhythms.  My hope is that these resources will help us reacquaint ourselves with inspiration from our past and lead us to good fruit as we move into a new season as United Methodists. This would be a good way to go through the year with Wesley.

Below is a brief description of the latest book from the publisher. Within the book there are testimonies from Paul Chilcote, Ashley Boggan, Bishop Deloras Williamston, Ken Willard, Adam Hamilton, Bishop Laura Merrill, Rebekah Miles, and more.

  “Awakening Through Wilderness invites readers on a transformative journey through Lent, Easter, and Pentecost, exploring timeless truths through the voice and vision of John Wesley. This third installment in this acclaimed series builds on previous works, Wanting More and Radically Blessed, continuing the mission to make Wesley’s foundational teachings accessible and deeply relevant for today’s church.

 In this book, each chapter offers a devotional paraphrase of one of Wesley’s classic sermons, followed by a modern devotion and practical questions for reflection. Each chapter masterfully connects Wesley’s original passion for renewal and reform with the liturgical rhythms of the church year, guiding readers through themes of fasting, self-denial, temptation, grace, and resurrection.

 The wilderness becomes a powerful metaphor for life’s trials, doubts, and spiritual dry seasons-those times when God seems distant and faith is tested. Through Wesley’s insights and pastoral reflections from Michael and Lauren, readers discover that the wilderness is not merely a place of hardship but also a space for awakening, transformation, and renewed purpose.

 Whether read individually or used in a group study setting, Awakening Through Wilderness offers a clear, engaging path for spiritual growth. Each chapter’s discussion questions and reflection resources make it ideal for small groups, Bible studies, or personal devotion, especially during Lent.

 The books in this series are written with warmth and clarity, drawing on deep knowledge of Wesleyan theology and a pastoral heart for today’s church. Throughout we are reminded that “God’s love comes to us on its way to others,” inspiring readers to grow in grace and to live out their faith with courage and compassion.

    You are invited to step into the wilderness and emerge awakened to the transforming power of God’s love.”

These books are available through Market Square Books, Cokesbury, and Amazon/Kindle. I would be honored if you would take a look (you can get a sample through kindle) and if you feel so led, share these resources with others.  If you would like to talk about this, please know that I would love to have that conversation.  Many Blessings!

The Ten Commandments – Manipulated and Mandated by the State

In Arkansas a law has been passed mandating that the Ten Commandments be on display in all classrooms (See Bill 433, now Act 573). This week the University of Arkansas will become the first public university in the country to post the Ten Commandments in this way (in the midst of challenges, stays, and appeals). Since this law enters into my domain as a pastor and person of faith, I have some thoughts.

I want to weigh in specifically on the actual words that are mandated. A particular version of the commandments is found within the Bill itself.  Comparing the Bill to the scriptures, it is interesting to note what has been left out and what has been left in. In addition, it is noteworthy to see how an old translation (the King James Version), complete with “thou’s” and “shalt’s,” has been manipulated and then promoted as an official version.  The Bill begs questions about motivation and intent.  

I’ll start with the most alarming, in my opinion. While several of the commandments have been abbreviated, with many of the original words left out, the last one is given in full.  To fit with the others, it could have read “Thou shalt not covet.”  One has to wonder why this version does not focus on the dangers of coveting in a more general way – like we see with the other commandments here.  Instead, specifics that are included in the original texts are shown. We read, “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his cattle…”  Is the intent here to suggest that this is really only for men (males)?  This possibility gains credibility when we note that the pronoun “his” is used three times in this one verse.  This is redundant and unnecessary if translated from the original language.  In addition, does this expanded listing imply that slavery is to be condoned or that women in positions of authority can be tolerated and useful if they know their place as maidservants?  It makes me want to see a counter-list of all the passages that lift others up rather than marginalize.  And for an almost humorous note, the original words in the KJV list other animals.  Why is “cattle” the only animal in this version?

For the first example of important words being left out, the whole list starts with “I am the Lord thy God.  Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”  In the scriptures more is given between these two sentences. We hear of God speaking to a specific people who had been delivered out of Egypt and out of bondage. This group of people are invited (not forced) into this covenant (See Ex 20:1-17; Deut 5:6-21).

The third commandment, in this mandated version, reads, “Thou shalt not make to thyself any graven images.” In the KJV version of scripture, it is worded a little differently and there is no period after the word “images.”   With a comma we are beckoned to read more.  The commandment goes on for three long verses with words from a jealous God who will visit iniquity on those who break this commandment, to the third and fourth generation, and will show mercy on those who keep these commandments – with some debate about whether this refers to these first two commandments or all the commandments. 

As one who truly believes in a living God, I would worry about whether this Bill could be considered a form of creating a graven image.  In addition, a larger theological reason for this commandment is to help this community avoid limiting God to one perspective or trying to control God.  That’s what graven images can do.  God is bigger than that.

In the scriptures, the commandment around the sabbath goes on for four verses, with details and specifics. In the spirit of making a list for a mandated 16inch-by-20inch framed poster, it is understandable why these details would be left out – along with the possibility that we really don’t want to encourage people to abide by this weekly rhythm.  It still begs the questions, why was this one abbreviated and others not? What is the real message here? It would seem like that would be important for us to discern if this kind of investment is going to be made.  

It does strike me that this mandate possibly goes against the spirit of the commandments themselves.  Is God’s name being used – in vain – to intimidate and create division?  Does this law manipulate the words of scripture to promote an agenda that is arguably intended to marginalize some?  I hope that this analysis has sparked a willingness for more discernment – perhaps with a healthy dose of fear and trembling.   

As a Christian, I am all for honoring the Ten Commandments.  In my tradition as a United Methodist, I also believe that these words are to be interpreted through the lens of what we call the royal law of love. Jesus himself followed this method of interpreting scripture when he said that all the law and the prophets can be summed up in the commandment to love (Matt 22:37-40).  And we know what this love looks like.  It is illuminated with patience, kindness, and a humility that does not insist on its own way.  This love believes in others; it hopes for all that is good for others (I Cor 13).  It builds up rather than breaks down.  It unites rather than divides. It is the more excellent way.  And this way can be seen in the Hebrew tradition as well, especially through the prophets.  

I wonder what it would look like if we gave this witness, not with mandated posters, but with actions based on words written upon the heart.

Methodism Exposed (exploring the real method that leads to life)

The word “exposed” is meant to be provocative.  Other terms would be “revealed” or “illuminated.”  Going back to Wesley, a lot of misconceptions have existed around the use of the word “method” in Methodism.  Its deeper meaning is often lost.

The method of Methodism is often defined as the disciplined and intentional practice of the Means of Grace – prayer, worship, searching the scriptures, conferencing, service, etc.  There is truth in this, but we miss much inspiration if we stop here. [i]   While Wesley does give praise for the Means of Grace, he balances this praise with strong warnings. We can engage in all of these practices, and they can still sink us into a living hell.  The Means of Grace can be more of a burden than a blessing. They can lead us into the form of religion without the power.  This happens when we turn the “means” into the “end,” and begin to think that faith is found in the practices themselves. [ii] (For more see the notes below)

When Wesley uses the term “method” he most often speaks of the method that God uses to bring us into life.[iii]  Wesley describes God’s method with the word “reconciliation” in one place.  In another place, we are told that Jesus is God’s method for healing souls that could never be healed by human endeavor. The outcome of God’s method is the renewal of the image of God within us.

In more than one place, Wesley gives us an outline of how this method typically works. [iv]    The first step is an awakening in the soul to the mystery and reality of God. This awakening often starts with fear.  We recognize our sin and how short we fall from the glory of God.  How can we ever be justified – in alignment and harmony with God?  How can we ever be saved?  This fear often leads to attempts to justify ourselves.  And these attempts always leave us wanting.  When religion is defined in this way, we only bring God down to our level.  From here, we are led into the heart of God’s method. We are awakened to God’s eternal love and this changes everything.  It leads us into a desire to practice the Means of Grace, along with disciplined and daily self-examination, with the hope of being transformed, from one degree to another, into the very image of Christ and Christ’s love. This is a way to describe the method that God uses to bring us into life.[v]

And now, here is a more poetic way of describing God’s method, using a Charles Wesley hymn as inspiration:

This is how it works. 

Love comes first.

It opens our heart to a new reality. 

We sense that we’re a part of something bigger than ourselves,

And more than any finite thing.

This love works to pave the way

And plants the seeds of living faith. 

This is how it works. God’s love comes first

And it leads to,

A faith that works by love, a faith that works for love. Love!

This is how it works, our hearts are changed;

We turn towards life-giving grace.

We sense that heaven has begun in us,

And new life has been won. 

This love works to make us whole,

And forms the Savior in the soul.

This is how it works. God’s love comes first. 

And it leads to,

A faith that works by love, a faith that works for love.  Love! 

(Lyrics to a worship song entitled, “Faith that Works for Love,” inspired by the Hymn “Let Us Plead for Faith Alone.”  For a version of the song, additional verses, and commentary on how this method contrasts with other understandings of faith, see Hymn Inspired Worship Songs, YouTube, Michael Roberts. This was a part of my pandemic project)

[i] It is worth noting that Wesley does not tie the word “method” to the Means of Grace. In the sermon on the Means of Grace, for example, no version of the word “method” or “methodism” is found. 

[ii] Moving in the other direction, in Wesley’s famous pamphlet entitled “Character of a Methodist,” he does not directly talk about the “means of grace” or focus on what we do.  In fact, he says that our “schemes of religion” are “quite wide of the point.”  For methodists, faith is so much more than “just believing” or “accepting” what God has done for us. A methodist is one who has been awakened to God’s love.  In faith, we give ourselves into this love.  The experience of this love leads to peace with God and this peace leads us to “abound in love and in good works.”  To paraphrase Wesley, “Methodists are those who think, speak, and live, according to the method laid down in the revelation of Jesus Christ. Their souls are renewed after the image of God, and in all true holiness. Having the mind that was in Christ, they walk as Christ also walked.” 

[iii] Key sermons from Wesley on this topic include Righteousness of Faith where we read of God’s “method of reconciliation.” In the sermon Original Sin we hear that Jesus is God’s method for healing souls that could never be healed by any human endeavor.  Through Christ God heals our “functional atheism” by giving us faith – that divinely given conviction that God is with us and that nothing can separate us from God’s love. This leads to repentance, to trust, and transformation into the love of God. In the sermon Laying the Foundation we hear, once again, that methodism is not a new religion. It is the restoration of the image of God, centered in love, which is the summary of all the law and the prophets. Methodism is about intentionally cultivating the blessings of love, joy, and peace in the Holy Spirit.  It is not rooted in orthodoxy of opinion.  In this sermon Wesley speaks of this divisive temptation and then gives thanks for being delivered from this misguided zeal. God’s method is never meant to lead to the arrogance of spirit that causes division and harm within the Body of Christ. In the sermon Use of Law we hear that the ordinary method of God is to first convict us of our sin and our need.

[iv] God’s method involves movement along the Way of Salvation. This movement is described often with the key terms of Justification to Sanctification (and later others built upon what Wesley said about Preventing Grace and added Prevenient Grace as a way to describe the movement of God in our lives).  In another place, this movement is described with different States of Being in which we may find ourselves.  In our Natural State there is a false peace with no thought of God.  This can lead to a Legal State, where there is no peace at all. Next is the Evangelical State or the State of Love where we experience the peace of God. 

[v] Perhaps more than practicing the traditional Means of Grace, (or perhaps at the heart of this practice) we participate in God’s method through disciplined and regular self-examination.  Wesley consistently posed questions to the people called Methodists, calling for daily reflection. Is heaven in your heart? Is your heart being transformed into the likeness of Christ? Are you growing in holiness, defined by the virtues of patience and kindness and a humility that does not insist on its own way? Are you attending to the means of grace that will open the way for this love? Are you becoming less judgmental and more compassionate?  Do you know the peace of God?  Do you let other theological/political matters distract you from our core purpose? Do you understand that the narrow way leads us into the wideness of God’s mercy and the wide way of the world leads us into narrowness of spirit? These are the kinds of questions that Wesley posed over and over again as a way for us to participate in God’s method.

Why Would Anyone Want to Get Married in the UMC?

Marriage! This word that signifies coming together in unity and love has also been used to create so much judgment and division in our denomination.  In the midst of this tension, I recently had an appointment to do pre-marital counselling and was inspired to approach this meeting in a new way.  I started with the Book of Discipline.  It can be so helpful to actually look at what the B.O.D. says. With the changes and additions at the last General Conference, we have renewed our focus on the values of marriage that are life-giving for all – “fidelity, monogamy, commitment, mutual affection and respect, careful and honest communication, mutual consent, and growth in the grace and in the knowledge and love of God.” 

Imagine using this list as a theological and moral foundation to move into conversations about all the topics in a pre-marital meeting – family history, birth order, finances, religion and faith, expectations, personality types, etc. And to be clear, this particular list is found under Clergy Qualifications but can definitely be used to help us understand the values needed for a healthy marriage and for life-giving relationships in general.

We can also use the Book of Discipline to affirm marriage as “a sacred and lifelong covenant.”  Marriage is a union with “one another and into a deeper relationship with God and the community of faith.”  Marriage “reflects a continued willingness to grow together in Christ and a commitment to cultivate a covenantal bond that encompasses intimacy, grace, and love.” And there is so much more.* These statements are important because they call those getting married in the church to be a part of the faith community. Imagine using these statements to explore how being a part of the larger community can be a blessing.

We can compare these statements to what we see in another methodist denomination, which says: “We believe that human sexuality is a gift of God that is to be affirmed as it is exercised within the legal and spiritual covenant of a loving and monogamous marriage between one man and one woman.”  One might ask: Is this the only way to understand human sexuality?  Our new statements give us the opportunity to view human sexuality in a larger context, expressed in many ways, from our style and dress, to our natural attractions, to how we interact with one another.  It can be expressed through our desire for intimacy at all levels of relationship, from holding hands, to a kiss, to decisions about commitments, and how we might express the values listed above. The affirmation, support, forgiveness, and teachings of the church can be helpful all along the way.  And we can share this grace with a focus on calling, character, faithfulness and fruitfulness – and do this for all without having to automatically exclude some.

As evidenced by the recent Judicial Council ruling, tensions remain.* These tensions, however, do not have to divide. We do not have to give in to the arrogance of spirit that causes so much harm and keeps us from honoring one another.  To come full circle, as if it was a ring upon our finger or a seal upon our heart, perhaps the way we relate to one another can be inspired by the values we want marriages to model.   How might these values this understanding of marriage be life-giving for the church as a whole?

* For more see: “Beyond Soundbites and Towards Holy Conferencing (A Series on the Actions of General Conference)” at connectedinchrist.net  One section in the document on marriage has been revised after the recent decision from the Judicial Council giving clergy the responsibility for deciding whether they will perform the religious marriage service of a couple within the church, and in light of the call of our bishops who expect pastors to “exercise their authority with deep pastoral sensitivity to the congregation and community to which they are appointed.” This means that Holy Conferencing is always in order. Looking at what the BOD actually says can be so helpful.

Searching the New Book of Discipline

While waiting on my hardcopy of the new Book of Discipline (BOD), I turned to the PDF version. I was inspired to do a quick comparison using the wonderful search feature.   

I started by searching the word “incompatible” hoping to see a “zero.”  I was a bit disappointed to see that it does appear one time, but in a quote of the previous BOD and in reference to moratoriums on judicial proceedings.  By comparison, in the 2016 BOD this word appears eight times with four of these naming one practice or group of people.  In another place we read that war is incompatible with the teachings of Christ. In other places we read that military service, science, and abortion under strict circumstances are not incompatible. The new BOD deals with these topics in similar ways but without using this specific term.

My next search was for the word “fidelity.”  This word appears seventeen times in the new BOD and eighteen times in the previous version.  In both, four of these call for fidelity to the Apostolic Faith and the Doctrine and Discipline of the Church.  Another five deal with finances.  In both versions the remaining references focus on standards for clergy. 

In the 2016 BOD the phrase “fidelity in marriage and celibacy in singleness” appears seven times. The word then appears twice in a definition of marriage.     These statements were often used to keep us from considering the calling and character of some.  Too often, they came up only when there was a desire to exclude or punish. I am glad they are behind us.

In the new BOD, we see a focus on virtues that are life-giving for all and give witness to the “highest ideals of the Christian life.”  There was an effort to strengthen our sexual and moral ethic, without a double standard and without some of the confusion around definitions of terms. This following statement appears seven times, calling for “the exercise of responsible self-control by personal habits conducive to bodily health, mental and emotional maturity, integrity in all personal relationships, social responsibility, faithful sexual intimacy expressed through fidelity, monogamy, commitment, mutual affection and respect, careful and honest communication, mutual consent, and growth in grace and in the knowledge and love of God.”

I do not see this as a move to the radical left – or whatever language might be used to characterize these developments negatively and to cause further division among us.  As a person who was at the General Conference and who worked on a committee that initiated some of these changes, I witnessed a beautiful effort to be faithful and to be responsive to the high and holy calling we have been given to love one another well. With God’s grace and guidance, I believe our General Conference did good work that will bear good fruit.  

As I opened this new version of the Book of Discipline, my first response is to give praise to God and then to give thanks for all who worked to make this new and faithful witness possible.   

I do look forward to getting a hardcopy. I will place it among other treasures that mark significant moments in my life. This one was big.

Wesley on Elections (and the challenge of staying in my lane)

After the recent election, I found myself in a fog and unsure of what to say as a pastoral leader. I ended up – thank God – in a familiar place and one that rarely fails to inspire.  I began to wonder – What does John Wesley have to say about elections?  I will jump into the theological deep end and then explore some implications on our human elections.

Generally speaking, there are two very different understandings of election within the Body of Christ.  A perspective born out of Augustinian/Calvinist theology uses this word to describe how some are predestined to salvation and others are damned based on an irrevocable decision from a God who is sovereign and knows all, an absolute decree made from the “foundation of the world.” (Matt 25:34; Eph 1:4; Heb 9:26).  This perspective puts a lot of weight on, what is called, the foreknowledge of God (Rom 8:28-30; Acts 2:22-24; Rom 11:1f). This perspective is popular in our culture and is being expressed in some bold, even militant forms.

While still using the terms election and predestination, Wesley offers a more nuanced perspective, seeking to honor both the scriptures and our experience of having free will and learning to love in relationship.  We are elected or chosen to give witness to a grace and a way of salvation that is available to all. Our election is about so much more than “just believing.” We are invited to open our hearts to God’s transforming grace and to reflect the image of God.  Our participation is a part of God’s election, God’s purpose for us, from the “foundation of the world.”  And to be clear there are reformed theologies that share a softer approach, to use Wesley’s language. 

These two perspectives lead to different understandings of God’s sovereignty.  One is often viewed through the metaphor of a monarch (or dictator) with an emphasis on the depravity of humanity and the need to control and protect from the top down. From this perspective we might ask, why would we be more merciful than God?   A Wesleyan perspective can be seen through the metaphor of a loving parent, where authority is revealed as respectful, trusting, and empowering love.  In this love we are chosen, not for special privilege but to be a blessing (2 Pet 2:9-10; Col 3:12-17).  This view is much more optimistic about our capacity to reflect the image of God in the world.  From one perspective holiness is viewed through the lens of obedience and perseverance (key terms in Calvinist theology); from the other perspective holiness is seen through the virtues of patience, kindness, humility and a grace that can overcome even our human trespasses with restorative justice rather than punitive or retributive justice.

From Wesley’s perspective, the more hardline perspective turns Christ into a hypocrite. It portrays Christ as one who offers something that he never intends to give (like a cynical view of some politicians). It leads to a “sharpness of temper” that is inconsistent with the virtues to which we are elected or chosen.  The “elect of God” practice mercy, humility, kindness, and patience (I Cor 13:1-4; Col 3:12-17).  The “elect of God” “bear one another in love” and actively seek “unity of spirit in the bond of peace.” (Eph 4:1-3).  In connection to these “tempers” and virtues, Wesley uses the phrase “the elect of God” in at least five of his sermons.

In the scriptures we read that God’s desire is that all would come to salvation (John 1:29; II Peter 3:9).  We read that Christ died for the sins of the whole world, not only some who are “unconditionally elected.” (John 4:42; Acts 10:34-36; I Tim 4:1; Heb 2:9; I John 2:2).  We read that in Adam all die and in Christ shall all be made alive, but each in their own order (Rom 5:18; I Cor 15: 21-23; there is a mystery to it all).  These passages give important clues for how we are to relate to others – even our enemies.

What happens when the “elect of God” betray this trust?  It can look like being “mad with party-zeal,” to use a phrase from Wesley.  For the sake of the whole body, it is important to remember that the word “party” is built on the word “part.” Attempts to turn a part into the whole, and the arrogance of spirit that is necessary for this endeavor, can be so destructive.  Wesley calls the “elect of God” to purify themselves from all party-zeal, from all bigotry and narrowness of spirit, from impatience with differences, and every degree of unmercifulness.  All of this only leads us to “bite and devour one another.” (Gal 4:14-15).  This is a betrayal of our election.

In addition, please do not think that election from God is a call to be passive or weak. Anchored in these virtues, the “elect of God” work for peace, as peacemakers rather than peacekeepers, and there is a difference. Peacemakers acknowledge brokenness and harm among us, and yet continue to work for reconciliation in a way that restores justice and reveals God’s love for all. The “elect of God” stand with the marginalized, feed the hungry, welcome the stranger/immigrant, and stand with those who are marginalized by the “madness.” (See Matt 25:31-46 in the context of the that can save us from a fate that we deserve).

For a recent (and political) example, I think of how the statement “Your body, my choice” has been used over 50,000 times on Facebook (and that’s only one social media site).  I know that some boys in our community are vocalizing this and similar phrases, acting on the bullying and demeaning and abusiveness that has been normalized and is seen as strength in the hearts of many.  If our children are scared (and some are), we need to listen and stand with them.   This is what the elect of God do.

I think of political ads that stereotype, demean, and misrepresent particular minority groups to score political points. It reminds me of the Greek word “pornia” which can be defined as the objectification of others as a way to justify using them for our own perverted ends.  This word is about so much more than the way it is typically applied.  The “elect of God” are those called to speak up.

Concerning predestination and election, Wesley is willing to engage in the philosophical argument, but only to a point. He is keenly aware that we can only speak in human terms about the deep things of God. It is a mystery to us how eternity works, with all things being present at once.  There is, however, nothing in our experience that should make us think that things happen because they are known.  It may also be that God, infinite in wisdom and love, is able to set aside this so-called foreknowledge in time and space for the sake of relationship.  Perhaps God can even be surprised, grieved, and overjoyed by what happens in creation.  Such attempts to speculate can only carry us so far.  It is our experience that we are able to choose and participate in our own salvation, using our God-given free-will.

Therefore, as Wesley says often, a choice is before us.  In our culture, it is popular to see elections as win/lose, us/them, righteous/damned.  Reading scripture through a Wesleyan lens offers us a different way to see it.  The question becomes, which way is more life-giving for you?  Which way rings true in your spirit?  Which way will lead us into the goodness that God wants for us?  I invite you to ponder these things in your heart. 

(For a deeper dive, I recommend Wesley’s sermons: Free Grace, On Predestination, The Wedding Garment, Eulogy for George Whitefield, and On Working Out Our Own Salvation, among others. I hope to share a paraphrase of “Free Grace” soon).