Stewartstown United Methodist Church

The entire United Methodist Church is encouraged to study  This Holy Mystery: A United Methodist Understanding of Holy Communion.  You can download the study or read it online by clicking on the image above.

Report of the Pastor to 2007 Church Conference  

I came upon an article written by Bishop G. Lindsey Davis of North Georgia Conference.   His thoughts, called “Back to the Future”, give focus to some of by own heart searching.  I offer them as topics for prayer, conversation, learning and faith-filled action for our future as together we seek and serve God.

The Methodist movement began as an effort to renew the Church of England, which had become marked by low commitment and a general sense of spiritual lethargy. By contrast, the early Methodists were known for spiritual vitality, evangelistic zeal, and a missional spirit. It is ironic that in these early days of the 21st century we United Methodists find ourselves struggling with some of the same problems that the 18th-century Church of England had.  We stand in desperate need of renewal. In other words, we must reclaim the missional perspective and power of the early Methodist movement. Here are keys to reclaiming Methodist vitality, which at its hearts was nothing more than Christian living that was full of power, focused, and shared.   Here is a summary of the six key practices of early Methodists that are still found in vital, effective United Methodist churches throughout our connection:

Radical hospitality. Are we really open to all persons in our community?  Are we reaching out to form relationships with those whom Charles Wesley called "Jesus' bosom friends" -- the poor, the children, the powerless, the vulnerable, the imprisoned?
Have we structured the life of our congregation in a way that reaches out to persons in our community, placing their needs ahead of our own?

Spirit-filled worship. This is worship that truly invites participants to celebrate the good news of Jesus Christ -- and to be shaped and formed by the gospel into the image of God.
Passionate, spirit-filled worship can happen within any style or tradition of worship. It is worship that, when the community of faith is gathered, allows persons to experience God's holy presence in a powerful way.

Faith-forming relationships. John Wesley called on us to "watch over one another in love." Are we, through small groups within the life of the local church, nurturing one another in discipleship?  Are we providing the mutual support, mentoring, and accountability that all of us need in order to grow in our faith?

Risk-taking service. Do we hide behind the walls of our churches and attend only to the needs of our own people?  Or are we willing to identify -- and risk being involved in addressing -- the primary hurts in our community?  In an effort to bring healing and hope to our community, are we willing to risk failure?

Extravagant generosity. Have we gone beyond giving as a duty or obligation and really embraced the concept of committing all that we have to the cause of Christ?  Are we giving out of a deep joy for all that God has done for us?  Do we see examples of folks giving in ways that seem utterly amazing to us?  Are our congregations being taught biblical principles of giving, so that they understand all we have belongs to the Lord and we are simply temporary stewards?

Joyful connection. Are we reaching out to the world beyond our own culture to make the world our parish? Are we celebrating our United Methodist institutions, and the way in which we are privileged to participate with them in God's mission to the world?  Do we find excitement and joy in making a transformational difference in the world?

Yearning for transformation. The early Methodists yearned for a transformation of their own lives and their sin-distorted attitudes, so that they might conform to Christ's abiding love for God and for neighbor.  With that in mind, think about how your church might be evaluated by the six "faith-forming practices" listed above. I believe all six are necessary if our church is to be renewed.  Encourage congregational conversation about these matters -- and let us all be willing to allow the Spirit of God to change us and make us new.

Sincerely,

David Brinker