The Next Best Seller

Two weeks of debate, worship, conferencing, pain, hope....and a Book of Discipline that most people in the United Methodist Church do not read nor own. I admit, the Book of Discipline is not the best seller clergy report it to be. It isn't unheard of for a family to have a BOD as I'll refer to it for now on. My parents had one, although they did not purchase the changed version every four years. I don't know if was opened much, but it was symbolic of our dedication to the work of The United Methodist Church. That's in part, why I love this church and so glad I am here. Thanks mom and dad! After weeks of debate, substitute motions, speeches in favor and against...I'm marinated in the language of conferencing. In that vein, I would like to rise and make a motion that laity purchase a BOD for their family. Of course, if you don't have a bible, get that first...or ask for one, I'll get it to you. Alongside our work of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the BOD helps us understand the sometimes conflicting but painstakingly fair process of our denomination. Over the next four years, I'd love to see people take more interest in who we are as a denomination, how we operate and most importantly understand the work of gathering at the table. All of this expresses our faith in Jesus as he works through us to transform the world. Do you know that you can be involved in this proces? Any member of the UMC can submit petitions to the Annual Conferrence and to the General conference. It may not pass, but it must be considered. Furthermore, despite majority view appearing in the BOD for four years, the minority is not without voice. The conferencing and dialogue may not be clearly known behind the final product, especially around difficult and controversial legislation- but the fruit of the work underlies each line. Those who have participated in the process know the tears, pain and efforts at peacemaking behind the written passages. Currently, the passages concerning human sexuality get the most press, as I believe they should. Yet, these are not the only passages in the BOD. There are lots of affirming, ministry enhancing, disciple making paragraphs that celebrate and move us forward in our chosen ministry. In getting the gist of the General Confenrence experience online, or via news over the last two weeks, I highly recommend you read the BOD at least once before we meet in 2016. The document we produce serves us, causes us moments of discernment and at times forces us to live in conflict with the BOD -even to the end if civil disobedience. Yet this is also who we are...not a conformed body, but a bell curve of varying values and beliefs as we serve and make disciples of Jesus the Christ. I challenge you to be more involved and aware of why we meet, conference and alter the BOD eery four years. When we have more people, especially of varying ages, backgrounds and experiences checking out the BOD, we widen the scope of our conversation at the table. Im not expecting the BOD to become a best seller with this challenge ...but I'm hoping it continues to be perfected with more people aware and involved in the process. You might even might help write the next version....every four years!

Gaurenteed what...

This morning we voted, on the consent calendar to do away with guaranteed appointment. Then, after reconsideration from the floor, we voted it down again. So as a body, we have gaurenteed two things. Healthy Superintendency has a chance to address ineffective ordained elders AND corrupt Superintendency has the power to restrict women, people of color, LBGT persons and their advocates, persons of age and persons who are young. The question is, of what type of superintendency do you belong? Along with all other issues of The United Methodist Church, we have a a split system. We need to be aware of both the Suoerindancy of conferences that are enacting fair and connectional appointments as well as those who are clearly discriminating against their clergy for the reasons listed above. I belong to a conference that commits itself to fair appointment making, even to the point where approximately 43% of our churches with membership over 355 members are being served by women. Being inclusive is part of our DNA. We're nit perfect, but there is intentionality. HOWEVER, there are many conferences and collegues who do not experience this in their relationship to their conference. What kind of Superintendency do you experience? This is not only a question for the clergy, but how do laity experience the fairness or corruption of their appointment making process. My hope is that we can be a people who promote and continue to raise the bar on effective pastorates while promoting our principles of an inclusive, diverse and open church. I invite you to consider your own experience of Superintendency -what have we guanrenteed for you in this decision?