Scriptural, Orthodox, Positive, Faithful
Petitions in harmony with the purpose of the called 2019 General Conference will be allowed. Good news! Orthodox proposals can be heard and voted on in 2019! You also will want to read the statement from the national Wesleyan Covenant Association.
We want to encourage everyone to take time to read Dr. Timothy Tennent’s “Seven Reasons Why the ‘One Church’ Plan Should Be Rejected.” Dr. Tennent is president of Asbury Theological Seminary.
This is a simple plea. Laity, step up and be counted.
Methodism, like any properly structured collection of Christians, traditionally has emphasized the leadership of spiritually mature, scripturally astute lay people. Clergy have an important role, too, but these professionals have failed in their role if there is no vibrant community of lay people once they’ve done their work. Clergy exist to equip the laity to do the work of the kingdom, not to perform that work in their stead.
If the work of the Wesleyan Covenant Association is to succeed, orthodox lay people who have immersed themselves in God’s word must take a more active role. As a clergy person, let me put it this way: Please, don’t wait on us.
In places where you see clergy leading, pull alongside them, quickly, so their strength does not flag. In places where you don’t see clergy leading, respectfully challenge what is going on, letting the Bible be your guide and the source of your authority.
Some helpful actions:
The Holy Spirit already is with you, beautiful lay folk. Be the blessing to the kingdom you are called to be.
Chuck Griffin is an ordained elder serving in the Hiwassee District.
As you may have heard, the UM Council of Bishops made its recommendation regarding General Conference today. You can read the press release here.
In short, they’re sending all three options—”traditionalist,” “one church,” and “connectional”— to the 2019 General Conference, but recommending “one church,” which, if approved, would strip out our Discipline’s language regarding homosexual marriage and ordination and essentially liberalize our denomination.
The WCA’s overview of what has also been called “Option 2” is available via the link below.
The national WCA just announced the date and location for our Global Assembly, and it will be a short trip for many of us in the Holston Conference. We might need to start thinking about buses!
Save the date and spread the word! The theme is “Unashamed,” a reference to Romans 1:16: “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.”