This post is not likely to make me many friends in United Methodism. But here goes: the current mantra in UMC circles of "clergy self-care" has moved from concern to caricature to idol. Over the last couple of years in my Annual Conference, we have heard lectures,...
Same as the old boss?Not exactly.In United Methodism, local pastors (like me) are supervised by what we call District Superintendents. A DS functions essentially as a pastor to pastors -- and as a listening ear to congregations who may not be enamored with their...
Having spent several days last week at the Western North Carolina Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, well, Methodism is on my mind.One of the more common refrains heard at this or virtually any Methodist meeting is that doctrine divides while love...
The United Methodist Church is in a season of asking hard questions.It is wrestling with a perfect storm of crises: 1) membership loss in the U.S. from 11 million in 1968 to approximately eight million today; 2) dwindling financial resources at the denominational...
Van Morrison released this enigmatic yet engaging tune about Kansas City way back in 1977:Why do I share that with you?Because I'm in the "eternal Kansas City" for a couple of days this week.It's part of a gathering of the pastors of the 100 largest United Methodist...
Not long ago, I was asked to speak to a Methodist gathering about Evangelism & Diversity.I don't know what kind of expertise I have, but I do know how to tell a little bit of the Good Shepherd story . . . how it is that we have moved from a virtually all-white...
Methodism at its best has long been known for its ability to hold competing approaches to the faith together at the same time. In theological circles, we're known as "both/and" people as opposed to "either/or."Historically, you see this in Methodism's emphases on . ....
These pictures are from the stunning mountainside of Park City, Utah.Julie and I were there for three days last week at a gathering of Methodist pastors.A gathering of Methodists in Utah sounds weird, I must admit. There's another religious group beginning with "M"...
I am a Christian first of all.But within that larger confession of faith, I have identified with the particular expression known as Methodism for the last 28 years.And since I spent a couple of days last week at a uniquely Methodist gathering -- the Western North...
What is a cardinal sin for Methodist preachers?Re-baptism.It's one of the things that can get us in some ecclesiastical trouble. If we knowingly baptize someone who was baptized as an infant or child, we are likely to hear from Methodist higher ups.The history behind...