Christians have long discussed and debated the best way to approach the Bible. In my own tradition, United Methodism, there is considerable ongoing debate about how best to interpret Scripture. I often hear claims that seem to have no relationship to our stated positions as a church. The debate, moreover, tends to devolve into whether…
The future of The United Methodist Church is… well … uncertain. What’s going to happen? Will we have a new structure? Two or three new churches? More of the same? The Commission on a Way Forward has offered three sketches of what our future might look like. You can access the United Methodist News Service…
Let’s face it: no one really knows what’s going to happen over the next few years within The United Methodist Church. Division? Restructuring? Fragmentation? Slow demise? Despite widespread conjecture and one or two wild conspiracy theories, your guess is as good as mine. The Wesleyan movement, however, is much larger than The United Methodist Church.…
Some time back my friend Andrew Thompson called me and asked if I would be interested in writing the introduction to a very interesting volume. It would include, first of all, John Wesley’s journal entry of May 24, 1738, which recounts his “Aldersgate experience”–you know, the one where he felt his heart “strangely warmed.” You may remember…
Good News has just published a press statement regarding some eighty pastors and theologians who are calling for a division of the denomination. A group of leading pastors and theologians released a progress report on their considerations regarding the future of The United Methodist Church. Hailing from all five jurisdictions, the more than 80 pastors and…
I recently attended Global Awakening’s Voice of the Prophets conference in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It was a gathering of about 1,300 people who believe in and want to learn more about modern day prophecy. Prophecy certainly wasn’t the only gift of the Spirit on display, though prophetic words were abundant. While I have worshipped with many different…
Originally posted on Mitchell Lewis:
The Trust Clause in the Church Law The United Methodist Church has a trust clause requirement that dates back to the days of John Wesley. The Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States formally adopted the “model deed” in 1797. In current church law, the basic principles are set forth…
Lots of people are talking about schism in the UMC. I’m one of them. I don’t want a schism, but I recognize that one may be inevitable. Is it possible, though, that United Methodists could separate into two denominations without constituting a schism? There have been many schisms, separations, and splinters in the history of…
At the 2012 General Conference, the following legislation passed with 870 votes for an 33 votes against: Disability Awareness as AC Theme (20472-CO-Non-Dis)Each Conference shall designate that at least one Annual Conference session during the 2013-2016 quadrennium will have a theme centered on Disability Awareness to set an example for each District and Local Church. Resources and…
Wendy Deichmann, President of United Theological Seminary, has written a very fine article in Catalyst on the role of doctrine in United Methodist theological education. I commend it to you for perusal and consideration.
Pursuing Jesus
These are the thoughts, prayers, stories, sermons, and devotions from a simple pastor. May you be blessed by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as you read...
Equipping the Next Generation for Transformation
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Doctrine Matters
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Reflections from Jacob J. Prahlow
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work and prayer of a jesus follower
Who is my ideal reader? Well, ideal means non-existent. I have no notion of whom I’m writing for. Guy Davenport
'An arrow through the air' - Notes of a Methodist pastor
Holiness, Sustainability, and Tending Good Soil
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Comments on the New Testament and Early Christianity (and related matters)
David F. Watson 