(Background note: I am serving on the NE AC Common Table. I am one of three young adults, chosen specifically for that reason and my PASSION. We have been meeting since August and discussing 'change' in our conference and denomination and what is(are) the best way(s) to move there.)
This was my reply:
"I know that systemic change does not come easy and takes many years. However, I see many people on Common Table getting nervous of the 'change' they have been talking about for the past 6 months. It was okay when it was talk, now that it might happen people are getting scared. AND the change that might happen isn't that big. It makes me fearful of when huge change is presented. I don't want to believe that it is a lost cause, thus I refuse to.
"I know that systemic change does not come easy and takes many years. However, I see many people on Common Table getting nervous of the 'change' they have been talking about for the past 6 months. It was okay when it was talk, now that it might happen people are getting scared. AND the change that might happen isn't that big. It makes me fearful of when huge change is presented. I don't want to believe that it is a lost cause, thus I refuse to.
I agree with the authenticity comment (he said that the church UMC or any other denomination needs to be true to what they stand for, it is most appealing to the largest group of people). I see that here at Saint Paul. I don't even know what we as a church stand for because we wont stand for anything in fear that it would piss off members. I say who gives a damn if families leave because we took a stand and became a church that was radical. It's not about membership it is about relationships.
I also agree that we need to be disciples first and UM's second. I struggle with that (see previous paragraph)."
If I am going to help a denomination 'save' themselves from despair and death then I too need to know what we stand for, who we are and what we are willing to give up. I don't see enough push and pull and to much give and take. By that I mean, that we aren't fierce enough. We, as UMC disciples we need to be out there. Doing things that others are afraid to do, isn't that Wesleyan?
Peace,
Victoria
If I am going to help a denomination 'save' themselves from despair and death then I too need to know what we stand for, who we are and what we are willing to give up. I don't see enough push and pull and to much give and take. By that I mean, that we aren't fierce enough. We, as UMC disciples we need to be out there. Doing things that others are afraid to do, isn't that Wesleyan?
Peace,
Victoria
