Jenny Smith started a whole series of young United Methodists offering reasons why they are still United Methodists with her blog. I like her list, and mine will be similar in scope and fashion.
Let me begin by making clear that I am first and foremost a follower of Jesus. To borrow Rob Bell’s metaphor, I want to be caked in the dust of Jesus. Secondarily, I am a United Methodist.
Here are the reasons why (without a whole lot of explanation and necessary caveats – perhaps I will write an individual blog post for each one later on down the line) I am a United Methodist:
1. I believe in the the mission statement that was adopted at the 2008 General Conference is that the church exists “to make disciples for the transformation of the world.“
2. I love the global character of the denomination. The fact that I can learn from and be in connection with people from Ghana to Korea is inspiring.
3. I believe in movements, and at its best (which is not always), the United Methodist church is a movement.
4. The theology of the UMC is grace-filled. We hope to live out our faith in open hearts, open minds, and open doors.
5. There is room for dissent. While we have strong doctrinal groundings, there is room for discussion and disagreement among faithful people.
6. I believe in the holiness, yet openness of the sacraments, which I believe is well articulated in By Water and the Spirit and This Holy Mystery.
7. I love that the denomination has a voice on particular global and justice issues.
8. I love particular doctrine and polity stands, such as ordination of women, the callings of deacons and elders, the itinerant system, the makeup of annual conferences, and the organization of global boards and agencies.
This is what I’ve got so far.
5 Comments
March 14, 2009 at 7:14 pm
Thanks for posting. I enjoyed it…
March 15, 2009 at 2:12 pm
good reasons for keeping part of the family
March 16, 2009 at 9:22 am
Good post, Paul. Tell me (since I haven’t yet gotten around to reading By Water and the Spirit, is a strong case for making re-baptism a chargeable offense made?
Personally, I still think we have over-blown that one.
May 24, 2009 at 8:57 am
Good reasons for staying. Though I think the itinerate system needs some work…
June 8, 2009 at 10:35 am
I am, at best, a lapsed Methodist, but one thing I really respect about the UMC is #7.
Even more so now, I guess, than when I wasn’t lapsed.