I found it interesting that two of our classmembers chose "strengthening rural churches" as the topic for their class assignment at our last meeting. It really comes as no surprise as the West District is comprised largely of small congregations set in rural areas. Nonetheless, it was very gratifying to see the CLM candidates identify a primary need within their midst and embrace it.
There can be little doubt that this group is serious about the mission God has placed on their hearts.
Discussion was peppered with serious concern for the current state of the church and what we as disciples are called to do about it throughout the class time Saturday. There were some empassioned words expressed by several members about the need to return to our roots as a denomination. A shift of primary agenda to evangelism beyond the church and away from preservation of the church intitutional structure was cited as a formative step to reclaiming the roots of Methodism. In essence, we voiced that quality of discipleship was of far greater importance than an emphasis on quantity of membership.
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2 comments:
I too love tlhe fact that our class is involved in the church and it's ministries. A culture change to evangelism is exactly what's needed by the denomination. Discipleship over Membership, and Intentional over Institutional should be our watch words. Not only an increase in discipleship, but an increase in the faith filled practices of worship, including testimony, prayer, and spirit led worship are also needed to complete the change.
There must be others who recognize this. Who are they?
Eric, I just got around to reading your E mail and agree wholeheartedly. This is something that our congregation and others in our area have been preaching for a long, long, time but has fallen on deaf ears. I am so glad that others feel this way. I feel that what we are doing as CLM's are trying to do is right, and following the
way John Wesley intended the Methodist to make disciples-one by one by one at a time. As non-paid Ministers, ours really is a "calling" rather than a "career" as I have said many times. Thanks for your thoughts. I am really proud of our class and the ideas they present. I feel a real bonding between the class members and the leader. Judy is such an inspiration, in that she listens, guides, corrects when necessary, and keeps everyone on the same page. This is what we all need. Thanks again. Charles Wendt
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