A Call for a Call

I have never been accused of being an activist. I never have a problem discussing my views on certain topics, but not necessarily to an activist-type threshold. However, after being involved with the United Methodist Church for nearly 10 years now, one thing concerns me. I'm not sure that we know where Methodists stand on certain issues. Let me caveat all this by saying this isn't unique to the church I belong to, but inherent in the 4 UMC churches Laura and I have attended since we were married.

I'm not sure that we as Methodists clearly understand where we stand on public, social, and theoligical issues. I fault two parties: the church and the congregations. The leaders of our churches own the responsibility to inform their members of the church's stance on these topics. Being all things to all people makes us nothing at all. Jesus said that we were either for Him or against Him and their was no middle ground. Why then are we afraid to use the pulpit to express how certain issues affect our faith, or rather how our faith affects these issues? I think partly, because of the economics of religion. No denomination can afford financially to lose members or donations. I believe that pastors aspiring to higher positions also plays a role in this. Finally, we have to acknowledge that we live in an environment where anyone can become offended at any given time. No one wants to wear the shroud of "Chief Offender." Pastors care about their congregations and don't want to risk stepping on people's toes, especially when it comes to relating social and public matters to faith. Understandably, social and theological issues that dominate the landscape today are difficult to navigate and often lead to know clearly defined answers. However, our church leaders should take charge and attempt to chart these waters for us. If they fail to, then we are left to discern for ourselves and often could lead to misinformed and compromising positions.

I also place responsibility on the congregations. We should be demanding to know how the leaders of our churches and our denominations feel led on these topics that affect us. We expect our political leaders to voice their opinions. But we don't do the same for our church leaders who have the education, knowledge, and experience to help us lay members understand them as they relate to our faith. Why? Apathy and contentment. We get accustomed to our little routines and involvement in our churches. We have our circle of friends, our Sunday School class and the worship service we attend. We may be involved in a few other activities, but by and large are not concerned with things outside our "realm." Additionally, when these issues are broached in a theological setting, many cower and claim that it doesn't affect them. It is for those more informed or higher up to decide. The problem is that without the members, there would be no higher up.

I do believe that a personal relationship with Christ, daily prayer and Bible reading is essential. To those who desire to seek answers, God will provide. I just don't understand how we can be members of an organization without knowing what we believe not just historically or foundationally, but on matters of today that affect the church and our society.