Dr. Paul W. Chilcote, a Retired United Methodist Theologian & Historian wrote in an article for “The Uniting Methodists” these words: “We live today, unfortunately, in an age of restrictive walls and combative wills. People often seem to be more concerned about being right than cultivating loving relationships with people who are different.”
I tend to worry a bit about our church. I try to sense when I talk to people where our church might be heading toward this uncertain future. Sometimes I am left with optimism and other times I feel a sense of despair. Then I reflect on this uncertain future and am quickly reminded that there is a plan, a process that is occurring and it does not belong to me, but to God.
His plan is unveiling and revealing itself as we speak and will continue on long into our future. However, our observations can only occur when we have that rare glimpse of something wonderful happening in the present or when we look back and gain clarity from the path we have traveled. Rarely do we capture a future glimpse.
However, these words from Ephesians 4:11-13 (TLB) give us much more than a glimpse for the future church.
Some of us have been given special ability as apostles; to others he has given the gift of being able to preach well; some have special ability in winning people to Christ, helping them to trust him as their Savior; still others have a gift for caring for God’s people as a shepherd does his sheep, leading and teaching them in the ways of God. Why is it that he gives us these special abilities to do certain things best? It is that God’s people will be equipped to do better work for him, building up the Church, the body of Christ, to a position of strength and maturity; until finally we all believe alike about our salvation and about our Savior, God’s Son, and all become full-grown in the Lord—yes, to the point of being filled full with Christ.
From these words I see how each of us have a special ability to play a role in this future church. We share God’s word, we shine a light that moves people towards Jesus, we nurture and care for each other bringing hope in times of despair and bringing comfort in times of sorrow. We see each other as fellow travelers along this road of life, helping each other move through the journey “together.” When we focus on each other, caring for one another, our differences dissolve and the human spirit is revealed. This has been God’s plan all along. His church is to remember our mission, reveal His brightness, dispense unconditional love and care for “all” who enter our doors.
We must be a church of inclusion, not exclusion. We must be a church “together,” not a church divided. We must open the doors to everyone and anyone welcoming the marginalized, the disenfranchised and the lost.
This was the example Jesus left for us. He was always found among the lost, those whose souls were deeply wounded, and yes, especially sinners. He loved them, healed them, fed them and clothed them. He then left instructions for us to do the same.
When I look to the future for AUMC, I see a church where the doors will remain open, where we will stand “together” and serve the needs of our community and beyond. I see a church where we will seek to form relationships with each other that reach into our souls. I see a church that honors our differences and accepts us for who we are. A church that respects us based on our birthright alone.
I see a church where “We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing”.
These thoughts were inspired after Carla and I watched “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” where Fred Rogers brought people of all ages together and helped them find God’s grace.
Ron Hopkins
AUMC Family since 1985
(Pictured are Ron and Carla Hopkins)
Ron,
Absolutely loved the good news you shared with us. That glimpse of what God had always intended for his church and Jesus modeled for us during his human life on this earth. His divine life now gives us a wonderful road map for revealing our human spirits. Christianity was not meant to be a solitary practice, it was meant for all us to gather together, even sinners like us. Thank you, Mr. Rogers & Mr. Hopkins. Amen! Amen! Amen!