Indelible

To the Reconciling Community of the Memphis Conference,

The events of the Special Session of the General Conference have concluded, but the impact left is indelible.  Like many of you, no doubt, I’ve wondered what this all means, and what do we do next.

What I want to convey to you in this short message is that the indelible impact will not be the pain and the tears.  There is new fire and conviction that the actions of the Church will not prevail, and that a Methodist expression of a church for all people shall not be deterred.

I attended a worship service the morning after General Confernce led by Mark Miller and The Love Thy Neighbor Coalition.  While I went expecting rage and lament, there was praise and holy boldness that this is our church and we aren’t leaving.  Rev’d David Meredith spoke and announced that something died in St. Louis.  It was a powerful witness.  In the end, though, what died was the hope and belief that The United Methodist Church will change as it is now.   What is being resurrected is the conviction that those of us who long for a church for all people will create the change we seek.   We will resist.  We will fight for change, including systemic change that allows for the existence of such an expression.

Despite the temptation to the contrary, let us hold on.  Do not succumb to despair.  On the eve of Lent, I’m reminded of Jesus’ temptations in the desert.  While we may not be able to relate to his temptations, I do believe one we all can relate to is to succumb the to temptation that things are as they are and that there’s nothing we can do about it.

I’m here to tell you there is.  

After everyone gets back to their places of ministry, where the REAL church is, new conversations will begin.  As lead pastor of the only Reconciling Congregation in our Conference, let me invite you to a time of gathering for conversation, discernment and prayer going forward.  Details will be forthcoming including a HOLD DATE.  My intent is for us to meet well before the end of March.

Remember the tears you’ve shed and the pain you feel in this moment.  And do not let it be the last thing you feel.  

Choose love.