In a few weeks our delegation from the Upper Midwest Conference will travel to South Africa for the first General Conference of the Global Methodist Church. The Global Methodists, at this Conference must answer an important question: Are we a Global movement of the Spirit of God or are we an institution symbolically global but a western institution whose main concern is self-perpetuation. The way this Conference conducts business and enacts legislation will answer the question.
A movement is organic, it flows from a local need. Resources are allocated and energy expended to meet that need. The Global Methodist Church proclaims the local need in every place, and every nation, and every people is salvation for all people and the growth in holiness of every disciple. The local church fulfills its purpose when it submits to the Holy Spirit and proclaims the Lordship of Jesus Christ and fosters discipleship among its friends and members. There is nothing in our purpose that is self-preserving or self-serving. A movement is directed energy and a dynamic flow from our God to God’s world.
An institution allocates it energy and resources to self-preservation. It defines and refines image more than outcome. The local church fulfills its purpose when it satisfies the need of the institution. The church is a good Global Methodist church when it can clearly articulate the vision of the denomination even when it does nothing to make that vision a reality. A good denomination may believe in spreading Scriptural Holiness throughout the land and never actually do it.
Our job is to pray for our delegation. Pray that with every decision they make they will ask the question: Does this decision empower the local church so that it may fulfill the mission or does this decision preserve the institution without advancing the call of Christ or the mandate of the Gospel?
God bless our delegates! Empower them with your wisdom and Spirit that all your lost children may be found and all Christ followers are disciples!
